Cavite, Philippines – Guang Ming College Performing Arts Laboratories (GMC PALs) performed for the 2025 Sintang Habi: Cavite Fashion Congress Season 2 on November 15, 2025, a celebration where the vibrant spirit of Caviteño culture met the innovation of contemporary fashion.

The highly anticipated cultural event, spearheaded by Naic Vice Mayor Jacinta Maria Remulla and her dedicated team, with the support of Cavite Governor Hon. Abeng Remulla, brought together weaving, design, performance, and community pride in one grand convergence. The program was profoundly elevated by the multifaceted talents of Guang Ming College (GMC), whose contributions proved indispensable-offering both captivating artistic performances and exceptional production support.

“[2025 Sintang Habi: Cavite Fashion Congress] a dialogue between past and present – between those who have woven our heritage, and those who are now weaving our future.” These opening words from Vice Mayor Remulla underscored the significance of the elderly Cavite weavers whose craftsmanship formed the heart of the event. Their legacy was beautifully brought to life through the dynamic performances of GMC scholars, symbolizing the passing of tradition from one generation to the next.

At the forefront of this intergenerational artistic exchange were the Guang Ming College Performing Arts Laboratories (GMC PALs). Under the overall direction of GMC Office of Academic Affairs Director, Assistant Professor Katherine Sabate, the student-artists not only commanded the spotlight but also managed crucial technical and production roles behind the scenes.

The audience experienced a rich, integrated lineup of performances: The Guang Ming Chorus, conducted by Dr. Arjay Viray, offered soaring harmonies that heightened the runway’s emotional landscape; Guang Ming Ritmo, led by Sir Jacques Dufourt, provided energizing rhythmic accompaniment; The refined strings of Guang Ming Cuerdas, under Sir Jason Nuyda, added layers of musical elegance; The powerful movement vocabulary of the Guang Ming Dance Project, headed by Asst. Prof. JM Cabling, infused the congress with expressive physical storytelling; and the seamless event execution was ensured by the Guang Ming Theatre Ensemble, led by Stage Manager Karen Miguel (GMC Theatre Alumna), Technical Direction by Syzmo Verdeflor (4th year BPA Theatre student), and Production Manager Sir Baha Vergara, whose production and technical expertise supported the entire production.

Further enriching the aesthetic of the event were the GMC PALs costumes, styled by Asst. Prof. Wincy Ramilo. Using upscaled GMC costume pieces and accentuating them with authentic handwoven textiles crafted by Cavite artisans, the wardrobe paid homage to local craft while maintaining a contemporary flair.

These performances created an immersive and dramatic environment that perfectly framed the highlight of the event: the runway collections of celebrated Caviteño and Filipino designers. Their pieces showcased textiles from municipalities such as Indang, Maragondon, and Alfonso, merging traditional weaving techniques with modern fashion sensibilities. This collaboration between GMC and the featured designers reinforced the vital role of local arts, education, and governance in both preserving cultural heritage and fueling economic and creative growth in the region.

From the front-of-house experience-marked by exhibits and booths showcasing textile designs and weaving traditions, and warmly facilitated by GMC students from Performing Arts and Sports Science under the supervision of Assistant Professors Heidi Emelo-Ato and Ralph Jade Tampal – to the detailed work of stage managers, technical crews, and performers, Guang Ming College helped bring the event to life for more than 1,000 attendees, including Philippine local and national leaders, prominent designers, students, and Cavite residents.

The 2025 Cavite Fashion Congress also served as a platform for significant cultural milestones. As noted by Vice Mayor Jacinta Maria Remulla, the congress marked the launch of a new website dedicated to Cavite weavers, modernizing the promotion and accessibility of their craft across the Philippines and beyond. She further announced that this event represents the first phase in establishing the Cultural Center of Cavite, an important step toward elevating the province’s cultural infrastructure.

Guang Ming College is honored to have been an integral part of this momentous celebration-continuing its mission of uplifting the arts, serving the community, and forging pathways where heritage and innovation can thrive together.