I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into the Museum Room of the Shangri-La Hotel, for the Canada Philippine Fashion Week (CPFW) press conference. I’ll be honest and say that I thought it would be a whole lot of boring fashion talk, that we’ve all heard before but… It was the exact opposite. Instead I found myself going from happy, to inspired, to sad, then back to happy. This is probably the most touching event that I have ever been to. I was so inspired by Jeff Rustia’s story about how Canada Philippine Fashion came to fruition, how it was once just an idea he wrote on a piece of paper, to something that has already caught the attention of people all over the world, and it hasn’t even happened yet. I was moved, and in tears by the story of his late son, and how he continues to keep his son alive, through everything that he does. Ugh, it was beautiful, heartbreaking and inspiring all at the same time.

This is the first Canada Philippine Fashion Week, and it will make it’s fabulous debut on Monday June 10th, and will run until Saturday June 15th, and it just so happens that also during the Philippines’ Independence Day on the 12th June! CPFWis a non-profit organization that’s aimed at showcasing fashion, culture, creativity and artistry of Filipinos in Canada and in the Philippines. This week long event is committed to creating fundraising events that will help children through the Kol Hope Foundation for Children, which will serve as the beneficiary of the inaugural launch of CPFW.

The beautiful Kesiah Papasin

We can look forward to six days of dazzling Filipino fashion, culture, and entertainment, a spectacular array of Filipino performances, film screenings, live music, a series of events happening in several  incredible venues like the Roy Thompson Hall and TIFF Bell Lightbox, and of course fashion shows from top designers from Canada and the Philippines. Sooooo exciting!

Beautiful Francis Libiran dresses!

Another Francis Libiran dress 🙂

Jeff and Philippine Consulate General- Junever Mahilum-West

Scotiabank was in the house!

Mary Kay was there too 🙂

She’s talking about how awesome Jeff is 🙂 The team behind CPFW 🙂 Jeff’s mom and aunt rocking traditional Filipino gowns 🙂

She sang beautifully 🙂 Cutie 🙂

Then they fed us after… the food was goooood 🙂

I’m so excited for June to get here, cause I’m trying to see every show and go to every event! Yes ma’am!

Thank you so much to Jeff and the team of CPFW for inviting me, and allowing me to witness and experience such a beautiful cause 🙂 Fashion with a heart indeed!

peace and love

Bella