Moda MindaNow is a fashion designing competition of different regions in Mindanao. It happens every year during Kadayawan Festival in Davao City. Last August 16, 2015 I was invited by Davao Bloggers Society to attend this event. I’ve heard about this since last year and I’m excited about it. As the event started all the designers and models are preparing back stage to walk the ramp. When the ethnic music stars to beat all camera are pointing directly to the ramp. There are three categories during the contest.

Pret-A-Porter – It’s a ready to wear fashion inspired from the different tribes in Mindanao.

Winner with this category received P 15,000 for 1st runner-up, P 10,000 for the 2nd runner-up and 3rd runner-up P 5,000

Couture – It’s a high fashion formal wear that shows the creativity of the designers.

Winner with this category received P 15,000 for 1st runner-up, P 10,000 for the 2nd runner-up and 3rd runner-up P 5,000

Innovative Passion – It’s a fashion where designers use different types of fabric materials.

Winner with this category received P 20,000 for 1st runner-up, P 15,000 for the 2nd runner-up and 3rd runner-up P 10,000

The non-winners also received P3,000 as consolation prize.

Winners from Koronadal City

All of the designers did a good job. They are very creative especially the winners who came from Koronadal City Mr. Sherwin Tiongson, Duhata and Archie Castillo . Their works really surprised me. I can’t wait for next year!

Mr. Jared Sercaño, the finalist in the reality TV show Runway Philippines showcase his B'laan-inspired collection who also happens to be Moda Mindanow 2014 top choice for the long gown competition. 

To all Mindanao designers, keep on inspiring young designers! 

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Off shoulder top: Yahoo

Printed leggings: Yahoo

Bag: Michaela

Shoes: CNL

Somebody ask me if I’m a swimmer, then I told her I’m not. Why you ask? I said. She thought I am because of my broad shoulders. People ask me this question every time I wore a sleeveless outfit.  At first, I don’t know if it is a good complement or if I will take it positively. I find women with broad shoulders very masculine kasi. Then a guy asks me the same question again, so I told him I’m not. I just have this wide shoulder that looks like a man.  But I was surprised by his answer. No, it looks sexy and sporty to me. PAK! Gusto ko yang hirit mo friend! (Insert blushed face here). Sometimes we have a tendency to disown our own beauty. If there is something that we don’t like about our body parts, the next option would be to have surgery which is I’m guilty about it but I’m not against it at all. What I’m trying to point here is we have to appreciate what we have. God gave it not to make you look ugly but to make you feel beautiful inside and out. Look for your asset. You just have to accept it whole heatedly and be contented about it. Hindi bale there are many ways to enhance it naman. Just choose what to wear and enhance your asset. 

About my outfit, I wore a black off-shoulder to emphasis my broad shoulder and comfy printed leggings to shape my butt and legs during MindaNow event last Aug. 16, 2015, at SM City Davao. I also bring my trusted tote bag to carry all my things and a black sandal to match it up. I saw this snake print fold-over tab purse and bow clip top purse by River Island that also looks good to pair with my outfit. River Island is available online at ZALORA Philippines.

So what is your asset?

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Romper: Gaisano Grand Dept. Store

Shoes: Solemate

August is my birthday month and this year I turned 32 years old. They said I’m already out from the dates at the calendar.  #sadface But hey! There is still lottery at 42 and bingo at 75. These are just numbers, right?!  What matters most is how you spend and value your life. At this age I would say I’ve been to a lot of trials from heart breaks to empty pockets up to failures and these three experiences are my best teachers. Thanks God I still survived! #blessed I know I will still have a lot of bridges’ to cross especially this year that I will be facing the new chapter of my life. Thanks to my family who’s always been there to guide me. For my friends who continue to cherish their crazy moments with me and to my new family who openly welcomes me. Maraming Salamat po! (Thank you very much!) #happykidhere

About my outfit, every year I always buy new cloths for my birthday but this time I choose not to wear red. I saw this romper short with sleeve and fell in love with its printed leaves design. 
What you think of my outfit?

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Sunday is a day for family. After going to church, we make sure to fill-in our tummy with sumptuous food.  The usual scenario is heading to the mall and look for fast food chain. It’s the easiest and fastest way to order a food. However eating at the same food chain and ordering the same food makes you feel “umay” (fed-up). Good thing there is a new restaurant that offers sinugba (roasted food) and seafoods. Check out  Red’z Sinugba and Seafoods Restaurant. It is located at Km. 5 Buhangin , Davao City (former Ey’s Tuna). They served not just seafood but also pork, chicken and vegetable meals.

Crispy Buttered Chicken P165.00

Japanese Maki

Halaan Soap (Imbao shell) P125.00

Fried Tuna Belly with Garlic and Butter

Red'z Fried Rice P145.00

Sweet and Sour Lapu-Lapu

Sizzling Bagaybay P155.00

Me together with Sarah Gavile and Jimmer Ariate of Davao Bloggers.
Thanks to Mr. Red Abuzo and Mrs. Malou Abuzo (owner) for the sumptuous dinner.

Red'z Sinugba is open from 9am-2:00pm and 5:00pm-10:00pm daily

For reservation call Tel. no. (082) 305-0727 / 0925-785-5897

or like their FB page here Red'z Sinugba

And Oh! Don't forget to order their very refreshing Four Season's Juice. *wink!

Thanks for dropping by Lovelies!

Don't forget to connect with me at: G+ | FB | Twitter | Instagram @carmella08