The Designer

“I was 16y/o when I moved to New Zealand. I had a pretty good childhood and teenage years in the Philippines. Even though I migrated to another country, I am very grateful for the life that I had and the culture I’ve experienced in the Philippines. It truly is more fun in the Philippines.

My culture is one of the big things that I’ve brought with me as a Filipina. My culture is my way of life, the way I relate to my family and friends, it shaped my values, my experiences. It is a big influence on why I am who I am.

I started with making special occasion dresses then Western wedding dresses. I enjoyed it, but honestly, I didn’t feel like I was making a significant difference.

It took one Filipina client who asked for my help to make her a Filipiñana for her graduation. And that’s when it all started.

I realized that when I make Filipiñanas, there is so much more depth. It felt like I stepped into a role that could make a difference. I help Filipinas all over the world, who are like me, who wants to represent our culture, a big part of our identity on special days of our lives. Our once in a lifetime moments.

Mabuhay!'“