To showcase unique and colorful festivities in the provinceBulacan held Bulacan Festival Costume Expo online

CITY OF MALOLOS – The Provincial Government of Bulacan headed by Governor Daniel R. Fernando through the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office with the LGBT Bulacan Federation held an online photo competition dubbed as the “Bulacan Festival Costume Expo” showcasing festival costumes of the most celebrated grand festivities in the province.

According to Dr. Eliseo S. Dela Cruz, head of PHACTO, the competition is open for the members of the Bulacan LGBTQ+ and costume entries should represent historical or cultural dresses of the different festivities in Bulacan.

The 17 official photo entries were initially posted on September 8, 2020 on the Bulacan Tourism Facebook page and were judged majorly by the design, creativity and craftsmanship of the costumes, which shares 70% of the criteria and 25% for the over-all appearance.

The contenders were also given enough time until last Tuesday to gather votes through the total number of Facebook heart reactions and number of shares of each photo which is 5% of the criteria as the audience impact.

Consequently, the winners received cash prizes and certificates that includes Zyrill Jane Jacinto, who designed the costume entry of Krus sa Wawa Festival in Bocaue and won first place along with her model Lars Pacheco who received P5,000 cash prize while Team Obra Collection, designer of the Barong at Saya Festival in Pandi, modelled also by Lars Pacheco won second place and received cash prize worth P3,000 and Benjie Damasco, who designed the Kneeling Carabao Festival of Pulilan landed third place with his model Joshua De Leon and took home P2,000 cash prize.

Runners-up Arthur Fetalvero, designer for another costume entry of Krus sa Wawa Festival and Palaisdaan Festival in Hagonoy and Fergie Miago Gonzaga, costume designer of Sto. Niño Festival in the City of Malolos won consolation prizes and certificates as well.

The winners were selected by the judges including Mr. Domz Ramos and Mr. Louis Pangilinan, fashion designers and Ms. Dindi Tan, National Secretary General of LGBT Pilipinas Party-list.

Meanwhile, Fernando commended the creativity and skills of the participants and encouraged Bulakenyos to be proud of their talents in any field.

“Napakahusay ng pagsasadiwa ng mga kalahok sa mga pista at pagdiriwang dito sa ating lalawigan, masasabing ito ay pang international. Nararapat lang na atin itong ipagmalaki at ipakilala sa buong mundo dahil ang mga Bulakenyo ay sadyang nag-uumapaw sa iba’t ibang uri ng talento” the governor said.###