PANAY BUKIDNON at MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2022

The FILIPINO SOUL.  The textile handloom weaver and the hand embroiderer.  A handloom on her waist and needles in her hands.

Though centuries of foreign intrusions, the FILIPINO HANDS in Panay Bukidnon, have never been touched with foreign influences. Ergo, they are called the UNTOUCHED culture of the Philippines. They preserved over 500  years of their arts and crafts--the universe   may claim its own source of  human need for convergence and divergence from our very own cultural  roots.

THE MAKING of VANESSA CARO's festive attire. DISCOVER the cultural narratives of Panay Bukidnon expressed  in their own clothing.

Designer Hector Totong Gellangarin   Glam Squad. Dennis S. Mallada Jemuel Jr Barrera Garcia   Jun-g Bayona Candelario Regine Sarabia Espinosa   Benjie Emboltorio Sevilla Genevieve Nares Bob Montalban Creative Director AP PJ Arañador Thanks to Garangan Tribal Organization members  Sandigan Caballero  Rennel Lavilla  Dinagyang Idfi 

#MissUniversePhilippines2022#MissUniversePhilippines2022 #IloiloProvince #VANstoppable #uniquelybeautiful Phyle Anthony Nalangay

 

Ang MANUGTUBOK + MANUGHABOL

( The embroiderer and the weaver)

honoring Iloilo’s textile artisans

in the spirit of MUPh theme on the use of local textiles 

A “Manugtubok” is an artisan from Panay Bukidnon, the indigenous Peoples of Calinog, Iloilo who creates hand embroidery called “Panubok,” the only living ancient needlecraft heritage in the Philippines after more than 500 years.

 Through their artistry, the attire is adorned with indigenous designs mostly from nature like "bulak ka labog " (flower of vegetables), "bulak putik"  (wild flower), "pako pako" (fern), " matang punay " (eyes of a bird), "sikag sikag"  (mid-rib),  and "binalagon" (wild vine).

Their exquisite embroidery echoes the traditions, cultural beliefs,  practices and views of Calinog’s Panay Bukidnon---  where Vanessa Caro is from. 

A “manughabol” is a weaver of “habol”, a hand-woven fabric made of fibrous natural materials endemic in the Province of Iloilo like jusi from silk and banana fiber,  piña from pineapple fiber or made of polyester yarn indigenous to the towns of Oton, Miag-ao, Villa, Dingle, Badiangan, among others,  in  Iloilo.

 The quality handloom textiles  that come out from what is considered as one of the oldest surviving crafts in the Philippines once made Iloilo Province the textile capital of the Philippines. 

Featured in the attire  is patadyong, a muti -colored handloom cotton, with patterns of stripes and plaids that intersect in bright colors. It has a "teral " (wooden loom) which are also made of interlacing colors of thread. It's frays are made of abaca fibers. Vanessa demonstrates the handloom process in her presentation. 

Manugtubok +  Manughabol reflects the underrated  labor, the finest  local textile and generational craftsmanship found in various communities of Iloilo Province--- a living testament to the silent strength that comes from its people, the Ilonggos.

 In honor of  Iloilo hablon weavers and Panay Bukidnon culture bearers who worked together with fashion designer Hector “Totong” Gellangarin, along with its glam squad. 

It showcases the Filipino soul of the Panay Bukidnons’ creativity and ingenuity and the living witnesses of the Panay Bukidnons’ rich culture and traditions. It uplifts  the thriving and sustainable  local treasure and ecosystem of the promising textile economy.

The white butterfly wings form Vanessa's choreographic presentation as a Binukot, well-kept cultural bearers of the tribe. She transforms her dance while celebrating Hirinugyaw festival of Calinog which reveres the culture of Panay Bukidnon. 

NOTE: Due to cultural sensitivity, our team prefers  to call this an attire than a costume, the indigenous people corrects us with the proper usage that their wearables are not costumes but attires.  

Photo Ken Ken

Glam Squad. Dennis S. Mallada Jemuel Jr Barrera Garcia Jun-g Bayona Candelario Regine Sarabia Espinosa Benjie Emboltorio Sevilla Genevieve Nares Bob Montalban Creative Director PJ Arañador Thanks to Garangan Tribal Organization members  Sandigan Caballero Rennel Lavilla 

#MissUniversePhilippines2022 #MissUniversePhilippines2022 #IloiloProvince #VANstoppable #uniquelybeautiful Vanessa Caro

Ang MANUGTUBOK + MANUGHABOL

 Ang MANUGTUBOK + MANUGHABOL

( The embroiderer and the weaver)

honoring Iloilo’s textile artisans

in the spirit of MUPh theme on the use of local textiles 

A “Manugtubok” is an artisan from Panay Bukidnon, the indigenous Peoples of Calinog, Iloilo who creates hand embroidery called “Panubok,” the only living ancient needlecraft heritage in the Philippines after more than 500 years.

 Through their artistry, the attire is adorned with indigenous designs mostly from nature like "bulak ka labog " (flower of vegetables), "bulak putik"  (wild flower), "pako pako" (fern), " matang punay " (eyes of a bird), "sikag sikag"  (mid-rib),  and "binalagon" (wild vine).

Their exquisite embroidery echoes the traditions, cultural beliefs,  practices and views of Calinog’s Panay Bukidnon---  where Vanessa Caro is from. 

A “manughabol” is a weaver of “habol”, a hand-woven fabric made of fibrous natural materials endemic in the Province of Iloilo like jusi from silk and banana fiber,  piña from pineapple fiber or made of polyester yarn indigenous to the towns of Oton, Miag-ao, Villa, Dingle, Badiangan, among others,  in  Iloilo.

 The quality handloom textiles  that come out from what is considered as one of the oldest surviving crafts in the Philippines once made Iloilo Province the textile capital of the Philippines. 

Featured in the attire  is patadyong, a muti -colored handloom cotton, with patterns of stripes and plaids that intersect in bright colors. It has a "teral " (wooden loom) which are also made of interlacing colors of thread. It's frays are made of abaca fibers. Vanessa demonstrates the handloom process in her presentation. 

Manugtubok +  Manughabol reflects the underrated  labor, the finest  local textile and generational craftsmanship found in various communities of Iloilo Province--- a living testament to the silent strength that comes from its people, the Ilonggos.

 In honor of  Iloilo hablon weavers and Panay Bukidnon culture bearers who worked together with fashion designer Hector “Totong” Gellangarin, along with its glam squad. 

It showcases the Filipino soul of the Panay Bukidnons’ creativity and ingenuity and the living witnesses of the Panay Bukidnons’ rich culture and traditions. It uplifts  the thriving and sustainable  local treasure and ecosystem of the promising textile economy.

The white butterfly wings form Vanessa's choreographic presentation as a Binukot, well-kept cultural bearers of the tribe. She transforms her dance while celebrating Hirinugyaw festival of Calinog which reveres the culture of Panay Bukidnon. 

NOTE: Due to cultural sensitivity, our team prefers  to call this an attire than a costume, the indigenous people corrects us with the proper usage that their wearables are not costumes but attires.  

Photo Ken Ken

Glam Squad. Dennis S. Mallada Jemuel Jr Barrera Garcia Jun-g Bayona Candelario Regine Sarabia Espinosa Benjie Emboltorio Sevilla Genevieve Nares Bob Montalban Creative Director PJ Arañador Thanks to Garangan Tribal Organization members  Sandigan Caballero Rennel Lavilla 

#MissUniversePhilippines2022 #MissUniversePhilippines2022 #IloiloProvince #VANstoppable #uniquelybeautiful Vanessa Caro

VANESSA CARO: The PINAY in NEW YORK CITY.

Vanessa's graduation photos May 2020 She earned her Master’s Degree in Professional Studies, Public Relations at the City University of New York in USA.

She  earned her Master’s Degree in Professional Studies, Public Relations  at the City University of  New York in USA while staying for three years there.  PHOTOS OF Vanessa Caro as a student in New York City prior her stint at the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 representing Iloilo Province.

She took her undergraduate course in BS Finance and Accountancy  at Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City. She finished her  high school at  the Hua Siong College of Iloilo.

#VANstoppable 

#MissUniversePhilippines2022 #IloiloProvince #MissUniversePhilippines

Vanessa wrote " Pretty eventful day yesterday when I saw Miss Universe 2017 strolling down 5th Avenue. "

Enjoying New York City as a student

Celebrating her birthday in NYC in December 2020

Day off from school 

 

VANESSA CARO of Hablon and Patadyong of Iloilo Province

 ONE ILONGGA. ONE WOMAN.

Three designers. All hablon. All handloom. All about local culture. Local flair. Local economy. 

Locally crafted fashion  PASAVogue.

Iloilo hablon weave in a bustier by Jun-g Candealrio. Patadyong textile based choker by PJ Aranador

Iloilo festive patadyong handloom textile in resort wear

Handcut foliage hablon of Iloilo by Totong Gellangarin 

PHOTOGRAPHY  Eldred Neal Sollesta  / Balay Sigahum Jaro, Iloilo City. HMUA: Benjie Emboltorio Sevilla  Squad Team:  Hector Totong Gellangarin  Dennis S. Mallada Jemuel Jr Barrera Garcia   Genevieve Nares   Bob Montalban Jun-g Bayona Candelario Regine Sarabia Espinosa  Thanks to Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation for the support  Dinagyang Idfi  thanks to Candy Herida Candelario 

#MissUniversePhilippines2022 

#MUPH2022 

#MUPHSisterhood 

#UniquelyBeautiful

#MuPH

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#AcesAndQueens

VANESSA CARO wears FILIPINONESS in FASHION.

 VANESSA CARO wears FILIPINONESS in FASHION.

Why not contemporary  Philippine fashion? Vanessa Caro shows you how. Handwovens tell stories of far distant places. Hand loom textiles  transgress cultures and beliefs. Wovens  unites people. They too crafts our future. 

Miss Vanessa Caro, MUPh Iloilo Province 2022 wears Jun-g Bayona Candelario  silver streak  woven prussian blue Iloilo hablon top. Handloom textile turban by Salngan Multipurpose cooperative of Iron, Iloilo.   Red clay and shell jewelry by Sooc Community Social Venture in Sooc Arevalo Iloilo, a marginalized urban community. Pearl gold earrings by Regine Sarabia Espinosa 

PHOTOGRAPHY Eldred Eldred Neal Sollesta   / Balay Sigahum Jaro, Iloilo City. Weaver Elsie Balidiong HMUA: Benjie Emboltorio Sevilla Squad Team:  Hector Totong Gellangarin  Dennis S. Mallada Jemuel Jr Barrera Garcia  Genevieve Nares  Bob Montalban Thanks to Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation for the support  Dinagyang Idfi thanks to Candy Herida Candelario

#MissUniversePhilippines2022 

#MUPH2022 

#MUPHSisterhood 

#UniquelyBeautiful

#MuPH

#Muph2022iloiloprovince 

#Kumuniverse

#Kumu

#Vanstoppable

#AcesAndQueens

LOCAL ARTISANAL HANDLOOM TEXTILES. Miss Universe Philippines Iloilo Province 2022 Vanessa Caro

 LOCAL ARTISANAL HANDLOOM TEXTILES. Miss Universe Philippines Iloilo Province 2022 Vanessa Caro has the fondness to wear  local textiles to help in the appreciation for and promotion of Philippine tropical  textiles.  

Vanessa wears Iloilo's festive color "patadyong" junpsuit and its cuttings ( "retasos")  were  re-purposed  into chic resortewear accessories. 

Her tropical  bag is from buri or pandan banig hand-embroidered with tropical flowers and foliage with a perching bird made -up. Very Pinoy in inspiration. She wears a "patadyong" handmade mules as footwear.

All these are handcrafted by women artisans of Iloilo whom Vanessa empowers through social entrepreneurship in form of rural  livelihood. 

Arts and crafts is close to thevgeartbof Vanessa coming from Calinog Iloilo home to embroiderers and weavers through centuries past .

Vanessa supports the rebound of local economy through the creative industries through our rural and marginalized communities who needed the most help

Exotic New Yorker, anyone? It will only take a brand ambassador to notch up our local textiles internationally.

Vanessa supports the rebound of local economy through the creative industries through our rural and marginalized communities who needed the most help

Tropical fiber from the Philippines Vanessa creates awareness for patronage worldwide so our local communities may live

In support of the local economy, Vanessa wears Filipino design handcrafted from her own province 

FASHION: PJ Aranador. Handloom weaver Connie Fagarita Atijon  Miagao Iloilo. Made aup bird by Magirlie Flores PHOTOGRAPHY Eldred Eldred Neal Sollesta  / Balay Sigahum Jaro, Iloilo City. HMUA: Benjie Emboltorio Sevilla Squad Team:  Jun-g Bayona Candelario  Hector Totong Gellangarin Dennis S. Mallada Jemuel Jr Barrera Garcia Genevieve Nares Bob Montalban Thanks to Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation for the support  Dinagyang Idfi

Connie Atijon

#MissUniversePhilippines2022 

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#MuPH

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#Kumuniverse

#Kumu

#Vanstoppable

#AcesAndQueens

VANESSA CARO and her sunny side

SUNNY VAN. The FILIPINA BEAUTY shines. After the rainy days, the sunny  sun will shine again. Vanessa Caro of Iloilo Province will show Miss Universe Philippines 2022 the meaning of resilience, hope and faith in the Filipinos even after the typhoon has receded.

#MissUniversePhilippines2022 

#MUPH2022 

#MUPHSisterhood 

#UniquelyBeautiful

#MuPH

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#Kumuniverse

#Kumu

#Vanstoppable

#AcesAndQueens

 

VANESSA CARO Childhood Pictures Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Iloilo Province

Look! VANESSA CARO at 7 years old. Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Iloilo Province. 

Vanessa once wrote " I moved to the Philippines from Hawaii with my parents at eight years old. At the time, it was a big adjustment for a kid who left everything she knew. After 50 years of hard work, my father was ready to retire and return to his true home - Iloilo." 

SEVEN YEARS OLD Vanessa, a year after she moved to Iloilo, her dad's hometown in the Philippines, where she stayed for 16 years and went back again in 2022. 

The first time Vanessa's surfing experience in Hawaii 

Vanessa's mother Patricia, a dance artist in Polynesian genre 

Vanessa as Miss Camp in 2007. She was 14 years old. 

#MissUniversePhilippines2022 

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#MUPHSisterhood 

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#Vanstoppable

#AcesAndQueens

Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Iloilo Province VANESSA Ka'ihilani CARO dances the Polynesian

PATRICIA Kehaulani CHANG CARO  dances 

VANESSA  Ka'ihilani CARO  dances  the Polynesian   

Vanessa  was taught the art of Polynesian dance by her mother Patricia who is also a dance artist of this genre. 

Her mother was a dance instructor which took her to Japan and consequently established a dance school in Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines where Vanessa together with her father and mother moved from Hawaii when she was 8 years old and stayed in the country until she pursued

The performing artists in dance.

Patricia teaching Polynesian dance lessons in Hawaii, Japan and the Philippines 

The mother and daughter dance artists

Vanessa dance fitness zoom donating proceeds to Odette Typhoon survivors in 2022 

As early as 2016, Vanessa's dance projects to help the needy including Bantay Bata

The dance artist performs 

her Masters Degree in New York City.

 Through the years, Vanessa created dance events to raise funds for charity including Bantay Bata. 

For both mother and daughter team, the performing arts in dance is also a way to stay fit. 

Vanessa Caro: THE ARTIST MOTHER & HER MIRROR IMAGE IN A DAUGHTER.

 THE ARTIST MOTHER & HER MIRROR IMAGE IN A  DAUGHTER. 

I met the mother of Vanessa Caro, Miss Universe Philippines Iloilo Province 2022, while visiting Vanessa in her flat at Aruga, Rockwell in Makati. Her name is Patricia Kehaulani Chang.

Of course, she is beautiful. Of course, she is tall. Of course, she has the thin waistline her age like Vanessa has hers in her prime. But of course, she is so nice. A soft spoken Ilongga who is as delicate as a cattleya. 

While Vanessa looks more Asian while  her mom looks more Caucasian, the hints of multi-ethnic beauties sparkle clearly. Ergo,  the first thing I asked was Patricia’s roots. Her father was from Cebu  and her mom from Hawaii where Patricia  was born and raised. 

Patricia has Portuguese Spanish and Chinese bloodline. It just explains why Vanessa went to a Chinese school in Iloilo City, the Hua Siong College. With her multi-ethnicity comes her multi-lingual tongue including the local dialect Ilonggo. She went to finish her degree in accounting at Central Philippine University, a school established by the Americans, in Jaro, Iloilo City. 

If you’re a daughter, your mother is one person  who will always be able to embrace you.  I witnessed that with the duo. The mirror image is---  Vanessa is closest to her mom embracing her as if  she is her friend her age. 

Patricia is now a single parent whose husband, an engineer,  took the boat from the Philippines to Hawaii and became a successful construction entrepreneur for many years.   With his  humble beginnings in Hawaii,  the  pure-blooded Ilonggo from Calinog, Iloilo, had an inspiring story.  His hometown, a place of the mountain dwelling tribe of Panay Bukidnon– the largest indigenous peoples of Iloilo province,  are grounding  Vanessa’s  core  advocacy to empower Filipino women including culture bearers and artisans of this tribe. It comes in full circle for Vanessa much to honor the roots of her father. 

Patricia is a polynesian dance artist and instructor in Waikiki, Hawaii where she taught young girls and adults the art of hula and tahitian dance for 30 long years. She also taught the art form in Japan and  consequently put up a dance school in Jaro, Iloilo City. 

She taught the polynesian dance to Vanessa at age two who succeeded to teach the art as well  and consequently  donated her earnings to charity.  Even when Vanessa was at the City  University of New York  for her Master’s Degree in Professional Studies and Public Relations  or in Iloilo competing for Miss Iloilo Dinagyang which she won in 2016, she went on-line to dance. Dance is her fitness regimen as well. Add marathon, too. 

Vanessa’s parents have long been philanthropists  whose dedication to help the needy out of their volunteerism with  Rotary Club of  Iloilo City  instills in the young Vanessa to give back to the community as well. 

Vanessa tells me stories of how her mom takes her to gather tropical foliage and flowers to adorn their hair when they perform on stage or just one of those fun days with family members in their front yard. I guess Vanessa chooses to confide with her  mother  in matters like performing arts than other women will do otherwise because she blooms creatively with her mother in her arms. 

I thought they are rare beauties. Precious.  However,  what is inspiring is to celebrate the unique and wonderful relationships between a mother and a daughter. Patricia is supportive. Vanessa is appreciative.

It works universally unique for a mother – daughter mirror image.

VANESSA SPEAKS OF HER MOTHER For many, our mothers are the real MVPs in our lives. I moved to the Philippines from Hawaii with my parents at eight years old. At the time, it was a big adjustment for a kid who left everything she knew. After 50 years of hard work, my father was ready to retire and return to his true home - Iloilo.

I cried in my mother's lap every day, wondering how I could get back to Hawaii. While I remember being in agony, I'm grateful for my parents moving to the Philippines because I can't imagine a life without its culture ingrained in me.

While I speak of past challenges, as a young adult today, I can't help but think of my mother, who had to adjust her life because of her love for me and my father. She was a professional Polynesian performer and designer in her prime for over 30 years in Waikiki. How could she pack up her things and leave.

As we celebrate International Mother Language Day today, I hope we also remember the people who teach us the language. I'm honored to have learned the Hiligaynon language (and continue learning it), but even more proud that after 15 years of living in Iloilo, my mother, part Visayan, instilled the importance of the English language. Without her, I couldn't communicate with people worldwide, share this story, and post this today. 

The multi-ethnic beauties. Filipino Portuguese Spanish and Chinese

Vanessa's whistle bait waistline she got from her mom.

Vanessa and her mom in Hawaii. 

Mother and child in Iloilo Province, the place they call home. 

Having fun in  Vanessa's birthplace--Hawaii

The young Patricia Kehaulani Chang, a beautiful woman of mixed races. 

The genetics of well-shaped body, Vanessa got from her mother. 

Vanessa and her mom were brand ambassadress of Iloilo home-grown brand, Sarabia Jewelry

Vanessa's parents

She once taught Polynesian dance in Japan. 

Patricia enjoying one of her travels. 

Foliage and flowers on Patricia's hair had her share the Hawaiin tradition for Vanessa to do as well. 

Apart from Japan, Patricia also put up a dance school in Jaro, Iloilo City

The mother and daughter ever-loving relationship. 

Patricia as Polynesian dance instructor in Japan

PJ Arandador, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Accredited Partner for Iloilo Province with Particia and Vanessa

#MissUniversePhilippines2022 

#MUPH2022 

#MUPHSisterhood 

#UniquelyBeautiful

#MuPH

#Muph2022iloiloprovince 

#Kumuniverse

#Kumu

#Vanstoppable

#AcesAndQueens

Dennis S. Mallada Jemuel Jr Barrera Garcia Jun-g Bayona Candelario Genevieve Nares  Bob Montalban  Hector Totong Gellangarin  Vanessa Caro  Chato Javellana  Benjie Emboltorio Sevilla