WEAVING HERITAGE INTO FASHION: MAILA ALOG REPRESENTS CORDILLERA IN LAS CASAS FLORES DE MAYO 2024

BATAAN – A visual celebration of faith, fashion, and Filipino heritage took center stage last May 24, 2024, at the breathtaking Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar during the annual Las Casas Flores de Mayo. Among the remarkable designers who graced the Santacruzan segment in collaboration with the Designers Circle Philippines (DCP) was Cordillera’s very own cultural fashion luminary – Maila Alog.

Widely celebrated for her unwavering advocacy of indigenous craftsmanship, Maila Alog once again proudly brought to the national spotlight the rich textures and soul of Cordilleran heritage. Her piece – a masterful ensemble interwoven with traditional handwoven fabrics – stood as a testament to both artistic brilliance and cultural preservation.

Participating in the Santacruzan alongside DCP’s elite roster of designers, Alog's creation paid homage not only to the region’s craftsmanship but also to the grace of the modern Filipina. Her muse, adorned with native weave-infused attire, paraded down the historical cobblestone path of Las Casas – a living museum – embodying elegance, resilience, and cultural pride.

“Joining the Flores de Mayo celebration through the Santacruzan isn't just about showcasing fashion. It's a way of honoring the deep spirituality and identity embedded in our traditions,” shared Maila. “Every thread, every weave, tells a story of our people – and that’s what I aim to continue bringing to the forefront.”

Her participation added a distinct northern flavor to the event, weaving together tradition and innovation – a narrative Alog has consistently championed across local and international runways. Through her work, Cordillera's unique textile heritage continues to inspire, provoke dialogue, and elevate indigenous artistry within contemporary fashion conversations.

The Las Casas Flores de Mayo 2024 was a resounding success – a collaborative effort of Designers Circle Philippines, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, and cultural advocates committed to celebrating heritage in style. The event not only revived Marian devotion through a grand and picturesque Santacruzan but also underscored the vital role of Filipino designers in preserving and reimagining cultural identity.

As the sun set on the heritage village, it was clear: tradition thrives best not in the past, but in the hands of those bold enough to carry it forward. And Maila Alog, with her threads of advocacy and artistry, does just that – one indigenous weave at a time.