Cover Some of the Top 20 finalists of The Grant
Some of the Top 20 finalists of The Grant
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Fashion Aid Philippines’s inaugural edition of The Grant culminates in hailing a new breed of Filipino creative force
From hundreds of applicants down to a comprehensive roster during the preliminaries, the inaugural edition of Fashion Aid Philippines’s The Grant is a witness to the country’s continuous flourishing of creativity across fashion, accessories and object (lifestyle) design. Visionaries from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao brought forward their ingenious creations, originally discovered techniques and materials, even heirloom craftsmanship to a panel of esteemed judges last June 30 at Salcedo Auctions.
A month later, the Top 20 finalists were announced; they proceeded to the next level of the competition by showcasing their creations at Centro de Turismo Intramuros last October 2 to 9, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Malikhaing Pinoy initiative. With the assistance of Fashion Aid Philippines members and some of the country’s top experts in design and creative fields, the Top 20 finalists refined their works in preparation for the showcase.
In case you missed it: Fashion Aid Philippines launches The Grant 2025 in an effort to platform rising Filipino designers
Above Michael Leyva, Inno Sotto, Patrick Rosas, Liza Araneta-Marcos, Erica Concepcion Reyes, Karen Santos, Patrick Coard, Paul Cabral, Yiouri Augousti
Michael Leyva, Inno Sotto, Patrick Rosas, Liza Araneta-Marcos, Erica Concepcion Reyes, Karen Santos, Patrick Coard, Paul Cabral, Yiouri Augousti
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Selected finalists of The Grant received scholarships from the diplomatic circle during the awards night. Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) programme recipients from the Embassy of Japan were Joanah Lee Villanueva, Hazel Roldan and Angela Chavez. Villanueva approaches footwear design as both statement and craft. Her work blends structural innovation with elaborate detail, resulting in pieces that carry a sense of artistry, presence, and individuality. Roldan offers a design perspective that is both stylish and thoughtful. Her work embraces sustainability through a whimsical lens, combining repurposed materials and hand-finished details. Chavez approaches accessories as a space for storytelling, experimentation and joy. Working with unconventional materials, her designs defy expectation—playful, eccentric and deeply personal.
Kristina Leanne Basilio received a scholarship to the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, courtesy of the Embassy of Malaysia. Basilio brings a delicate yet structured approach to fashion design. Her pieces, particularly her showcase entry Through the Garden Gate, highlight soft textures, layered details, and refined silhouettes, embodying femininity and strength.
Read more: From passion to purpose: Kenneth Cobonpue on Filipino creativity at Manila FAME 2025
Above Deya Tsyna in her winning moment
Deya Tsyna in her winning moment
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Lastly, the Top 5 winners of the competition received scholarships from the Embassy of Australia: Matthew David, Jeremiah Biadoma, Monica Castillo, Gil Justin Salazar, and the grand winner, Deya Tsyna, who also received PhP1 million peso cash prize and an exclusive opportunity to showcase her work at a premier space in Paris, France.
Deya Tsyna collaborates with the basket makers of Antiquera, Bohol to use abaca rope in her works, drawing inspiration from her grandmother Beatrice’s long, flowing hair, a memory from her youth. Intricately woven, braided, and black-dyed, her interpretation of abaca honours the Filipino weaving traditions and merges it with modern craftsmanship. Her steel-supported Dioleta Accent Chair for The Grant’s showcase was inspired by the Visayan word padayon, which means to continue, to persist and to carry on as it symbolises resilience through its infinite form.
Above Oliver Tolentino, Dato Tiffanee Marie Lim, Kristina Leanne Basilio, Amb Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony, Honourary Consul Agnes Huibonhoa, DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Tim Yap
Oliver Tolentino, Dato Tiffanee Marie Lim, Kristina Leanne Basilio, Amb Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony, Honourary Consul Agnes Huibonhoa, DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Tim Yap
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David’s Zephyrus lamps bring a dynamic form and captivating presence to any space. Crafted from laser-cut aluminium parts, its asymmetrically placed glass globe, and curvaceous stand create a mesmerising interplay of light, shadow, and texture. Biadoma reimagines bag design with versatility at its core. His creations are crafted to be worn in multiple ways, blending function and flexibility with a refined sense of style.
Castillo approaches design through the lens of textile and surface. As a print designer, her work stands out for its emotional clarity—using pattern and composition to create bold, expressive visual statements.
Salazar approaches fashion with a strong sculptural perspective. His fashion work showcases textured layers and intricate detailing, highlighting how fabric can be transformed into forms that are both bold and expressive.
Inno Sotto, Richie Lerma, Karen Santos
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The Grant by Fashion Aid Philippines aims to build a platform where Filipino creativity is celebrated and nurtured. As the organisation hopes to instil the values of camaraderie and goodwill among its members and other groups through training, seminars, and symposiums, the wealth of knowledge passed down to this new breed of Filipino creative force has forged new paths for a globally competitive design industry that the organisation aims to build.
Present on both occasions was First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, whose generous support of Fashion Aid Philippines made The Grant possible. As a token of gratitude, the organisation awarded her the Icon of Hope, with a trophy sculpted by Danish-Irish designer Patrick Coard.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
