said they wanted to support the local economy. “The Filipino Fair aims to celebrate and showcase talented Filipino designers, our world class local fashion and impeccable craftsmanship,” according to Ayala Malls’ marketing director Eunice Velasco.  Launched in partnership with the Philippine Fashion Coalition and the Dama Ko Lahi Ko movement, the fair not only showcases apparel, but also other items like bags and accessories. Shows at Ayala’s Glorietta and Alabang Town Center malls are complemented by a food fair to highlight local cuisines. “We are promoting our rich culture through our five senses, and that includes taste,” Velasco said. The fair revolves around the theme “kalye”, (which translates to ‘street’), showcasing the heart of Filipino interaction, where children play, men and women socialise, and communities share stories with each other. “Given this, participating fashion designers are showcasing collections that reflect the current social realities of local communities such as the rise of using loungewear, streetwear, and activewear amidst the new normal,” said Tintin Enriquez-Yabao, Ayala Malls consumer engagement marketing head. As part of the fair design in centres, welcome arcs have been installed to depict those commonly found in towns and barangays (small rural communities), while patterned street signs serve as guides throughout the entire fair. In addition to fashion and wardrobe items, the fair also offers local delicacies, potted plants, wood and handwoven home decorations. About 30 designers and brands are showcasing their designs at the fair’s pop-ups, covering categories including pambahay (loungewear), panlakad (occasionwear), pangtrabaho (workwear), panglibangan (for socialising), and pang-exercise (for exercise). “After the strict NCR (National Capital Region) lockdown, I am very optimistic that there is a renewed hope for the Philippine fashion industry,” said Noel Crisostomo, one of the participating designers. “I see Filipinos are moving past the pandemic, I want my artistry and skill to be part of this movement.” Other local designers participating in the event include Rhett Eala, Dexter Alazas, Vic Barba, Jun Escario, and Tina Magistrado, among others. Local merchant partners include Kamiseta, Plains and Prints, Collezione, Lazy Fare, Worship Generation, Annie & Lori, Just G., and Straightforward. The Philippine Fashion Coalition, an alliance of all-Filipino fashion professionals are also taking part in the fair, including their own booth, selling locally designed fashion and accessories. The collective of designers, manufacturers and workers launched last year, in an effort to save jobs and help workers in the Philippine fashion industry survive. Currently, there are still a number of cities in the Philippines that are in strict lockdown and inter-island travelers are required to present swab tests upon entering certain areas. However, some cities, especially in Manila, have eased these restrictions, while visitors in shopping centres need to wear face masks and face shields. The lockdowns had been detrimental to the Philippine economy, triggering job losses. This prompted the policymakers to ease all the strict lockdown measures to help boost domestic spending. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that the country’s unemployment rate as of April this year was at 8.7 per cent, which is worse than March’s 7.1 per cent, which means that about four million Filipinos were jobless during the period. Last year, data from the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry showed that just two months after the government-imposed nationwide lockdown, about 26 per cent of the country’s businesses closed for good. “We have been monitoring a steady increase of foot traffic since we opened our doors,” Yabao said. “With government restrictions easing and more transportation options available to the public, we are expecting this number to further improve.”