We’ve started mentoring the finalists for FDCP’s “Weaving the Future” fashion and design competition, and their design entries are all inspired by the fabrics & materials found in any one of our 7,107 islands. Finals of the competition will be in November, so watch out for that because it’s sure to be super exciting!
Without preempting any of their work, I’ve put together my personal inspiration album of many of the amazing sights–and sites–that Ito and I have been lucky enough to have seen while traveling around the Philippines (though there are many more places that we’re looking forward to seeing thanks to the new video just released by the DOT. View it here 🙂 Pilipinas, Tara Na!). Sometimes it’s okay to be a foreigner in your own country, if it allows you to see it with new eyes 😉
Thatched roofs, feathery brooms and freshly grilled food in the night market Sutokil in Mactan, Cebu
Frothy lace, intricate embroidery and handmade headpieces at the Santacruzan fiesta in Cebu
Wrought-iron chandeliers, mother-of-pearl accents, modern colonial Philippine design in Cebu
Original art deco buildings and a lovely, well-preserved vintage calesa with brass trim in Malate, Manila
Pale, delicate ruffles of handmade, hand rolled dumplings in Chinatown, Binondo, Manila
Tomato-red and yellow-gold Chinese lanterns against a centuries old Catholic church in Binondo, Manila
Mirror-smooth lagoons, multi-hued skies & nature in full splendor in Coron, Palawan
Bleached sand, bleached limestone & bleached denim on a Tagbanwa fisherman on his ancestral property in Coron, Palawan
Sunset with all the shades of gold and copper on the open seas of Coron, Palawan
Chilly temperatures and breathtaking views above cottony streaks of clouds in the mountainous town of Sagada, Mountain Province
Beautiful cow (and equally beautiful cow hide, LOL!) against a pebbled dirt road on the way to Sagada, Mountain Province
Undulating patterns and lush greens on the amazing rice terraces of Sagada, Mountain Province
Sculptural looking driftwood, corals and shells on the beaches of Panglao, Bohol
18th century Byzantine-Romanesque architecture on the Our Lady of Assumption Church in Panglao, Bohol
Gorgeous lavender wildflowers and architectural foliage on the coral island of Balicasag in Bohol
Blue skies, turquoise waters and a fringe of swaying palm trees on the long stretch of beach on Boracay (photo by John Lacson)
Twinkling stars, bursts of fireworks and glowing phosphorescence on the beach of Boracay
Dark, modern weaves, powdery white sands, crystal blue waters on the long stretch of beach in Boracay
It’s time to travel around the Philippines and get inspired!
*Photos by Ito Ocampo
nice photos tips! 🙂 btw, sagada is in the mountain province, not in benguet 😀
Hey thanks, Candy-cane! Will edit it 🙂 It’s been too long–hope to see you girls soon.