Bel-Air Village, one of the most prominent communities in Makati City and Metro Manila celebrates its 60 years with grand festivities, including a fashion presentation featuring two of its famous residents.
On Saturday, May 27, at 7:30 p.m. Dean of Philippine Fashion, Ben Farrales, and Zalora Philippines take the spotlight in a fashion show that will have members of the Bel-Air community walk onstage as fashion models. Zalora Philippines’ president and CEO is Paolo Campos who happens to be resident of the village as well.
It has been awhile since the public has seen the creations of Farrales, whose evening wear, wedding gowns, and Muslim-inspired creations, in particular have caught the attention of Manila’s high society set as well as the admiration of international fashion observers. Mang Ben, as Farrales is fondly called by his closest friends, is also a mentor to many fashion designers and has been active in many fashion councils and organizations that aim to promote Philippine fashion.
Zalora Philippines, on the other hand, through the leadership of Campos, is considered a game changer in retail fashion—attracting the new breed of millennial fashionistas to patronize and avidly follow its online site for its spot-on fashion collections.
Celebrating 60
Its just fitting for a community like Bel-Air to come up with an exciting fashion event plus other engaging activities that will surely let residents and the public alike feel that strong sense of village spirit.
The Pasinaya, after all, is a tradition enjoyed by generations of Bel-Air residents since it was first mounted in 1993. It covers everything—from food fairs, talent showdowns, religious activities, even perya rides, and more. And its organizers also make sure everyone from the neighborhood is included—from the elderly to the little ones, household staff members, and village support service members.
And this year’s Pasinaya continues to foster that genuine warmth and joyful desire to be one community through the event’s theme, “Bel-Air@60: Kumikinang.” Of course, with a little creative help from established names like Floy Quintos. Although he is the first to claim that he is a non-resident, Quintos has been directing the Pasinaya events for the past 14 years with a lot of success—and this is why the residents keep asking him for a return engagement each year.
Kagawad Aileen Dionisio. The dynamic barangay in Makati celebrates its 60 years on May 26 to 28, 2017. Photo courtesy of BAVA.
At a recent press conference held at its multi-purpose hall, officers of the Bel-Air Village Association (BAVA) invited members of the press and bloggers to announce the many activities in store for their thanksgiving affair.
Something for everyone
This year’s Pasinaya kicked off on Friday, May 26, with free kalesa rides for kids from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Then, at 7 p.m., the spotlight was on talented household staff members who made it to the finals night of the “Gabi ng Kasambahay” talent contest. The event itself has that “big time” feel with famous guest judges like veteran compose Vehnee Saturno, prized songwriter Elmer Blancaflor, and concert pianist Carminda Regala selecting evening’s grand champion.
On Saturday, May 27, the morning begins with a marching band at 7 a.m. followed by the opening of kiddie booths and other atractions for kids. Mascots will also show up to delight the young and the young at heart. At 8:30 a.m., mothers can bond over breakfast at the Salu-Salong Agahan with Kusinerong Pinoy. At 12 noon, residents and their guests will definitely chill with comedians and singers AJ and Le Chaz. A Moana Bubble Show is up at 2 p.m. and the Gimme 5 Musical Show is at 2:30 p.m.. More games and surprises continue at 3:30 p.m. At 5 p.m., dance groups groove their way to win at the Hip-Hop Dance Competition.
Saturday evening is when the event’s highlight happens. The much-awaited fashion show featuring Farrales and Zalora is at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday isn’t quite a rest day as Bel-Air continues to celebrate its 60 years with more fun activities including a 9 a.m. Mass where kids will be offering flower bouquets to Mama Mary.
At 12:30 p.m., it’s the Fur-Ever Doggie Fashion show, which also includes a pet blessing. By 2 p.m., residents can relax and bond at the Pa-Bingo sa Bel-Air. The three-day 60th anniversary celebration culminates with a 7 p.m. Pasinaya Velada where residents show off their talents in musical and dance performances.
It takes a village to get things done. Bel-Air is a living proof of that. Not only has it been staging grand celebrations like the Pasinaya but it has also consistently been proclaimed as the Cleanest and Greenest Barangay in Cluster 1 in Makati City.
It has conducted peaceful national election activities, medical missions and other community service activities, modernized its multi-purpose hall, and more as it continues to offer a safe place for its residents.
Well-loved Kapitana Nene Lichauco may have spoken for almost everyone when she mentioned in her presscon speech: “I guess devotion is the word I can use to describe my love for serving this community. Together with the Barangay Council Members, BAVA governors, we have endeavored to build a family-‐centered community – safe, secure, progressive, and always ready to help each other. I’m proud to say that this way of life we have nurtured over the past 60 years, have extended outside the gates of our village and have positively impacted the whole Barangay Bel-‐Air.”
