Bayo recently threw a party honoring not just its heritage but its own dedicated people and 25 passionate Filipina achievers who share the company’s pride for all things Pinoy.
The celebration set at The Peninsula Manila was all about feeling the joy of being a Filipino as the brand marked its 25th anniversary and its evolution from a small brand operating in an atelier in Makati City to a successful homegrown Filipino brand with 44 stores all across the Philippines.
Fittingly, Bayo collaborated with A-list designer Francis Libiran for its anniversary collection. Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa and Libiran are Bayo’s brand ambassadors.
Bayo is popular for its range of stylish but affordable clothes and accessories. Through the years, it has consistently embraced its Philippine heritage with promotional campaigns that revere the Filipina.
Its Holiday 2017 campaign features international theater star Lea Salonga who is joined by actress Janella Salvador and Verzosa.
At its anniversary show, the sundown till evening affair delivered a three-part program that clearly sent the message of pride and passion home:
1. That “Made in the Philippines” tribute and photo exhibit.
At the hotel’s upper lobby, a photo exhibit featuring 25 stylish Filipinas who are achievers in their various fields set the mood and tone.
Some of the 25 women honored by Bayo were: Kylie Verzosa, Miss International 2016 and mental health awareness; Asec. Berna Romulo Puyat of the Department of Agriculture; Reese Fernandez-Ruiz of Rags2Riches; Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala of ICanServe Foundation; Olivia Puentespina of Malagos Farmhouse Cheese; Ivy and Cynthia Almario of Atelier Almario; artist Olivia D’Aboville; Maria Isabel “Beng” Tesoro of Tesoro’s Philippine Handicrafts; Olivia Limpe-Aw of Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc.; Nanette Medved-Po, Founder of HOPE; Nancy Cu Unjieng, president of CARA Welfare Philippines; and Ballet Manila founder and prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, among others.
These women share Bayo’s values of uplifting Filipino communities and taking pride in the Filipino people’s artistry and skills. Guests got to applaud these women who were called onstage during the event’s program.
2. That tribute video on the people behind Bayo and the launch of Bayo Foundation
Against international fast-fashion brands that have flooded the market, Bayo has remained resilient and has even doubled its stores compared to three years ago under the leadership of couple Leo and Anna Marie Lagon, who are its CEO and Creative Director, respectively.
In her speech, Anna Marie Lagon shared how the brand continues to rise above its challenges, “Maybe one reason why Bayo remains relevant in the industry is due to our acceptance that we cannot defeat the global brands. We have to find a level where we can co-exist with them in order to survive.
“We may not have the financial muscle that these foreign brands may have but what we do have are loyal, indefatigable, dedicated and inspired people who we feel are the greatest assets of this company.”
She also acknowledged the presence of Corazon Dizon-Bitong who established Bayo with her sister Lynn Agustin in the ‘90s. The brand was bought by the Lagons many years ago. Mrs. Lagon said that the company will continue to pursue vision that its founders have set for the Filipino brand.
On the other hand, Mr. announced the launch of Bayo Foundation, which will be supporting the advocacies of the 25 women who were honored that evening. The foundation will also be offering mentoring and internship programs among aspiring fashion designers.
Mr. Lagon noted, “Our long-term goal is to use the brand as a vehicle to encourage people to bring out the creativity within them. We shall open the facilities of Bayo for young designers and students of fashion schools to better their skills as they prepare their careers in business or employment. Scholarships for the poor but deserving students in the field of fashion will also be available.”
Take a look at this video by Bayo:
3. Those versatile ensembles at Francis Libiran’s Holiday 2017 presentation
Francis Libiran, who has been making waves globally as well with recent successful shows abroad, created a versatile collection highlighted with art deco aesthetics evident in the linear designs and color blocking found in the ensembles.
The FL X Bayo collection presented a vibrant color story that expressed Libiran’s impressions of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. In creating the clothes, Libiran and Bayo took inspiration as well from the beauty of the Filipinas across the globe as well.
The fashion designer noted, “I had every Filipina in mind while I was designing the collection.”
• Learn more about the story of Bayo and the story of the 25 women on www.bayo.com.ph or visit our social media sites; Facebook: www.facebook.com/bayoclothing; and Instagram/Twitter: @bayoclothing.
