THE FASHION SHOW MUST GO ON

HERMINIA ISIP GUEVARRA

There is no denying that one of the school in the province of Pampanga, showcases many talents and occupational skills. San Vicente Pilot School for Philippine Craftsmen (SVPSPC), a high school which known as the first Technical Vocational School (Tech-Voc) in this province, recognized by TESDA since 1995. Technical courses were offered then, but due to many lesser-income earners plus became the great survivors of the Lahar, SVPSPC family was never hesitant to continue molding minds and offering manual skills to these people. As many of us would say, “Kabuhayan; Kumikita na Nalilibang Ka Pa.”

As one of the Dressmaking teachers in the Vocational Department of this big school (Due to many student –population but with limited space in a resettlement area), I thought of teaching my students to assemble dresses using recycled and indigenous materials for them to display their projects in a form of a Fashion Show. At first, they find it simple and easy. More and more recyclable materials were collected and produced. As they continued sewing hard materials using machines and their bare hands, they found out that these indigenous materials are much difficult to handle/ manage than cloth. More encouraging techniques, tips and moments were said and were understood.

Alas! Beautiful and elegant dresses were made although, numerous crying moments were experienced and nearly to surrender and quit sewing . Seeing and wearing their projects in a Fashion Show in the school, made them proud and happy. Sewing is easier to see than done. It will put us to a tough situation but, it’s worth fulfilling upon seeing the outcome. All of them say, “We made it!” Congratulations also for passing the National Assessment II in Dressmaking held in DHVTSU last year.

The Fashion Show must go on! This year, as one of the highlights of our founding anniversary is the displaying of new talents and skills of the 100 Dressmaking students, from the Grade 8, Grade 9 and Grade 10 . New variations of Everyday wear, Casual wear and Formal wear were sewed/ constructed, of course with the close supervision of the three skilled teachers in Dressmaking. The next batch of students had their Fashion Modelling last January 26, 2018 . The title is “The Projects Runway” wherein, the students themselves created/designed, sewed and wore their own outfits/dresses. It was held on the second day of our “Founding Anniversary”.

My respect po to our dear Schools Division Superintendent, Sir Ding Zapanta, thank you Sir for the very timely approval (Actually, it was an approved request of our Principal Madam Dolores I. Pelayo prior to the issuance of Memorandum concerning only One-day celebration of each School Foundation Day) If not for this approval, I doubt it, if my excited students, that time, will have a chance in joining the long-awaited moment to display their talents and skills. It was a month-long process that nobody will say, “We can make it.” Yes! Series of overtimes, patience and hardwork plus the limited number of Sewing machines and other equipments.

But at last! It was made possible. I would also want to commend the all Cosmetology teachers and some of the Cosmetology students of SVPSPC, in helping the models/ designers for making them more beautiful in their Hair and Make-up.

The next generation is all set to take the opportunity to become the next “Group of Models” from today, feed your minds, continue creating designs of garments for girls and boys. Collect cheaper fabrics and be ready for next year’s top designer and model because the Fashion Show Must Go On!

Congratulations SVPSPC Movers and Graduating Students!

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The author is Teacher III at SVPSPC, Bulaon, City of San Fernando