Miss Earth 2024 Shines in Filipino Couture: Stunning Indigenous Weaves Steal the Spotlight

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Aside from seeing the wonderful designs by members of the Designers Circle of the Philippines worn by the Miss Earth delegates, the presentation of delegates held on the night of October 23, 2024 at The Cove of Okada Manila was a testament to how we should all be proud of the Philippines for being so rich in world-class indigenous fabrics - just one of the many gifts that Mother Earth has to offer.

Hosting the Miss Earth 2024 Press Presentation were Drita Ziri, Miss Earth 2023,  Yllana Marie Aduana, Miss Earth Air, Do Lan Anh, Miss Earth Water, Cora Bliault, Miss Earth Fire.

This year's competition highlights the role of cultural heritage in promoting sustainability. In line with the Heritage theme, the delegates showcased original couture creations featuring Filipino weaves from Luzon, Vistas and Mindanao. These original designs are from the talented minds of some of the members of Designers Circle Philippines, the largest organization of fashion designers and creatives in the Philippines led by its founding Chairman Johnny Abad. 

The month of October is designated as National Indigenous People's Month. As you see the delegates walking the runway, we are reminded that in order for us to appreciate and propagate these wonderful creations, we need to first and foremost protect Mother Nature.

Present at the press presentation were Carousel Productions executives namely President Ramon Monzon, Executive Vice President Lorraine Schuck, and Vice President and Project Director Peachy Veneracion.

The five judges for the night were Rafael Jasper Vicencio, Rommel Padillo Searrano, Karen Ibasco, Cielo Reboredo and Eric Pineda.

Albania, Algeria, Argentina and Australia were wearing the original designs of Ganda Anore using the Yakan Weave of Zamboanga and the T'nalak of the T'boli Tribe of South Cotabato.

Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium were wearing the creations of Al Banzon featuring the Hagondon local weave of Cavite.

Belize, Bolivia, Boznia and Herzegovina and Brazil showcased the T'nalak of the T'boli Tribe of South Cotabato from designer Jasper Adorador.

Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, and Cambodia were looking fabulous in designs using Inabel from the Cordillera Region by Johnny Abad.

Cameroon, Canada, Chile and China showcased the Dagmay fabric from Davao Oriental from designer Toshimi Pacumbala.

Colombia, Costa Rica, and Cuba were wearing Bepz Torres featuring the Inabel weave of Ilocos Sur.

Dominican Republic, El Salvador, England, Ethiopia and France were wearing the collection by Rafael Gonzalez using Ramit of the Mangyan Tribe.

Fiji and Ghana were wearing original designs by Adonis Ara Samson featuring the creative use of Inabel of the Cordillera Region.

Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong and Iceland were wearing the striking collection from Michael Mendoza featuring Langkit-Manaraon Tapestry.

India, Indonesia, Italy and Japan featured collection of Jun Lee using Pinukpok Abaca Silk of Bicol.

Kenya, Korea, Kosovo and Laos wore the creations of Alfonso Emmanuel showcasing T'nalak of T'boli Tribe of South Cotabato.

Liberia, Madagascar, and Malaysia were in Darlene Acuna creations using Ilat from Ifugao and Cordillera Inabel.

Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia and Montenegro were in original designs by Laura Santos using T'nalak of the T'boli Tribe of South Cotabato.

Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal and Netherlands were wearing Edwin Uy using Ramit of the Mangyan Tribe and Yakan of Zamboanga.

New Zealand, Nigeria and Northern Marianas were wearing masterfully crafted ensemble by Johnny Abad in Inabel of Ilocos Region.

Norway and Pakistan were wearing Harley Ruedas showcasing Cebu Hablon and Jusi.

Peru, Philippines, Poland and Portugal were wearing creations by Thad Carreon using Inabel of Isabela.

Puerto Rico, Reunion Island, Russia and Samoa were in Santa Emmanuel le originals using Having Ibaan and Burdang Taal of Batangas.

Serbia and Singapore were in Joy Aguilar Aaliwin showcasing Lumad & T'boli Weave of Mindanao.

Slovenia, South Africa, Si Lanka and Thailand were in Modz Linsangan Jose using Pina & Jusi Cocoon of Luman, Laguna.

UAE, USA, US Virgin Islands and Venezuela were wearing original designs by Rusty & Geoffrey Atelier.

Vietnam, Wales, and Zimbabwe were in breathtaking creations by Alistair Balance using Binakol Fabric of Abra.

Congratulations to all the winners of the Best in Philippine Heritage Attire for Gold, Silver and Bronze, 

Gold: USA, Beatrice Millan-Windorski

Silver: Dominican Republic, Tamara Aznar

Bronze: Kenya, Tiffany Faith Wanyama 

and the Media Favorite Awards, are:

Asia & Ocean: Australia, Jessica Lane

Europe: Iceland, Hrafnhidur Haraldsdottir

America's: US Virgin Islands, Brianna McSween

and Africa: Cabo Verde, Jasmine Jorgensen 

Unveiling SOX: A Photographer's Ultimate Adventure Through the Hidden Gems of the Southern Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As I prepare to embark on the much-anticipated Landscapes SOX 2024 Photography Tour of SOCCSKSARGEN (SOX), I find myself both excited and energized. The allure of capturing the untouched beauty of the southern Philippines, particularly through the lens of my camera, is nothing short of exhilarating.

The tour officially begins at noon on October 25, 2024, in General Santos City (GenSan), and I am already mentally preparing myself to dive into this unique adventure. I’ve made sure to follow all the essential guidelines set forth by the organizers—from booking flights to keeping my luggage compact for the van ride. This four-day tour, set to end on October 28, promises an immersive experience in some of the most scenic and culturally rich destinations in the region.

A Photographer's Dream: Nature at Its Best

What excites me the most is the sheer diversity of landscapes that SOX has to offer. On Day 1, after settling into the 3G Garden Hotel, the first stop will take us to the coastal mangroves in Malapatan. I’m already envisioning the interplay of light and water as the sun dips below the horizon, a photographer's dream when it comes to coastal shots. Sunsets have always held a special place in my heart, and capturing one against the backdrop of the mangroves will be a perfect start to the tour.

The next day starts early, with a sunrise shoot in Tupi. Nature is at its most serene during these early hours, and I can't wait to capture the tranquility and beauty of the rural landscapes as the first rays of light wash over the land.

The Heart of the Experience: Lake Sebu

On October 26, we’ll journey to Lake Sebu, a place I've always been drawn to due to its cultural and natural richness. I’m eager to shoot the famous waterfalls, including Falls No. 1 and Falls No. 2, using my DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the majesty of these cascades. Shooting these falls will require a sturdy tripod, ensuring that I can get the long-exposure shots that make water appear silky smooth.

The highlight for me, however, will be the cultural immersion at the Gono S'bong traditional Tboli house. The Tboli people are known for their artistry and craftsmanship, and being able to photograph their way of life while listening to their traditional presentations will surely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Day 3: A Symphony of Sights

Day 3 starts with another early morning, as we head to the Lotus Garden of Lake Sebu for a sunrise shoot. I’m particularly excited about this location, as the beauty of the lotus flowers, combined with the morning light, will offer endless creative possibilities for aerials and portraiture. The day’s itinerary includes a lunch cruise around Lake Sebu, giving us another opportunity to capture stunning views while enjoying the serene waters of this mystical lake.

Wrapping Up in GenSan

Our final day will include an early morning shoot at Tuna Port in General Santos City. This bustling port is known for its vibrant activity, and I can already picture the candid moments waiting to be captured. The dynamism of the port, with fishermen preparing their catch, offers a stark contrast to the serene landscapes we would have encountered over the past days.

As the tour concludes, I’m already imagining the countless photos I’ll have collected—each one a testament to the unparalleled beauty of SOX, from its coastal wonders to its towering waterfalls and cultural treasures. I look forward to sharing these images with the Wazzup Pilipinas community and beyond, showcasing the rich heritage and landscapes of SOCCSKSARGEN.

Final Thoughts

This tour is more than just a photography trip; it’s a journey into the heart of Mindanao, a land rich in both natural beauty and cultural diversity. With every click of the shutter, I aim to preserve not just the visual grandeur of the region, but the stories, traditions, and spirit that make it truly unique.

As I join my fellow photographers on this tour, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and anticipation. Through the lens of Wazzup Pilipinas, I hope to bring SOX closer to the hearts of our readers, highlighting why the Philippines is not just a destination for business, but also for leisure, adventure, and cultural exploration.

Stay tuned as I embark on this journey, camera in hand, ready to capture the soul of SOX!

The Evolution of Media: How Social Platforms Reshape Communication Dynamics

 

Social media platforms have revolutionized how we keep informed about current events, interact with people, and exchange knowledge. They play a role in shaping our communication in today's society. Recognizing these changes is crucial for maneuvering through the media world and maximizing social media networks' benefits.

The Democratization of Communication

The way we talk to each other today has been shaped by the media. It's simpler for people to make and share their content now. Back in the day news mainly came from newspapers, TV, and radio. But now platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram allow anyone with an internet connection to voice their thoughts and connect with others worldwide. This shift gives people and communities the power to have conversations express their views and showcase different perspectives without relying on traditional news sources.

The Rise of Real-Time Interaction

Social media platforms offer a way for people to express their opinions and connect with others instantly. Users can share their thoughts on posts join discussions and interact with content in real time. This swift flow of information not only spreads news but also sparks engaging conversations. Staying connected, during events and significant news moments is vital as it keeps individuals informed and involved through timely updates and active participation.

The Influence of Social Algorithms

Social media sites use algorithms to personalize content for users based on their preferences and interactions. These algorithms influence what appears in users' feeds shaping the information that people see and engage with. While this personalization improves the experience by showing relevant content it can also lead to echo chambers where individuals mostly encounter opinions that match their existing beliefs. This effect has the power to reinforce group thinking and restrict exposure, to different viewpoints, affecting the depth of public conversations. The influence of influencers and smaller-scale influencers is noteworthy.

Media growth has introduced a group of communicators called influencers and micro-influencers. They have become well-known on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube by using their impact to sway opinions and set trends. Influencers tap into their image and the connections they’ve built with their followers to endorse products express thoughts and spark conversations. This change has revolutionized conventional marketing and public relations approaches as companies and entities increasingly partner, with influencers to connect with their audiences in a genuine and relatable way.

The Impact on Traditional Media

The growing impact of media is transforming the way traditional news outlets function. News organizations and broadcasters are leveraging these platforms to enrich their narratives engage with audiences and boost traffic to their websites. Social media plays a role in disseminating news interacting with viewers and enhancing brand recognition. Nevertheless, this transition presents challenges like adjusting to evolving algorithms handling audience involvement and addressing concerns regarding misinformation and misleading news content.

The Emergence of New Communication Norms

The way we talk on social media has brought about new rules and traditions that shape how we interact with others online. Emojis, hashtags, and memes let us express our feelings in ways beyond just using words. Moreover, private messages and group chats offer spaces for conversations while public posts and stories encourage engagement. It's crucial to recognize these evolving communication norms today as they influence how our messages are perceived and understood. The Role of Media in Social Movements Social media platforms have become powerful tools for driving social change and activism. They serve as channels to organize events raise awareness and gather support for various causes. Movements like #MeToo, Black Lives Matter, and climate activism have harnessed the influence of media to spread their messages reach audiences, and bring about significant societal changes. The capacity to share information and coordinate actions highlights the profound impact that media has on shaping modern social movements and advocacy initiatives.

Conclusion

Social media has changed the way we connect. These platforms make it easier to create content that draws inspiration from traditional media while offering new ways to express ourselves. They have also changed how we communicate and share information. In this ever-changing environment, it’s important to recognize the role of media in shaping our relationships, building connections, and sparking discussions. By embracing these changes while being aware of their impact, we can leverage the potential of media platforms to improve communication and drive positive outcomes.