Celebrating Filipino Heritage Month Through Fashion

CBFY was honored to be a part of the Hablon Canada 2026 Charity Gala Fashion Show on June 27th at The Westin Calgary. 

Presented by the Philippine Consulate General Emma Sarne, in cooperation with Honorary Consulate General Emeritus Felixberto Guerrero, Hablon Canada 2026 celebrated Filipino Heritage Month while raising funds to support both the Iloilo Hablon Weavers Association and The Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth. The event recognized the important work of both organizations and their commitment to cultural preservation and community development.  

Filipina designer Jaki Peñalosa presented her traditional handwoven hablon textiles at the fashion show. Peñalosa is an internationally renowned designer who fuses Filipino textiles with contemporary fashion styles, creating intricate and beautiful pieces. 

Hablon is a traditional hand-woven fabric from the Visayas region of the Philippines. It is traditionally woven on a loom from cotton, pineapple fiber, and banana fiber.   

At the event, Peñalosa received an award from the Philippine Consulate General in recognition of her dedication to promoting and preserving Philippine heritage through textiles and fashion. 

Thank you to Emma Sarne and Felixberto Guerrero for hosting such a wonderful event to celebrate Filipino Heritage Month. Thank you, Jaki Peñalosa, for sharing your beautiful fashion designs with us!  

We were incredibly honored to attend, support, and be a part of the Hablon Canada 2026 Charity Gala Fashion Show!