Catanduanes State University

At the forefront facing the eastern pacific seaboard, is the Catanduanes State University, one of the distinguished state universities in the region. Driven by firm resolve in upholding the tradition of excellence through united front and consistent spirit.

Fashion Exhibit featuring Catandunganon designers’ creations now open at CatSU Lobby

Arts and Culture

Showcasing stunning creations made of eco-friendly materials like abaca fiber, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) launched its weeklong Fashion Exhibit at the university lobby today, July 29, celebrating the creativity and talent of the university’s Garments, Fashion, and Design (GFD) students, alumni, and educators.

Organized by the Center for Catandungan Heritage and the Arts (CCHA), the fashion exhibit will run until August 9, 2024, and offer a sensory journey as it features more than 30 garments with different unique and colorful designs.

“Every piece is beautiful, and seeing them all evokes a sense of pride,” CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza expressed as he graced the event this morning.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo also said that “these works are more than just products; they are our heritage and arts,”

Among the highlights is the abaca-inspired costume worn by Ron Madrigal at the Ginoong Pilipinas 2024, which won Best National Costume, honoring the hard work of abacaleros and was crafted by Joven Añonuevo, a CatSU-GFD instructor, and Joshua Balbaderos, a CatSU-GFD student from Bohol.

Another notable piece is an elegant Filipiniana gown created by GFD alumnus Julius Eric Cuison, which was recently featured on ABS-CBN News, transforming abaca fibers into a sophisticated fashion statement.

During the exhibit’s opening, Añonuevo shared advice with aspiring fashion designers: “Pirmi natong pairalin ang puso at damdamin, bago ang isip, ta minsan sa isip, diyan may halong inggit.”

Dr. Azanza expressed hope that these creations will gain further exposure through the university's official social media channels and publications like The Herald and The CatSU Statesman.

“All these unique and beautiful pieces deserve to be seen by the world, as it speaks about the Catandunganon culture and arts. It represents who we are,” he concluded.

According to CCHA Director Francis B. Tatel, the creations on display will also be featured in an upcoming fashion show next month.









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