What: Marco Polo Davao’s 4th edition of Fashion & Fusion. The 2014-founded event that embraces Davao culture, heritage, arts and cuisine, and celebrates the best of the region’s talents and flavors.
Where: MPD lobby.
Who came: Fashion enthusiasts, food lovers, and the artisans of the Davao tribes.
This year’s edition, Marco Polo celebrates the best of Davao’s homegrown brands— NIñOFRANCO by Wilson Limon and the products of the Food Processors Association of Davao City (FOODPAD).
“We are partnering with NIñOFRANCO because we support his advocacy of promoting Mindanaon culture as well as the livelihood program they give to these Mindanaoan tribes— Bagobo Tagawa, Blaan, Tagakaolo and Tboli. On the other hand, supporting local products means supporting local enterprises. This is an opportunity for Davao-made products to be highlighted and noticed by potential buyers,” said MPD General Manager Dottie Wurgler Cronin.
The hotel also became a platform to showcase the creativity of the other Davao artists – accessories of Maan Chua, photography and visual arts of Jowe Posadas, floral arrangements from Happy Succulents; the home accessories of T’nalak Homes; and the antique collection of Architect Jose Racho. All these, including Limon’s collection are displayed at the hotel lobby.
 |
| Davao tableau at the hotel lobby |
 |
| Models in NiñoFranco. Joining them are Mons Romulo & GeneRose Tecson |
As an avid supporter of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Marco Polo also worked with the designer to come up with limited pieces of Designer Collection Philippine Eagle plush toys. The huggable representations of the National Bird were accessorized with NIñOFRANCO Tangkulo-inspired scarfs and presented at the runway for auction.
 |
| Making conservation in fashion. The Philippine eagles on the runway, fashioned for auction. |
 |
| Philippine Eagle plush toys for auction |
 |
| The tribes are truly the stars of the event. T’boli Cluster Head & NCCA-SCCAT Michael Yambok, Lolita Labos-Tagakaolo, Imelda Licardo-Tagakaolo, Maribeth Ditan-Blaan and Biya Narcisa Costan Celestino-Tagakaolo |
Meet the organizers and guests:
 |
| The organizer (center), Marco Polo GM Dottie Wurgler Cronin, with event co-presentors, Olive Puentespina of Malagos Cheese & Jovie Fernandez of T’nalak Home. |
.jpg)
