INSTEAD of having a new gown made for her comeback performance in the Sinulog festival on Sunday, Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia is reusing a terno she wore in 2006.
Cebuano designer Philip Rodriguez said he would restyle the gown he made for her when she was Cebu governor.
“This was her (initiative) — to attune ourselves with the Year of the Poor and Pope Francis’ vision of being humble. Nothing ostentatious. Just enough, not over the top,” he told Cebu Daily News.
Garcia will join the Sandiego Dance Company members and has the prominent role of carrying an image of the Sto. Niño as she dances the sinulog as a prayer offering.
The white gown with a fully-beaded top and a silk organdy skirt will be restyled into a Maria Clara dress.
“We’re taking away the sleeves and putting additional embellishments,” said Rodriguez. Some layers will be added to the skirt.
Its timeless design is a hallmark of Rodriguez’s creations.
“This was created for her about eight years ago but she can still wear it today,” he said.
A headdress will be made by Mark Tenchavez of Cebu-based Shandar to complement the gown.
“Simple, functional, elegant, and understated – that is what we are trying to pull off with this ensemble,” said Rodriguez, who was only asked last Tuesday to make the adjustments.
Despite the short notice, it will be ready before Garcia takes the stage tomorrow at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Garcia started rehearsing with the dance company last Tuesday at the barangay Tinago gym in Cebu City. The last time she danced in the Sinulog Festival was in Jan. 20, 2013, an annual commitment made during her nine-year term.
At the time, she was on her 33rd day of a stay-in protest and refused to vacate the Governor’s Office after she was served a six-month preventive suspension by Malacañang.
She emerged onstage in a white Cary Santiago gown, danced for 10 minutes with a Sto. Niño in her arms, then returned to the Capitol.