The Department of Tourism officials came in full force for a fund-raising gala organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association Philippines Chapter at the Manila Hotel on 12 May.

The association celebrated its golden year by raising funds through a fashion show that would help restore and rebuild communities within the three neighboring towns of the province of Laguna — Cavinti, Lumban and Pagsanjan.

Clad in elegant and intricately weaved Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog, DoT Secretary Christina Frasco and her husband walked the finale of the show wearing a Renee Salud creation.

The tourism chief was joined by esteemed tourism stakeholders and veteran players in the travel and hospitality sector including PATA International former chief executive officer Liz Ortiguera, Tourism Congress of the Philippines president Bob Zozobrado and Philippine Airlines president and chief operating officers Capt. Stanley Ng.

DoT Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation Coordination and Resource Generation Shahlimar Hofer Tamano was also dashing in Wear Your Culture’s modern take on the Filipino Barong, as well as DoT’s marketing arm, Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer Marga Nograles and her husband, Civil Service Commission chairperson Karlo Nograles, who both showcased the creation of Cebu’s fashion designer Philip Rodriguez.