SM City Mindpro, in partnership with Isabela City Tourism Office, proudly launched the “Ropa Rampa Cultural Fashion Exhibit”, a vibrant celebration of local artistry and indigenous textiles, on April 4 at the Level 4 Activity Area. The three-day exhibit, which runs until April 6, showcases the rich heritage of the region through the timeless elegance of Tepo and Tennun apparels.
The event was graced by esteemed guests, including Isabela City Mayor
Hon. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, Isabela City Tourism Officer Claudio Ramos
II, Department of Trade and Industry Zamboanga City-Isabela City Provincial
Director Grace DC Aduca, Zamboanga City Tourism Officer Sarita
Sebastian-Hernandez, Philippine Information Agency IX Regional Director Noemi
Edaga, and Zamboanga City Mayor Hon. John Dalipe represented by Ron Jacob
Orendain. Welcoming the guests were SM City Mindpro’s very own Mall Manager
Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez and Assistant Mall Manager Engr. Rommel Bellen.
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| The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by (L-R) SM City Mindpro Assistant Mall Manager Engr. Rommel Bellen, PIA 9 Regional Director Noemi Edaga, DTI Zamboanga City-Isabela City Provincial Director Grace DC Aduca, SM City Mindpro Mall Manager Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez, Isabela City Mayor Hon. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, Ron Jacob Orendain (representing Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe), Zamboanga City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez, and SM City Mindpro Executive Director Arthur Pee Jay To. |
The exhibit puts a spotlight on the intricate craftsmanship of
Tepo—the traditional woven mats of the Sama and Yakan people—and Tennun, the
handwoven fabric that symbolizes the rich culture of Isabela City and Basilan
Province. These traditional textiles have been thoughtfully transformed into
contemporary fashion pieces, merging tradition with modernity in a way that
honors heritage and inspires pride.
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| Isabela City Mayor Hon. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman |
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| SM City Mindpro Mall Manager Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez |
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| DTI Zamboanga City-Isabela City Provincial Director Grace DC Aduca |
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| PIA 9 Regional Director Noemi Edaga |
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| Ron Jacob Orendain, City Mayor's Office Executive Assistant |
One of the highlights of the launch was a mini fashion show that brought the woven pieces to life. Models strutted the runway wearing finely crafted garments that reflected a fusion of indigenous roots and modern flair, captivating guests and mallgoers alike.
In her message, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman expressed pride in seeing the culture of Isabela City taking the center stage emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting its rich cultural identity, adding that activities like Ropa Rampa provides artisans and communities a platform to showcase their artistry.
Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez, SM City Mindpro’s Mall Manager, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This exhibit is more than a showcase of local fashion—it’s a platform for cultural pride and community empowerment. Through Ropa Rampa, we hope to support local artisans and promote the beauty of the region’s diverse culture.”
SM City Mindpro invites everyone to witness the brilliance of Isabela City’s craftsmanship and explore the stories woven into every fabric. The Ropa Rampa Cultural Fashion Exhibit is open to the public from April 4 to 6, 2025 from 10AM-9PM. (PR)
