A new year for Rajo Laurel

THE first month of the year is turning up roses for designer Rajo Laurel: he's set to represent the Philippines in Thailand in an artistic presentation on Jan. 30.

- 

The presentation, titled Malikhaing Pinoy: Lahi (roughly translated: Creative Filipino: Race) is part of the partnership Thailand's Creative Economy Agency (CEA) established with the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC), under the Department of Trade and Industry.

The Malikhaing Pinoy Program is a flagship initiative of the government designed to champion and support the Philippines' creative industries. In line with Republic Act No. 11904 (An Act Providing for the Development and Promotion of the Philippine Creative Industries, and Appropriating Funds Therefor) or PCIDA (The Philippine Creative Industries Development Act), the program aims to nurture Filipino creativity, protect cultural heritage, and promote local artisans and entrepreneurs on both domestic and international stages.

Mr. Laurel is leading the pack, with other designers set to show their accessories alongside his clothes in Thailand. These collaborators include Arnel Papa, Celestina Maristela Ocampo, Cholo Ayuyao, Monchét Diokno Olives, and MX Studios by Maxine Santos Tuaño.

During a preview last month at Bonifacio Global City's Manila House, Mr. Laurel showed off some of the creations, each with names evocative of Philippine culture, set to show in Bangkok

The Mestiza (a word used for a mixed-race woman) reinterprets the traditional palda (skirt) and