Previously, On Project Runway Philippines
Season 2 of Project Runway Philippines begins with the most explosive episode yet!
Episode 15 – The Final Runway (Part 2)
The final three designers are in a flurry of preparations for the runway show, putting finishing touches on their collection and tweaking their accessory choices for the models. Of all, it’s Russell who has the most to do, with a big chunk of his collection remaining unfinished. Santi, who has finished earlier, generously helps him attach zippers—he feels that it’s important that all three of them put on a show that’s presentable, and that’s why he chooses to help. Manny is also pressed to finish because most of his final tweaks consist of pieces that require hand-stitching, but he can’t help feeling excited all the same about the runway show, since it’s the culmination of all the hard work he has accomplished for the sake of his family.
After only a few hours of sleep, the designers wake up to face D-Day. They’re all strangely calm until they arrive at the SMX Convention Center for the show and they see the actual runway: Santi has been to Philippine Fashion Week before but feels that being there for Project Runway Philippines is definitely something on an entirely different level; Manny is outwardly calm, but overwhelmed on the inside, since this is his first fashion show; Russell is wowed by the set and the reality of it all.
As the VIPs and who’s who of the Philippine fashion industry file into the hall, the designers prepare their models for the show backstage. Nerves start to fray as the minutes tick by—both Russell and Santi feel like throwing up as they’re checking to see everything’s ready. Jojie comes backstage to inform them that Manny will be showing first, followed by Santi and then Russell. He gives them a final pep talk that makes them feel that they have already won by just reaching this point in the competition.
Manny’s collection showcases his attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship. Meanwhile, Santi’s flowing drapes and beads show his flair for the dramatic. Finally, Russell’s quirky style perfectly embraces the inspiration he drew from Philippine birds.
The judges are critical and exacting of what they see on the runway, since it’s the last impression that the designers will leave in people’s minds and their final chance to show what they’ve got. Fashion legend Inno Sotto lauds Russell’s creative use of color and his concept, but says that he lost focus. Marco Muggianu, guest judge from Istituto Marangoni, agrees that his collection didn’t look like one cohesive palette but twelve different ones. The judges, meanwhile, like Manny’s technical constructions and think that they all belong in one collection, but that they seem limited in imagination. As for Santi’s collection, they think he gave a good show, but are thrown off by his lengthy explanation, especially as it didn’t translate to his clothes.
It’s an excruciatingly painful and difficult decision for the judges. On one hand, they recognize Russell’s vision and strong point of view in fashion, but balk at his sloppy technical skills. Manny, on the other hand, has the craftsmanship to become a great designer, but needs a huge creativity boost to realize his full potential. Do they give the prize to someone who has the vision now or to someone who may have it in the future?
In the end, the judges feel that Manny is the stronger designer because he has the ability to carry out his wearable designs perfectly and make it big in the business of Philippine fashion. Manny is declared the winner of Project Runway Philippines Season 2!
Your favorite fashion reality series is back with 13 new designer hopefuls and the fashion authorities you love to watch!
Project Runway Philippines is ready to give you another season of delicious episodes filled with more innovative challenges, more exciting guests and a more talented group of brash, new designers. Expect to be glued to your TV screens as the season unfolds and reveals who’s poised to take the Philippine fashion community by storm with their unique vision and design supremacy.
Returning to spearhead the show is a powerhouse cast consisting of host and international model Teresa Herrera, fashion designer Rajo Laurel and supermodel Apples Aberin as judges, and fashion designer Jojie Lloren, who will serve as mentor to the contestants throughout their journey to Philippine Fashion Week.
Designers will be given challenges that will test their skills and allow them to present their design philosophies. Each week, one designer will be eliminated until it’s down to three contestants. The Final 3 will each be given a chance to showcase a collection at Philippine Fashion Week, where the judges will declare who has the best collection and is the winner of Project Runway Philippines. The ultimate designer will receive P500,000 in cash, an editorial spread in Preview Magazine, sewing machines from Brother International, a designer package from Mannequin Inc., and a summer scholarship package from School of Fashion and the Arts' European Partner school, Instituto Marangoni.
But is Season 2’s batch of designers ready for the rigors of reality TV? This competition may prove to be a baptism of fire for the many different personalities and stories converging on the runway.
What makes Project Runway Philippines unique—and very Filipino—are the deep friendships formed and the designers’ self-realizations as they travel the challenging road to Philippine Fashion Week. The show is not about the separate journeys of each designer; it’s about design excellence. This is what sets it apart from other editions around the world.
However, only one designer will be the winner of Project Runway Philippines. Who will it be? Find out as the season begins this August. Watch the season premiere on August 12, 2009 at 10 pm on ETC (SBN 21, Sky Cable – Ch. 16, Global Destiny – Ch. 30, Cable Link – Ch. 48 and Smart myTV).
