John Ablaza, the Philippines’ first eco-couture international designer, artistry, hammered a pointed message when he mixed the artistry of the Mangyan tribe in the Philippines and drum up environmental awareness in an event at the Celebrity Plaza in Hollywood.
In this auspicious time that environmental awareness has become a serious concern, Ablaza’s joining the bandwagon as an “eco-couture” highlights importance of environmental consciousness.
Just what is “eco-culture”? Simply it is a profound awareness of the environment “where a product is created and produced with consideration to environmental and social impacts of materials used, the design process and production.”
Million Dollar Bowtie: John Ablaza, Philippines’ first eco-couture international designer and international model and actor Devon Spence share light moment at the “Million Dollar Bowtie Launch” event at Celebrity Plaza.
Ablaza, an agriculturist and horticulturist, has a serious has also embraced an advocacy for the Mangyans of Mindoro in the Philippines whose ingenuity and exquisite craftsmanship are highlighted in his creations. He spent years training the tribal community to create beautiful gowns, suits and – now bowties – which were proudly showcased at the “Million Dollar Bowtie Launch” event which doubled up as a fundraiser for charity causes.
Ablaza blends his creative genius with the exquisite ingenuity of the Mangyan’s ancient methods which include creating special fabrics out of tree barks which he “eventually shapes into leaves or flowers”. Common items in his environment – coconut shells, wood, plant seeds, reed grass and sea shells, to name a few – turn into work of art in the hands of the versatile couturier.
Climaxing the event was a $1.3 -M bowtie with 19 carats of diamonds “with a
11.5-carat diamond at the center” worn by Devon Spence, an international model and actor.
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Brian Tom: ABAOC Community Advocate of the Year
Community Advocate of the Year: Brian Tom, (second from left), is this year’s “Community Advocate of the Year” awardee of the Asian Business Association of Orange and shared honors with others for their service in the community. Deprived of sight, Brian who is also a Visionary Speaker has inspired many for his determination and success as an entrepreneur.
Brian Tom is a self-driven entrepreneur who started his first company, California Educational Centers (CEC), when he was barely 20 years old. Losing his eyesight a year later to glaucoma did not prevent him from accomplishing his dream. His company which had no student and 3 employees to start with has grown to 10,000 students per week and a staff of 1000 who share his mission of “Helping Young Minds Cross Finish Lines!”
Brian’s philosophy is centered in two words only – “No Excuses” – which has led him to organize the non-profit Blind Start of America Foundation with a mission of “helping the blind cross finish lines”. His Dragon Boat Race Team is the first American blind team to represent the U.S. at the Club Crew World Champions in Australia slated in March of 2016. He joined six other awardees of the Asian Business Association of Orange County who were recognized at the 20th Annual Recognition and Awards Gala in Garden Grove.