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Legacy in Bloom

<p>A lovely Saturday at &quot;Legacy in Bloom,&quot; a slow afternoon of conscious fashion, thoughtful cuisine, and community coming together for a shared vision. Beyond a social gathering, it supports a worthy cause.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:463px;display:block" width="463"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776307354749Legacy in Bloom 25.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:463px" width="463"/><span class="fr-inner">Nini Veloso, founder of Sunshine Club, with some of the the club&#x27;s beneficiaries during Legacy in Bloom </span></span></span></div><p>A portion of the proceeds will go to Sunshine Club, founded by Nini Veloso in 2006. What began as a small backyard initiative providing daily meals to 60 children at Kalayaan Elementary School in Pasay City has grown into a program that has helped hundreds of children, improving their nutrition, education, and overall well-being.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776307534810Maria Luisa Garden Room Legacy in Bloom.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:479px"/></div><p>At the heart of the experience was the Maria Luisa Garden Room, a refined garden brasserie nestled within the club. Its European flair, natural light, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow offers a calm, elegant setting, perfect for intimate gatherings.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776307829434Maria Luisa Garden Room Legacy in Bloom Indoor.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><strong>Plot-to-plate philosophy </strong></div><p>The luncheon was guided by a plot-to-plate philosophy led by Tanya Chua Mercado. Ingredients such as arugula, lettuce, basil, dill, oregano, rosemary, talinum, and edible flowers were freshly harvested from the garden, while seafood and meats were sourced from trusted local producers. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776308278158Spinach Legacy in Bloom.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:457px"/></div><p>The menu reflects simplicity and care, elevated by refined techniques and Continental influences. Guests began with a Hibiscus &amp; Lemongrass drink and French wines, followed by Tuna Carpaccio with Foie Gras Mousse, Marinated Rainbow Medley, and garden-fresh Maria Luisa Salad.</p><p>Main courses include Negros Crab Pasta with caviar and truffle, and a slow-braised Persian-style Beef Stew. The meal concluded with a Banana &amp; Jackfruit Mille-Feuille, served with crèmeux and vanilla ice cream.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:507px;display:block" width="507"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776353205983Chef Tanya Legacy in Bloom_Final.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="507" style="width:507px"/><span class="fr-inner">Chef Tanya Chua Mercado</span></span></span></div><div><strong>Intergenerational garden fashion show featuring Filipina designers</strong></div><p><strong></strong>The intergenerational garden fashion show, featuring women of different ages, showcased how style connects across generations, with pieces crafted from local weaves, <em>jusi</em>, and indigenous fabrics.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776309536749Legacy in Bloom 17.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:502px"/> <strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Twinkle Ferraren </strong></div><p><strong></strong>Twinkle Ferraren<strong> </strong>is an independent fashion and textile designer known for her work in Philippine indigenous fabrics, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. </p><p>When asked what compelled her to be part of Legacy in Bloom, Twinkle shares, &quot;I think the fact that there&#x27;s this little &quot;hidden&quot; beautiful, somewhat like a secret garden in the middle of the city, is already compelling for me; someone who has moved to the mountains to be closer to nature, it&#x27;s nice to be in spots in the city that make you feel &quot;cradled&quot; amongst nature.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776308856408Legacy in Bloom 14.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:476px"/></div><p>She adds, &quot;Aside from the food and garden surroundings, it was a good moment for me to be able to showcase my collections under my TWINKLE * FERRAREN label once again. Many times we end up doing many different things because of adulting, growing up, having to survive, pivot, or picking up certain responsibilities and you kind of forget who you were or what your original vision, mission, dreams were for your artistry and craft. And so being part of this show gave me that chance to be able to share who or what my label stands for ever since.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776308888451Legacy in Bloom 15.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:491px"/></div><p>With over 15 years of experience, her practice is rooted in a deep exploration of Filipino identity, studying native motifs, weaving traditions, and natural materials across the archipelago. Her work reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, cultural preservation, and handmade artistry.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776308940529Legacy in Bloom 16.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:514px"/></div><p>Through her bespoke label TWINKLE * FERRAREN, as well as projects such as STYLE ISLE, WEAVE ART WORKSHOP, and ART WEAVE, she collaborates closely with artisan communities, creating pieces that are both modern and deeply connected to heritage. Her collections have been showcased locally and internationally, bringing Philippine textiles to a wider global audience.</p><p>On what makes Legacy in Bloom meaningful, Twinkle shares, &quot;Most of all, many of the pieces from my collections shown were created with and for the artisans and the communities, to keep these arts and crafts alive.&quot;</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:508px;display:block" width="508"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776306536864Twinkle Ferraren Legacy in Bloom.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="508" style="display:block;width:508px;height:auto"/><span class="fr-inner">Twinkle Ferraren</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Ruby Diaz Roa</strong> is a dedicated advocate for Philippine textiles and Filipino fashion, known for her efforts to promote the country&#x27;s rich cultural heritage. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776309004408Legacy in Bloom 20.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:410px"/></div><p>As a founding member of Habi Textile Council, she championed sustainable practices, empowered local artisans, and inspired people to buy local. Through her work, Ruby continues to foster appreciation for Philippine textiles as vital to the nation’s identity and economic development.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776309051270Legacy in Bloom 7.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:428px"/></div><p>Ruby shares, &quot;I started my little curio shop here in the Makati Garden Club with the idea of encouraging designers, fashion conscious men and women, to use the local textiles and the ethnic embroideries on their daily wear. The fashion show was a great opportunity to demonstrate and show all we have developed.&quot;</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776309092130Legacy in Bloom 6.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:439px"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Camille Villanueva</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><p><strong></strong>Camille Villanueva<strong></strong> is a prominent slow fashion designer, known for seamlessly blending traditional Filipino textiles with contemporary design. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776309169411Legacy in Bloom 9.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:453px"/></div><p>She began her journey with a vintage boutique in Makati, where she sold curated pieces before transitioning into creating her own vintage-inspired designs, many of which quickly sold out. This early success led her to pursue formal training at Central Saint Martins in London, specializing in couture tailoring and draping. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776309200929Legacy in Bloom 11.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:433px"/></div><p>With over a decade in the industry, Camille has built a distinct voice rooted in sustainability and cultural preservation. Her work features handwoven cotton from Kalinga, delicate<em> Jusi</em> fabric, handwoven silk from Bacolod, and natural dyes, each piece reflecting craftsmanship, heritage, and individuality. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776309235331Legacy in Bloom 8.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:423px"/></div><p>Her collections highlight the beauty of Filipino textiles through modern silhouettes, resulting in garments that are refined, thoughtful, and uniquely one of a kind. </p><p>Camille shares, &quot;I’ve always wanted to do a garden fashion show. Makati Garden Club is so charming and the location is very convenient for everyone. Chef Tanya and Twinkle are friends of mine and they’re fun to work with too.&quot; </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:415px;display:block" width="415"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776306183057Camille Villanueva Legacy in Bloom.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:415px" width="415"/><span class="fr-inner">Camille Villanueva</span></span></span></div><p>She adds, &quot;It was meaningful to me to see grandmothers, daughters, and granddaughters sharing a memorable experience together. I was close to my <em>Lola</em> and fashion was something we shared and enjoyed; she taught me how to have fun in dressing up. (She passed away a year and a half ago.) I was happy to see the women having this similar memory w their <em>Lolas</em>, moms, and <em>apos</em>.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Alessandra Perez-Rubio Loverde</strong></div><p><strong></strong>Alessandra Perez-Rubio Loverde<strong></strong> is the co-founder of Mestiza New York, a contemporary fashion brand known for its vintage-inspired evening wear and cocktail attire. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776309321511Legacy in Bloom 4.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:447px"/></div><p>When asked what brought her to participate in Legacy in Bloom, Alessandra says, &quot;My mother actually brought it up! I thought it was such a wonderful opportunity to show off my designs in the Philippines, something I rarely get to do since we are based in New York. What was even more special is that the pieces were curated by her, pieces that I have gifted her over the past 10 years of being in business. It was like a little time capsule telling the Mestiza story from when we started to today.&quot;</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776309357851Legacy in Bloom 5.jpg" style="width:451px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><p>Born in the Philippines and now based in New York City, she launched the company in 2015 alongside her college friend, Louisa Rechter. The brand&#x27;s identity is deeply rooted in their shared heritage, drawing inspiration from Filipino Heritage. Her designs often feature modern interpretations of traditional Filipino silhouettes and handwoven fabrics.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776309481332Legacy in Bloom 19.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:472px"/>Alessandra shares, &quot;It was so meaningful that it was held at the Makati Garden Club, in Maria Luisa&#x27;s cafe, the restaurant named after my late grandmother, whom I lovingly called Abueling. She was such an inspiration behind the collection, and for the event to be held there felt like such a full circle moment!</div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:443px;display:block" width="443"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776305501143Legacy in Bloom 3.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="443" style="width:443px"/><span class="fr-inner">Alessandra Perez-Rubio Loverde</span></span></span></div><p>The show was directed and choreographed by Mindy Perez-Rubio, Chairman of the Makati Garden Club and President of Repertory Philippines. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:521px;display:block" width="521"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1776305645942Legacy in Bloom 21.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="521" style="width:521px"/><span class="fr-inner">Bibing Villanueva, Frannie Jacinto, Camille Villanueva, Mindy Perez-Rubio</span></span></span></div><p>Her involvement is deeply personal, continuing a legacy that began with her mother-in-law, Maria Luisa, the club’s founder. She shaped the presentation to feel seamless and natural, highlighting both the designs and the individuality of the women wearing them.</p><div><em>Photos by Michelle Volante</em></div>

<p>Legacy in Bloom brings together Filipino fashion, thoughful garden-to-table dining, and a meaningful cause in one elegant afternoon at the Makati Garden Club.</p>

Legacy in Bloom brings together Filipino fashion, thoughful garden-to-table dining, and a meaningful cause in one elegant afternoon at the Makati Garden Club.

Filipino fashion in full bloom: A day of local craft, thoughtful cuisine, and a good cause

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Filipino fashion in full bloom: A day of local craft, thoughtful cuisine, and a good cause

Mawi Fojas De Ocampo

Published April 17, 2026 12:25 AM PHT

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Updated April 17, 2026 12:32 AM PHT

Read More:

Legacy In Bloom

Makati Garden Club

Maria Luisa Garden Room

Twinkle Ferraren

Ruby Diaz Roa

Camille Villanueva

Alessandra Perez Rubio Loverde

Sunshine Club

Philippine Fashion

Filipina Designers

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