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The launch of visionary fashion designer Maria Fernandina “Ditta” Rosario Sandico’s book, “It’s a Wrap: Unraveling the Future of Fashion,” became more than a literary event — it was a celebration of culture, storytelling, art, and her four-decade journey shaping Philippine fashion through fabric and weaving.

Article (news)

Leah C. Salterio

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778828821877Composite 2 Slanted (4) 1.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Fashion designer Ditta Sandico at the launch of her book &#x27;It&#x27;s a Wrap.&#x27; Handout</div>The launch of veteran fashion designer Maria Fernandina “Ditta” Rosario Sandico’s book, “It’s a Wrap: Unraveling the Future of Fashion,” was more than a literary event but a celebration of culture, storytelling, art, and her four-decade journey shaping Philippine fashion through fabric and weaving.For decades, Sandico has been synonymous with modernized Filipiniana pieces made from indigenous materials. In cooperation with local craftspeople, she developed new fabrics made of Manila hemp, a plant belonging to the banana family and pioneered the use of banaca (banana-abaca) for versatile, structured wraps, modern Filipiniana and accessories made specializing in sustainable, eco-friendly fashion.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778801581655IMG_4014.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Designer Ditta Sandico (center) with author Francine Medina Marquez (left) and editor Gay Zialcita. Photo by the author </div>A fashion merchandising graduate of Tobe-Coburn School in New York, Sandico began her retail career in the family-owned COD department store  in Cubao, Quezon City. By the mid-1980s, she turned to the north for design inspiration.“For 40 years, the different weavers that I met, the places that I went to, here locally or internationally, I’m so thankful to more than a hundred guests who are here today,” Sandico said. “Please allow me to express my deepest gratitude.”The project was proposed by Martin Lopez, executive director of the President’s Committee on Culture at Far Eastern University for FEU Publications.Dr. Rowena Capulong Reyes, vice president for corporate affairs of FEU gave the opening remarks during the book launch last May 13 at YSpace at the Yuchengco Museum in Makati City. “Today, we don’t just gather for a book launch but for a celebration of purpose, vision and deep love for Filipino heritage,” said Reyes.“At FEU, we believe that education extends beyond the classrooms. It gives stories in craftsmanship, communities and preservation of culture. Publishing ‘It’s a Wrap’ is both a privilege and honor for the university.”The book carries the “remarkable” story of Sandico, whose tale has becomes inseparable from her advocacy with the Philippine indigenous fabrics. “Long before sustainability became a global movement, she had already committed herself to championing local weaves, powering artisan communities and proving that Filipino craftsmanship belongs not only to our homes, but to the world stage,” said Reyes.“From mangyan to piña linen, from inabel to banaca, each chapter reminds us that fabric is never just about fabric. It is memory, people, labor, identity and pride. These are the stories of communities, the patience of artisans and the quiet strength of traditions, passed from one generation to another. They are not only materials for fashion, but living expressions of Filipino heritage.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778828944177700293680_10164169749538584_7195554536852352070_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Fashion designer Ditta Sandico at the launch of her book &#x27;It&#x27;s a Wrap.&#x27; Handout</div>“It’s a Wrap” was written by Palanca-winning journalist Francine Medina Marquez and edited by Gayle Zialcita. The book draws inspiration from indigenous communities, most notably the Mangyan tribe in Mindoro, whose hardworking and skillful women and their craftsmanship are sometimes overlooked.The Philippine weaves featured in Sandico’s collections have been showcased in major fashion capitals including Helsinki, Paris, Rome, Dubai, Los Angeles, New York, Moscow, Amsterdam, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur, firmly placing local craftsmanship on the global fashion map.“It&#x27;s A Wrap” also offers key lessons and best practices for budding designers who are committed to continuing the crusade to present the wonderful artistry of Philippine weavers and embroiderers to the world.“To encapsulate 40 years of Ditta Sandico&#x27;s journey as a fashion designer, heritage advocate, environmentalist, artist and visionary is a daunting task,” said Marquez.“The more I discovered her work while writing the book, the more unravelling happened about her deep commitment to the weaving communities she works with and supports [from the Mangyan weavers to weavers in Ilocos, Catanduanes and Bulacan] and the extent of where she brought Philippine weaves and her banaca wraps in particular – US, Greece, Hong Kong, Japan, Paris, Italy, Dubai, China, South Africa, and more.“Yet, one thing remains the same despite her success: her humility and sincerity to support her weavers, empower them and proudly show to the world the beautiful weaves from the Philippines that she designed into exquisite wraps and clothes.“Amid challenging times, [Sandico] brings us to this parallel universe of hope, kindness, compassion, positivity, and pride in being Filipino. And for someone who remains brimming with beautiful ideas, a new and even more exciting chapter awaits. Congrats, Ditta! Thank you for the honor and opportunity to tell your inspiring story.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778829020038700471849_10164169749713584_7048196551366026345_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Fashion designer Ditta Sandico at the launch of her book &#x27;It&#x27;s a Wrap.&#x27; Handout</div>Sandico’s only son, David, cannot be any prouder to be with esteemed and distinguished guests who attended the launch. “In 1985, our protagonist was given the challenge of birthing, unfortunately, a son,” he said. “That challenge was vindicated with her delicate balance of handling a fashion empire where she does it today with all smiles and a gleaming heart.“I imagined myself during that moment, where all the troubles in life would be crumbling down – starting a family. I, myself, am now starting a family. All those challenges within, she has been able to bring about the best in her. Thank you for introducing to the world and bringing our country to greater heights with our local community and your assistance to the fabric.”<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778802047559IMG_4008.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778802068279IMG_4006.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Photos by the author</div>TV host Cory Quirino is proud to be Sandico’s cousin. “Dreams are free, they say,” said Quirino. “But they need wings to take flight. This lady  had a dream to visit the indigenous communities and to promote their traditional pathways. That dream has manifested to something you can see, experience, enjoy and appreciate“Ditta has a love for heritage and a love for the past. But she also has her eyes firmly fixed on the future. Ditta is heritage. Ditta is tradition, but beyond that, she is the kindest Ditta.”

The launch of veteran fashion designer Maria Fernandina “Ditta” Rosario Sandico’s book, “It’s a Wrap: Unraveling the Future of Fashion,” was more than a literary event but a celebration of culture, storytelling, art, and her four-decade journey shaping Philippine fashion through fabric and weaving.

The launch of veteran fashion designer Maria Fernandina “Ditta” Rosario Sandico’s book, “It’s a Wrap: Unraveling the Future of Fashion,” was more than a literary event but a celebration of culture, storytelling, art, and her four-decade journey shaping Philippine fashion through fabric and weaving.

Fashion designer Ditta Sandico marks four decades with book

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Fashion designer Ditta Sandico marks four decades with book

Leah C. Salterio

Published May 15, 2026 03:12 PM PHT

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