Zamboanga's grandest fashion showdown, Mascota de Zamboanga, was held on October 9, 2019 at Astoria Regency Convention Center with the theme "Mascota de Reunion Social" or Mascota for Social Gatherings.

Zamboangueño women claim ownership of the mascota, a formal gown with a fitting bodice, her shoulders draped demurely by a luxuriously embroidered, though stiff, pañuelo and fastened at the breast by a brooch or a medal. The skirt tapers down from the waist but continues on to an extended trail called the cola. The cola may be held on one hand as the lady walks around, or it may likewise by pinned on the waist or slipped up a cord (belt) that holds the dainty abanico or purse.

 The traditional Zamboangueña dress has been limited to formal functions, replaced by the more common shirt, denim jeans, and sneakers for men, and shirts, blouses, skirts or pants, and heeled shoes for women. Here are the spectacular entries of this year's Mascota de Zamboanga through the lens of Mr. Al-Shariff Aguil of Al-Shariff Photography.


"Persona" by Chris Arakan
Señorita Jessa Santos
This piece is intended for a Masquerade, a ball where attendees wear costumes and masks in a night of entertainment and celebration. The dominant color that is used is black, which symbolizes mystery, formality and sophistication, and green. "Persona" is a latin word which means mask.


"Rosalinda" by Junikko Santos
Señorita Jesreel Ramas
This red mascota is inspired by the romantic rose, a flower which symbolizes love, passion, courage, strength and power. The piece is decorated with rose petals and glittering crystals which exudes elegance and beauty.

"Paraluman" by Sharynel Anne Veradio
Señorita Ella Jane Gadia
This mascota is named after an iconic actress which became a symbol of Filipina beauty. Inspired by the golden era of cinema, this sophisticated dress is meant to be worn in theaters or sarzuelas. The skirt is made of floral print silk and the upper part is embedded with floral organzas


"Aristocrata" by Harold Ruste Bernabe
Señorita Bebilyn Selin
Inspired by the designer's heritage, this piece takes inspiration from the lustrous porcelain ceramics of the Chinese aristocrats where the name came from. This crown jewel of a Mascota is fit for a royal empress for her grand coronation.


"Tenebris Nocta" by Eddie Villaflor
Señorita Gaymarie Andalis
This purple mascota's title means "dimmed night", inspired by the hues of the twilight. Violet is the color of royalty and magic, which makes this piece a luxurious and enchanting dress that is fit for a grandiose event.


"Victoria" by Nicole Salih
Señorita Reikalen Ishii
An ensemble meant to be worn for a masquerade ball, this impecable mascota represents beauty and sophistication of a modern Zamboangueña.


"Esposa del Inchero" by Usni Sali
Señorita Albi Joy Gonzales
Perhaps the most unique concept of all is this Mascota for a widow who is attending the funeral of his departed beloved husband. The colors black and white symbolizes sadness and purity. The mascota is embellished with crocheted purple and pink flowers.


"Cory" by Orlan Lopez
Señorita Centaime Andrea Smith
Yellow, which is one of the traditional colors of the Philippine flag, inspired this mascota for a modern Filipino social event. It symbolizes optimism and conveys youthful and fresh energy to uplift and illuminate success and confidence to the Zamboangueña.


"Sacerdotisa de Seiryu" by Raustin Siocon
Señorita Gwin Dawami
Inspired by the Azure Chinese dragon constellation deity of east seas, Seiryu. This brilliant masterpiece is studded with hundreds of gemstones that will make any señorita sparkle in a night of glamour.


"Mi Unica Hija" by Glady Rose Pantua
Señorita Shantara Satine Suico
The title means "My only daughter" which is inspired by the young Zamboangueña. The shades of taupe brings out the vintage look. The mascota is embroidered with flowers, symbolizing the blossoming beauty of the señorita.


"Belleza de la Jardin" by Vincci Descalzo (4th Runner-Up)
Señorita Bellatrix Tan
This rose colored ensemble is inspired by a spring garden full of flowers meant to for a young blossoming señorita. Embellished with crystals and handcrafted flowers, this piece will surely make any woman blush and bloom in her grand occassion.


"Traje de Oro" by Geronie Labora (3rd Runner-Up)
Señorita Lyka Nicole Francisco
This golden masterpiece is inspired by Zamboanga Hermosa, the beautiful Zamboanga. The opulent color is a precious metal used for royalty and luxury such as jewelry. The mascota is embedded with golden flowers symbolizing and its rich culture, and the payneta is inspired by the Fort Pilar Shrine.


"Azul Celeste" by Frederic Rodriguez (2nd Runner-up)
Señorita Henkel Julian (Bella de la Noche)
This blue mascota takes inspiration from the "rio encantado" or enchanted river which also called "blue sky" where the title comes from. This evangelical beauty symbolizes divinity, sophistication, and luxury of an "alta sociedad" Zamboangueña ready to shine in any event.


"Aurora" by Hamza Grey Scoff (1st Runner-up)
Señorita Angelica Baird
Inspired by the colors of dawn and the Marian devotion of Zamboangueños. This mascota expresses the religious spirit and strong faith. Embroidered colored represents pure beauty and the season of spring which will make a señorita stand out among the crowd.

"Poderosa" by Erich Miñoza (1st Place)
Señorita Lee Daina Nelson
This year's winning masterpiece expresses women empowerment with its eye-catching beauty. This mascota showcases indigenous patterns and materials celebrating the different ethnicities of Zamboangueña beauty and strength.

Enhorabuena to all winners and to all participating designers for the gorgeous gowns and wonderful show this year!
#ZamboHermosaFest #MasAlegreNaZamboanga