Bantawan Productions Joins EC Entertainment at New York Fashion Week 2025

Bantawan Productions proudly participated in New York Fashion Week 2025: Season 2, joining EC Entertainment + Media and My Runway Project for an inspiring celebration of fashion, culture, heritage, and emerging young talent.

Held on September 13, 2025, at 160 Central Park West in New York City, the event brought together designers, models, artists, producers, and fashion enthusiasts for an afternoon of bold runway presentations and cultural storytelling.

One of the event’s featured presentations was “T’nalak and Inaul Fabric: Threads of Tradition, Runway of Dreams,” a showcase presented by SocSKSarGen-USA, Inc. The collection celebrated the beauty of indigenous Filipino textiles, particularly the distinctive T’nalak tradition of the T’boli people, reimagined for the international fashion stage.

The T’nalak Collection, designed by Tonet Villarmino Dacilla, was showcased by Zipphora Parks Suarez, who brought elegance, confidence, and a strong artistic presence to the runway.

Zipphora has been immersed in the performing arts since the age of three, beginning her journey at Lucy Music School and performing at prestigious venues such as Merkin Hall and Lincoln Center. A gifted musician, she began playing the violin at an early age and later expanded her repertoire to include the guitar.

Her artistic background also includes ballet, pop, and jazz dance, as well as membership in the National Children’s Chorus of America. She has appeared in several stage productions, including Freaky Friday, Grease, and the Broadway-style musical Oh Lala Filipinas at Symphony Space in New York City.

Currently pursuing a degree in Psychology, Zipphora continues to combine her passion for performance with her interest in human behavior, bringing depth, emotion, and confidence to every artistic endeavor.

Celebrating the Next Generation of Fashion

Bantawan Productions and HANZ LLC also proudly presented young models Aemzara Lidewij Suarez, Huni Andrea Suarez, and Elaina Venice Suarez in the Kids Runway presentation featuring the creative designs of Joselito Cabungcal.

The collection transformed the runway into a joyful celebration of youth, imagination, confidence, and individuality. Each young model brought her own personality and artistic energy to the show, demonstrating that children’s fashion can be both playful and powerful.

Aemzara Lidewij Suarez

Aemzara is a bright and multi-talented student who excels academically and artistically. Selected for the New York City Department of Education’s Gifted and Talented Program, she has consistently earned High Honors, including the Highest Honor Principal’s Award for scholastic excellence.

Beyond academics, Aemzara expresses herself through music. She plays the ukulele and guitar, sings, and has a special love for the music of The Cranberries. She is also an active member of Kids That Code, where she combines her artistic interests with her curiosity for technology.

Her runway appearance reflected the same focus, creativity, and quiet confidence that she brings to her academic and artistic pursuits.

Huni Andrea Suarez

Huni is a naturally gifted performer with a passion for music, fashion, writing, and the performing arts. Also selected for the New York City Department of Education’s Gifted and Talented Program, she consistently ranks on the academic High Honors list.

Huni began playing the piano by ear at the age of two and has continued to develop her talents as a singer, dancer, and actress. She also enjoys recreating and styling clothing, modeling, and expressing her ideas through writing.

On the runway, Huni brought vibrant energy, confidence, and personality, embodying the creativity and bold spirit of Joselito Cabungcal’s Kids Collection.

Elaina Venice Suarez

Elaina is a bright, curious, and creative student who consistently earns a place on the academic Honors list. She dreams of becoming a fashionable chef, combining her love for cooking with her natural flair for style and presentation.

She is also a proud member of Kids That Code, where she explores technology and develops her problem-solving skills. Comfortable in front of the camera, Elaina enjoys modeling and expressing herself through fashion.

Her appearance at New York Fashion Week allowed her confidence and joyful personality to shine, making her a memorable part of the children’s runway presentation.

Fashion, Heritage, and Representation

Bantawan Productions’ participation in New York Fashion Week 2025 reflected its continuing commitment to promoting Filipino artistry, cultural heritage, and emerging talent.

Through the presentation of the T’nalak Collection and the participation of Zipphora, Aemzara, Huni, and Elaina Suarez, the runway became more than a display of clothing. It became a platform for cultural pride, creative expression, family, and representation.

The event was presented by EC Entertainment + Media, together with My Runway Project, in collaboration with Kubo Productions LLC, Skinthetics NY, EVE Mobile App, and Core Assist.

Bantawan Productions and HANZ LLC extend their appreciation to the designers, organizers, production teams, photographers, families, and supporters who helped make the event a meaningful and memorable celebration of Filipino culture and fashion in New York City.