By 
As a last hurrah for Pride month, Avon Philippines mounted the first ever all-queer underwear fashion show held in the Philippines. I found out about this fashion show the day before it took place. I almost missed it, but the good news is that I didn’t because I would have regretted it for weeks. For those who don’t know, I used to be an Avon Lady, which means I used to work for Avon. It was a very, very short stint, but it taught me how vital it is for this worldwide corporation to support key issues and projects, such as diversity and representation especially involving the LGBTQIA community. The proceeds from the show will be donated to Avon’s partner organizations.
It was raining that day, but that did not discourage the supporters who wanted to see the fashion show. It took some time for the event to begin, but the wait was well worth it. The models strut to the music of popular pop icons. Keylyn Trajano, the stunning model, and actress Klea Pineda led the first set to walk and display decorated Avon Intimate Apparels, with Keylyn in pearls and Klea in a skeletal dress. What followed was a group dressed in more colorful intimate apparel, led by Drag Race Philippines season one winner Precious Paula Nicole and viral sensation and King of Catwalk Sinon Loresca. Precious and Sinon, both dressed in rainbow colors, strutted with pride. I must admit, I already went a bit mental during this time because they’re both my favorites and seeing them in the flesh really made my night. The fashion presentation paused for a moment to allow Drag Excellence and one of Avon Philippines’ intimate apparel catalog models Viñas DeLuxe to perform “Sirena,” a Gloc-9 original. Following Viñas’ number, she walked and led the final batch of models alongside actor and host Paolo Ballesteros. Ballroom star Nunoy Revlon, genderless clothing campaigner Deo Cabrera, and professional hairstylist Lourd Ramos were among those who also walked at the successful fashion event.
I must admit that I became a bit emotional while watching the show since what I saw was not simply a group of LGBTQIA individuals advertising what they were wearing, but proud and COMFYdent people who had as much fun as we, the audience, did. Their expressions of joy (and ferocity) were priceless. The night belonged to them. Also, kudos to Avon Philippines for having courage to reach this important milestone. I’m glad to support a company that cares about everyone.
Denise J. Mallabo 