by Cassandra Stacey S. Tupag & Elma Leanne M. Castillano | Dec 16 2025
Runway Époque 2025 brought together creativity, culture, and professional development as the 2nd Year BS Hospitality Management students of the Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (51吃瓜网-IIT) transformed Robinsons Place Iligan into a vibrant fashion and learning arena on 24 November 2025. Organized as the culminating activity for HTM 104 – Professional Development and Applied Ethics, under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Cheryl C. Encabo, the event gathered Mindanao-based designers and showcased their signature
creations alongside Hospitality Management uniforms and student titleholders, presenting a unified platform for emerging talents and established creatives.
The runway highlighted an impressive roster of designers whose works celebrated both artistry and regional identity. Hector Y. Bana-ag’s Y2K and Retro Collection offered a contemporary reinterpretation of iconic early 2000s and classic-era aesthetics, featuring glittering embellishments, bold accessories, and playful silhouettes that lent a new dimension to nostalgic fashion. In contrast, the haute couture–inspired collection of Leovinze Llanes emphasized refined craftsmanship through intricate detailing, dramatic silhouettes, and polished
styling—bringing an elevated, high-fashion presence to the showcase.
Adding a strong local voice, the students presented the striking BGTK (Bagtik) Apparel Mindanao Collection by Nestor Cuevas Jr. Each piece merged edgy streetwear elements with the cultural dynamism of Mindanao, infusing the runway with themes of identity, resilience, and urban expression. Complementing this was the Daveylou Collection by Dave Delgado, which drew from modern artistic motifs and contemporary design principles to highlight heritage through dynamic textures, layered patterns, and commanding silhouettes.
A dedicated segment on Hospitality Management Uniforms provided a formal counterpoint to the creative collections, emphasizing the standards of professionalism, service, and institutional identity expected in the hospitality sector. The event concluded with the presentation of signature designs by Cedrix Bartolata, modeled by HM student titleholders who exemplified grace, confidence, and leadership.
Beyond its visual appeal, Runway Époque 2025 served as a testament to the collaborative potential between academic programs, local creatives, and industry partners. The event demonstrated how experiential learning can foster self-confidence, cultural appreciation, and professional competence—qualities essential to the formation of future hospitality professionals who are socially aware, industry-ready, and globally attuned.