My trip to the Philippines with Asia New Zealand Foundation
This month, I had the opportunity to travel to the Philippines, thanks to the Asia New Zealand Foundation, alongside a group of talented professionals from the fashion industry. Throughout the trip we connected with some of Manila’s most innovative designers and fashion experts, and discovered the vibrant culture, stunning sights, and delicious local cuisine. The highlight of the week was attending Manila International Fashion Week, where I had the chance to immerse myself in the latest trends and meet more talented designers. In this blog post, I’m excited to share all the details of my unforgettable experience — Read all about my experience below.
DAY 1
My first day in Manila began with a relaxed breakfast at our hotel before a busy day of activities! Following on from the morning welcome briefing we headed into Manila for a delicious lunch, and then visited the iconic SM Mall of Asia—a shopping haven that perfectly captures the city’s dynamic blend of fashion and culture. We then regrouped at the hotel to prepare for a highlight of the day: a networking dinner at the stunning Blackbird Makati. Surrounded by some of Manila’s most influential fashion figures, I gained invaluable insights and met some amazing people from the local industry. It was truly an incredible day that set the tone for the week to come.
DAY 2
Day two in Manila was all about collaboration and creativity. After an early workout and breakfast at the hotel, we took a short walk to meet with representatives from MFAT and NZTE for a briefing. Their perspectives on fostering connections between New Zealand and the Philippines were inspiring and left me feeling energised for the day ahead. Lunch was another chance to savor Manila’s vibrant food scene before heading to the SoFA Design Institute. Meeting designers Zarah and Christian Juan was such a highlight—they shared their incredible work and passion for pushing boundaries in fashion design. The evening wrapped up with a networking dinner hosted by Zarah Juan herself. Surrounded by talented individuals in such a creative space, I felt both humbled and excited to be part of these conversations. Another day full of inspiration and connection!
DAY 3
The day started with breakfast at the hotel before a scenic drive to Bambike Ecotours for a truly unique experience. Exploring the historic Intramuros and Fort Santiago on bamboo bikes was such a memorable way to soak in the rich history of Manila—it felt like stepping back in time! After a delicious lunch, I had the afternoon free to chill out before ending the day on a high note with dinner at the New Zealand Residence, where I had the privilege of connecting with both local and international guests. We ended the night with Karaoke and dancing!
DAY 4
Day four in Manila was a celebration of creativity and craft. The morning started with breakfast at the hotel, followed by some personal time to focus on my individual program. After lunch, I attended the ArteFino Fair, a remarkable showcase of Filipino craftsmanship. The talent and ingenuity on display were truly inspiring—each piece told a story of heritage and innovation. The fair was a great reminder of how fashion can connect us to culture and tradition. The evening ended with a networking dinner, where I met even more incredible individuals from Manila’s vibrant fashion community. It was another enriching day filled with meaningful experiences and connections!
DAY 5 & 6
The final days of my trip to Manila were a perfect blend of culture and couture. Day five began with a visit to the Cultural Centre office, where I had the pleasure of meeting Kaye Tinga and learning about her incredible contributions to the arts. After lunch, I explored the Ayala Museum—a cultural gem that beautifully showcases Filipino history and artistry. It was an inspiring afternoon that left me with a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich heritage.
Day six was all about fashion! Attending Manila International Fashion Week was an absolute highlight. The collections were stunning, with designers showcasing bold creativity and a deep connection to their roots. It was an honor to witness such talent and to see firsthand how the Filipino fashion scene is thriving. These two days encapsulated everything I loved about this trip: meaningful connections, unforgettable experiences, and a celebration of art in all its forms.
