Fashion Can Serve is a first of its kind for ICanServe. The event was organized to raise fund for the foundation’s “Ating Dibdibin” (“take your breast care to heart”) program, which promotes awareness and early detection of breast cancer. Marie France, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, partnered with ICanServe to stage the fashion show that celebrates “beauty beyond skin-deep.”
ICanServe’s Ating Dibdibin program prioritizes financially challenged segment communities. Early detection is crucial, but unfortunately, in the Philippines, most breast cancers are discovered in the late stages. According to ICanServe, most women postpone going to the doctor despite presence of breast lumps. The Philippines has the highest incidence of breast cancer in Southeast Asia and ranks 9th in the world in breast cancer incidence.
Tessa Prieto-Valdes hosted the mini-auction held at Fashion Can Serve. Over 1 million Php was raised, which will be used for ICanServe’s ‘Ating Dibdibin’ program, a community-based screening program that promotes early detection of breast cancer.
Thankfully, there were generous donors at Fashion Can Serve. And the inimitable Tessa Prieto-Valdes, who hosted the mini auction prior to the fashion show, was able to raise a good amount of money (over one million pesos). It will fund ICanServe’s program in Marikina, Taguig, Muntinlupa, and Panabo in Davao. Tessa even name-called some who’s who in the well-dressed crowd; she did not let up until the highest possible amount was given for the items. Auctioned off were designer bags and international holiday packages, which were also donated by various sponsors.
Besides their collaboration in staging Fashion Can Serve, Marie France also gifted ICanServe with a stirring tribute video ‘Beauty in Strength.’ It features ICanServe advocate Lea Salonga singing ‘Save It All’, composed by Marie Hines entitled. The video was conceptualized and created by videographer Jason Magbanua, with Dawn providing the voice-over narration.
The video features talents from both Marie France and sister company Facial Care Centre including Agot Isidro, Bianca Araneta-Elizalde, Carmi Martin, Ana Roces, Bernadette Allyson, Shalani Soledad-Romulo, Patty Betita, Tessa Nieto-Villalon, Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez, Rima Ostwani, Sam Oh, Riki Flores, Camille Co, Lissa Kahayon, Kryz Uy and Issa Litton, who by the way hosted Fashion Can Serve.
The video was first shown and formally turned over during the show by Marie France’s George Siy, Peter Prestidge, Jackie Share, and Robin Horsman to ICanServe President Roxanne Singson, Chairpersons Elizabeth Virata and Bettina Osmena; Executive Director Lanie Eusebio; Vice-President Nikoy de Guzman; and Founder Kara Alikpala.
ICanServe has many more activities lined up this month—October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but Fashion Can Serve surely left a beautiful mark to those who were part of it. Many would definitely want to see staged again next year because—Fashion Can Serve, indeed. And serving is beautiful, too.
ICanServe Foundation, Inc.
Unit 2302 Medical Plaza Ortigas Building,
San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center
Pasig City 1605 Philippines
Tel: 636 5578
Email: info@icanservefoundation.org
Marie France
Tel: 894 2639
Website: www.mariefrance.com.ph
