Display a story of Filipino excellence and value through a fashion exhibit. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) presents the KARILAGAN exhibit by a fashion storyteller. The exhibit is free to visitors at the Metropolitan Theater (MET). It runs from 10 November to 15 December, 2026.
The fashion exhibit tells the story of Filipino values and culture, a visual story to see this Filipino Values Month. Norman Peñaflorida is behind this marvelous exhibit.
The award-winning Filipino theater actor, Mr. Peñaflorida, considers himself a Fashion Storyteller. Experience molded him from a costume designer to a Fashion Storyteller.
He makes his design tell the Filipino story. The story of heritage, culture, and perseverance. His creations are made from traditional weaving and upcycled local materials. The exhibit includes his upcycled creations named The Closet Couture.
The exhibit opening was held at the Met’s lobby yesterday, on 09 November. Started with a Filipino cultural dance from the Indak Maharlika Dance Troupe. They performed the Authentic Pangalay Dance of the TAUSUG people in Sulu. Other performances followed from four solo performers and a singing group.
The guests heard the amazing voices of tenors Nazer Dagayo Salcedo and Anthony Castillo. The Met lobby was shattered by the performance of Filipina singers. These are the voices of soprano Myramae Meneses, cultural diva Bayang Barrios, and the musical cast of Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinoy Pop Musical.
The NCCA’s Deputy Executive Director for Operations, Bernan Joseph R. Corpuz, gave a welcome to the guests. Fashion Storyteller Peñaflorida shared his own message as well. A fashion show was held to show off his Closest Couture collection.
Finally, a ribbon-cutting ceremony opened the KARILAGAN: Mga Tradisyunal na Habi at Kasuotan sa Makabago National ng Kapanahunan (Traditional Weaves and Clothing for a New National Era). It displays all the designs of Norman Peñaflorida. It includes Closet Couture as his contribution to the sustainable fashion movement.
Photos: George Buid, 2026.