Before the Most Beautiful Day in the Universe on Jan. 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena, the most glamorous evening will be at the 65th Miss Universe National Gift Auction, a celebration with women of excellence and a showcase of Filipino designers at the Conrad Hotel on Jan. 23.

The ball, in line with the Miss Universe Organization’s vision of “Empowering women to develop the confidence they need to achieve their personal best,” will honor 12 outstanding women/groups of women in the country who excel in their fields and promote gender diversity.

The candidates will showcase Filipino culture, values and talents in a show directed by Robby Carmona of Saga Events.

Working with the theme “Colors of the Philippine Flag,” each candidate will be in either blue, red or white. Designers from across the archipelago were invited by Albert Andrada, who created Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach’s coronation gown, to display their creativity.

However, the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP) was invited as a collective—an honor and privilege which FDCP president Anthony Nocom happily accepted.

“The Miss Universe is part of our lives,” Nocom says. “We consider it the top international beauty pageant. FDCP is proud to be part of the 65th Miss Universe Designer’s Showcase event. Since it’s a charity ball, most of our members readily agreed to participate in this worthwhile cause.”

FDCP is composed of 27 apparel designers and six accessories designers. Serving in the Council alongside Nocom are Amina Aranaz-Alunan (vice president); Frederick Peralta (vice president-events); Dong Omega-Diaz (vice president-mentorship); Noel Crisostomo (treasurer); Albert Andrada (secretary); and Pablo Cabahug (sergeant-at-arms).

For the Designer’s Showcase Ball, the Red Group has established names in the industry: Avel Bacudio, Dong Omaga-Diaz, Peralta, JC Buendia, Len Nepomuceno-Mortel, Crisostomo, PJ Aranador, Rajo Laurel, Ramon Esteban, Randy Ortiz and Ronaldo Arnaldo.

The younger, upcoming designers are in the Blue Group: Happy Andrada, James Reyes, Jerome Salaya Ang, Joel Escober, Kristel Yulo-Diaz and Pablo Cabahug.

“The fashion show will highlight what we do best,” Nocom explains.

“We have many great fashion designers, and I am hopeful that through the Miss Universe Pageant, our fashion creativity will be appreciated across the universe.”