SAY IT WITH FASHION

 Not-your-ordinary fashion show, best explains the event held last May 24, 2016 at the Centrio AyalaMall Event Center.

SAY IT WITH FASHION, a fashion show hosted by Faith and Light Cagayan De Oro, aimed to raise awareness of down syndrome individuals to the community through a runway show featuring masterpieces of CDO's local designers and Mags Fashion Boutique. Assisting the kids were Faith and Light CDO volunteers and local models.

Faith and Light is an international non-profit organization founded by Jean Vanier and Marie-Hélène Mathieu in 1971. The purpose of which is to assist individuals with learning disabilities. In Cagayan De Oro, Faith and Light Ministry was created by the St. Francis Xavier Church in Pueblo De Oro, with parish priest Msgr. Boy Salvador.

Every 3^rd Sunday of the month, Faith and Light CDO holds various activities for the down-syndrome children. Among these activities were: icing decoration by Monster Kitchen, clay molding, rosary-making, and candle-decorating.

For the month of May, Faith and Light CDO core group decided to host a fashion show, with the help of Centrio Mall and the city’s local designers. The event was graced by Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J, D.D., and local designers who participated and sponsored the models’ formal wear were Gil Macaibay, Boogie Rivera, Benjie Manuel, Mark Magallanes, and Mark Yaranon, among others. The show was directed by Vince Arenas and attended by families, friends and random mall-goers.

It was a good opportunity for the Kagayanons to know the Faith and Light Community. And it was indeed, a great experience for our down-syndrome friends to have walked the runway like the celebrity models they see on tv and magazines.

Truly, it was an experience to remember!

Faith and Light CDO holds activities every 3^rd Sunday of the month with each session uniquely themed. Regular sessions are facilitated by Connie Cabreira, Mae Jumangit, Aldrin Valdehueza, Malou Aquino, and Dra. Barba, among others.

To be part of the Faith and Light family, you may visit St. Francis Xavier Church every 3^rd Sunday. The community is looking for volunteers to assist the kids, as well as the parents and guardians during the counselling sessions. You are welcome! J