Zamboanga City made history during last year’s Zamboanga Hermosa Festival for being the first city to hold a Badju Fashion Show and Competition. The word “Badju,” is a Muslim term that refers to traditional dresses, but this word also serves as a tribute to all Indigenous People of Zamboanga City and is accepted as an umbrella term for dresses inspired by indigenous motifs.

Zamboanga City takes great pride in being a diverse cultural hub and actively promotes appreciation for its cultural richness. One of the city’s ways to showcase this appreciation and highlight another aspect of its multi-faceted cultural heritage is through the Badju fashion show. 

The main objective of the Badju fashion show is to celebrate and highlight the various traditional and captivating designs of the Indigenous People in the city, allowing them to shine brightly and display the beauty of Zamboanga’s cultural heritage.

This mesmerizing event features local fashion designers’ stunning creations, which gracefully incorporate the timeless elegance of indigenous designs, adding to the allure of the showcase.

It is also good to know that not just anyone can don a badju. Only women of renown or women who have attained significant achievement can be models for the badju. A strict standard is placed on the selection of models as to give justice to the cultural significance of this prestigious event. 

Registration has already began for this year’s Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Badju Fashion Show and Competition. Drop by the City Tourism Office located at Paseo del Mar to register. 

Vamos a Zamboanga!