The 4th Badju Fashion Show and Competition: Sama Bajau Edition was held Friday night, October 3 at Royce Convention in Pasonanca, highlighting day 3 of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. It was a vibrant tribute to Zamboanga’s cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and creativity.

Organized by the City Government of Zamboanga through the City Tourism Office, the annual event forms part of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival honoring the Indigenous Peoples (IP) of Zamboanga through intricate and elegant fashion deeply rooted in tradition. The term “Badju,” meaning “dress” in Muslim culture, has become a signature name for the show, highlighting indigenous identity and artistry.

Mayor Khymer Olaso, joining the event for the first time under his administration emphasized the cultural significance of the event. “This event reminds us that fashion is not only about beauty and style. It is about identity. It is about celebrating our past while embracing the future. By showcasing our traditional attire in creative and modern ways, we tell the world that Zamboanga’s culture is alive, dynamic, and ready to shine on any stage.”

The mayor also praised the participating designers for their passion and creativity, calling the event “more than a competition” — a powerful platform for cultural pride and innovation. “May we continue to weave together tradition and innovation as one community, one culture, and one Zamboanga,” Olaso added.

Emerging victorious was Entry No. 2 “Tides” (Way of Water) by Ian Salvador, taking home P150K, Entry No. 15 “Golden Currents” by Sara Jane Sanson secured the second place winning P100K, Entry No. 14 “Budjang Manisa” (Pretty Girl) by Donnha Velez won the third place winning P80K, Entry No. 11 “Pal Mata Tipay” (Mother of Pearls) by Jonard Bazan took the fourth place, bringing home P70K, while Entry No. 13 “Goyak” (Wave) by Ardamin Hashim won the fifth place winning P50K. All non-winning entries received P30K each as a consolation prize.

Entries were judged based on Design and Concept 30%, Craftsmanship 30%, Bead works 20%, Wearability/Functionality 10%, and Stage Bearing and Impact 10%.

Earlier Friday, the pre-judging was held at the Zamboanga City Museum at Jardin de Maria Clara Lobregat in Pasonanca Park, where participating designers presented their inspirations and stories behind each piece.

Also gracing the event were Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Vice Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco, Councilors Benjamin Guingona, Kim Villaflores, and Aida Pañorotan, various city department heads, among others.

(Bernadeth Lazaro) (photo credits: Miljohn Mancao)