Tubod, Lanao del Norte – Reigning Ms. Lanao del Norte Zeny Alcantara has added another feather in her cap by winning in the Bituin ng Kasuotang Filipino pageant. The fashion tilt held last September 4 (Saturday) is a tradition in the Philippine Travel Mart which ran from September 3-5, 2010 at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

The Kasuotang Filipino is a traditional long gown competition that showcased candidates donning gowns made out of indigenous fabrics crafted by a local budding designer.  

“We are very happy to have made a mark in this year’s Philippine Travel Mart. With Zeny’s (Alcantara) win, we made a good impression as to the artistry of our local designers and the beauty that abounds in our province” Tourism Officer Minda Regis expressed.

Ms. Alcantara was handpicked by DOT-10 Regional Director Catalino Chan III to be the official representative of the region to this annual event.

Local fashion designer Roy Dy from the town of Maigo, Lanao del Norte created the long gown for Ms. Alcantara. Getting inspiration from the color festivals of the province like the Kahumayan Festival of Kapatagan, Nangkaan Festival of Maigo and Sagingan Festival from the capital town of Tubod, Dy’s design got the winning nod from the judges.

The tourism highlight unveiled the attributes of Region 10 in the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines EAGA. This year’s exhibit is well-attended by the key players in the tourism industry.

The Philippine Travel Mart is organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), It is the biggest association of tour operators and agencies that promote exclusively domestic and inbound tourism. It has a nationwide membership and has been at the frontier of Domestic tourism promotion, partnering with DOT, and its regional offices.

Other special events featured in the travel mart were the “Sale ng Bayan” (Tour Packages), Biyahe Xchange, Biyahe Info, Destination Quiz Bee and the Choral group Competition. VNL/PIO-LDN