Insider Spotlight
The collection will be worn by the alliance's board of trustees during the opening ceremonies of the summit on July 28 at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.
The event comes as the Philippines prepares to take on the ASEAN Chairship in 2026, placing the country at the forefront of regional initiatives on digital transformation, economic integration and inclusive growth.
Why it matters
The summit, themed "Building ASEAN's Digital Economy: Secure, Sustainable, Inclusive, Borderless," is expected to gather government officials, business executives, technology leaders, financiers, academics and civil society representatives to discuss the future of artificial intelligence, digital finance, cybersecurity, digital trade and emerging technologies across Southeast Asia.
Designed with a "digital twist," the exclusive collection reimagines the traditional Filipiniana through contemporary silhouettes, innovative textures and elements inspired by connectivity, intelligence and technological advancement.
The ensembles are intended to symbolize how cultural identity can evolve alongside technological progress.
The partnership was formalized during the 128th Philippine Independence Day celebration hosted by the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, according to a company release.
The event was attended by Philippine Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz and leaders from business, government and the Filipino-American community.
The bigger picture
FinTech Alliance.PH said the summit is expected to attract more than 4,000 delegates from the 11 ASEAN member countries, along with policymakers, regulators, investors, startups, multinational corporations and members of the diplomatic community.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expected to deliver the opening keynote address and outline the Philippines' vision for a digitally empowered and innovation-driven ASEAN.
Participants are also expected from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Oman, Ireland, Hungary, Romania, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and Japan.
FinTech Alliance.PH founding chair Lito Villanueva said the collaboration reflects the convergence of innovation and culture.
“This collaboration represents the convergence of two powerful Filipino narratives, that is innovation and culture,” Villanueva said.
“As we welcome ASEAN and the world to Manila, we want to showcase not only the Philippines’ leadership in digital finance and technology but also the richness of our heritage and creative talent. Through Puey’s visionary designs, we are making a bold statement that the future of intelligence can proudly wear a Filipino identity. The ASEAN Tech Summit is not just about technology. It is about demonstrating how innovation can be deeply rooted in culture and national pride,” Villanueva added.
For his part, Quinones underscored the role of fashion in telling the story of a nation embracing the future while remaining rooted in its heritage.
“Fashion is storytelling, and this collection tells the story of a nation embracing the future while remaining deeply rooted in its heritage. It is an honor to collaborate with FinTech Alliance.PH in creating a modern Filipiniana that symbolizes innovation, progress, and the enduring elegance of Filipino culture. As ASEAN gathers in Manila, we want the world to see the confidence, creativity, and global relevance of Filipino design.”
The showcase reinforces FinTech Alliance.PH's efforts to promote digital transformation and financial innovation while highlighting Filipino creativity, cultural heritage and global competitiveness on the regional stage. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
