The event was spearheaded by Ms. Edna Gilera, Founder and President of the Filipino Canadian Trade Expo and Mission, and the main organizer of the Philippine Trade Expo Canada 2026. The highlight of the expo was "Gandang Filipina," a Trade Ambassadors Fashion Show supervised and managed by SCI PH International Fashion Director, Limuel Hayag Villela, and Creative Director, Alvin Masangkay Francia.

The show featured exquisite and highly curated pieces that elevated the formal Filipiñana gown, bringing sophistication and high-end style to the runway. Adding elegance and honor to the event were special guests Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack and Philippine Consul General Emma Sarne.

In an exciting announcement, SCI PH has officially confirmed its return to New York Fashion Week 2026. Beyond fashion, the trade expo featured Philippine-made and Philippine-inspired cultural handicrafts such as jewelry, garments, food products, and Christmas decorations. The displays certainly turned the spotlight on the Barbie dolls. According to Mr. Villela, Filipino designers from Calgary were out of work during the Covid pandemic. Being true visionaries, both he and Mr. Francia motivated them to create and design culture inspired gowns blending traditional heritage and authentic textiles. The designers were granted funding and zealously put their hands to work. The result: timeless masterpieces made of rice husks, abaca, shells, and other indigenous materials endemic to the Philippines. These unique dolls are expected to be displayed at the Consulate Office in Calgary.