StarCentral Magazine Celebrates 21 Years in Spectacular Style at the Philippine International Fashion Festival!

StarCentral Magazine marked its 21st anniversary in truly unforgettable fashion, celebrating the milestone in the heart of Santa Cruz, Laguna, during the Philippine International Fashion Festival. More than just an anniversary celebration, the event represented a powerful collaboration between media, fashion, tourism, and community — a fusion that elevated Santa Cruz onto an international stage.

The 21st anniversary celebration highlighted a dynamic partnership between StarCentral Magazine and several influential organisations within the Philippine fashion and tourism sectors in the Municipality of Santa Cruz, Laguna. Among them were the Santa Cruz Tourism Office and the Laguna Designers Elite Group (LDEG), both of which played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this landmark event.

The launch event of the Philippine International Fashion Festival came to life through the collaboration of Mike Ilagan, Managing Director of StarCentral Magazine, Eman Reccio, President of FEC (Fil-Oz Entertainment Collective), and Rexerizza Boongaling, Municipal Tourism Officer of the Municipality of Santa Cruz. Together, they created an event that not only celebrated fashion but also highlighted tourism, local creativity, and international cultural exchange.

A Grand Motorcade Through Santa Cruz, Laguna

The celebration commenced with a vibrant and highly anticipated motorcade that set the tone for the day’s festivities. StarCentral’s International Ambassadors — Emmy, Taisha, Grace, Zara, Milan, Avayiah, and Reeha — were joined by Rexerizza Boongaling, who proudly led the procession. With police escorts surrounding the motorcade, the atmosphere was electric.

The route travelled from Metro Central Mall through Sambat Bubukal, LSPU Santa Cruz Campus, Bagumbayan, Calios, Santa Cruz Bridge, turning left to Pedro Guevara Avenue, passing Jollibee, turning left to Burgos Street, RCBC, left again to A. Regidor Street, heading straight to the Municipal Hall of Santa Cruz, before returning to Metro Central Mall.

Throughout the journey, residents of Santa Cruz lined the streets, waving enthusiastically and greeting the StarCentral team. The warmth and hospitality of the community were unmistakable. It was clear that this was not merely an event — it was a celebration shared with the people of Santa Cruz.

Behind the Scenes: Precision and Preparation

Upon returning to Metro Central Mall, rehearsals commenced under the leadership of Event Director Norman Avenido Abanto, who ensured every detail of the programme ran seamlessly. From runway timing to stage cues, the professionalism behind the scenes was evident.

Following rehearsals, the StarCentral glam team went to work, preparing the ambassadors for their runway appearances. Hair, make-up, and styling were executed with precision, ensuring that each ambassador was runway-ready and camera-perfect.

At approximately 2:45 pm, a press conference was held featuring StarCentral’s International Ambassadors and FEC officers. Members of the Santa Cruz Laguna press were given the opportunity to ask questions about the festival, StarCentral Magazine’s journey over the past 21 years, and the broader vision for international collaboration. The press conference provided valuable insight into how the event came together and what it symbolised for the region.

The Show Begins

The official programme commenced with Karenza De Leon, FEC Vice President, serving as host for the afternoon. Her poise and professionalism set the tone for the event.

The ceremony opened with FEC member Chloe Lofthouse delivering a heartfelt rendition of the Philippine National Anthem, grounding the celebration in pride and patriotism.

Shortly after, StarCentral’s International Ambassadors made their first runway appearance in the RRJ Apparel Collection. The ambassadors walked with confidence and elegance, showcasing contemporary fashion with youthful energy and sophistication.

The audience was then treated to a special dance performance led by Eman Reccio, President of FEC, featuring StarCentral’s International Ambassadors Emmy and Taisha. The performance added vibrancy and entertainment to the programme, further demonstrating the ambassadors’ versatility and stage presence.

The Big Reveal: April 2026 Issue

One of the most anticipated moments of the afternoon was the official unveiling of the April 2026 issue of StarCentral Magazine. The latest issue proudly featured StarCentral’s International Ambassadors — Emmy, Taisha, Grace, Zara, Milan, Avayiah, and Reeha — on the cover.

As the ambassadors walked down the runway holding the newly released issue, the symbolism was powerful. It represented not only a celebration of 21 years of StarCentral Magazine but also a new era of international representation and youth empowerment. The ambassadors carried themselves with grace and poise, embodying the brand’s commitment to excellence and global collaboration.

Spotlight on Laguna Designers

The runway continued with showcases from some of Santa Cruz Laguna’s most prominent designers. Each ambassador represented a designer, bringing their creative vision to life on stage.

Taisha walked for Jeffrey P. Bautista, Milan for Gimjude Mirasol Oliveros, Reeha for Rochelle Badel, Zara for John Allan Nograles, Emmy and Avayiah for Pacholo Red Pilongo, and Grace for Richard D. Roque. Each presentation highlighted the diversity, craftsmanship, and innovation present within the Laguna fashion community.

Special recognition goes to the talented designers of the Laguna Designers Elite Group (LDEG), including Rochelle Badel, Jeffrey Tope, Erl Justine Talucod, Gimjude Mirasol Oliveros, Hubert M. Umali, Jaime Angelo Abenio, Jeffrey P. Bautista, Jessycris Baduel, Jessica Dolorso Labindao, Jomari De Leon, John Allan Nograles, Leo Laraño, Mark Francis Pacion, Pacholo Red Pilongo, and LDEG president Richard D. Roque.

Their creations transformed the runway into a vibrant showcase of local artistry and elevated the festival to international standards. The attention to detail, fabric selection, silhouettes, and overall presentation demonstrated the immense talent thriving within Laguna.

A Milestone to Remember

StarCentral Magazine’s 21st anniversary celebration in Santa Cruz, Laguna, will undoubtedly be remembered as a milestone event. It was made even more meaningful through the collaborative efforts of Eman Reccio, President of FEC, and Rexerizza Boongaling, Municipal Tourism Officer of the Municipality of Santa Cruz.

The success of the Philippine International Fashion Festival proves that when media, fashion, tourism, and community unite, extraordinary outcomes are possible. It positioned Santa Cruz not only as a centre for local creativity but also as a growing destination for international cultural exchange.

A Milestone Celebration Supported by Key Partners

StarCentral Magazine extended its sincere appreciation to Holiday Inn Makati for hosting the StarCentral ambassadors and their families during the celebration period. The hotel’s hospitality and support contributed to a comfortable, welcoming experience for the visiting guests, further enhancing the overall success of the international program.

Most importantly, congratulations are in order for StarCentral’s International Ambassadors — Emmy, Taisha, Grace, Zara, Milan, Avayiah, and Reeha — who represented the brand with professionalism, elegance, and pride. Their performance on the runway and engagement throughout the event demonstrated why they are worthy representatives on the international stage.

After 21 years, StarCentral Magazine continues to evolve, inspire, and lead. If this celebration is any indication of what lies ahead, the future promises to be even more dynamic, collaborative, and globally impactful.

Here’s to the next chapter.