MANILA, Philippines - It was a glamorous showdown of sorts between young and senior Filipino designers at the recently concluded Metrowear fashion show.

The Young Designers' Guild (YDG) and the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP) -- which recently marked their 15th year in the industry -- showcased the best of modern Filipino design in this exclusive, invitation-only event.

The avant-garde styles of YDG's up-and-coming designers went head-to-head with the elegant and classic pieces of FDCP fashion greats, with all collections set to the backdrop of hip-hop, electro-punk, classic rock and opera music by The Dawn frontman Jett Pangan, the Philippine Opera Company, Pedicab and DJ duo The Diegos.

A handful of celebrities also graced the high-energy fashion event hosted by musician Marc Abaya and model Bianca Valerio.

ABS-CBN stars Maricar Reyes, Carmen Soo and Karylle strutted down the runway, while their friends Bianca Gonzalez, Iya Villania and Cheska Garcia were spotted in the audience.

Truly, there was a little something for everyone.

The young ones. (L-R) Models showcase collections from YDG members Louie Claparols, Jerome Lorico, Mitzi Quilendrino-Bustos and Veejay Floresca. Credit: Karen Flores, abs-cbnNEWS.com.

"Metrowear wants to push the best of Philippine fashion and has always supported young designers. It's a great privilege for the designers to be featured in the show," said Raul Manzano, editor-in-chief of Metro Society magazine.

For his part, senior designer JC Buendia said: "What makes it special is the support of the fashion industry. Every time we have Metrowear, we have our friends cheering in the crowd."

Fashion greats. (L-R) Models showcase collections from FDCP members Avel Bacudio, JC Buendia, Jojie Lloren and Dong Omaga-Diaz. Credit: Karen Flores, abs-cbnNEWS.com.

Of course, the event wasn't only about fashion. Designers from both YDG and FDCP worked together with Metro to pay tribute to the "I Can Serve" foundation, the foremost breast cancer awareness group in the country.

The two groups displayed a parade of beautiful pink dresses to celebrate the "I Can Serve" foundation's 10th year.

"This event should be better than last year, no less. It's a perfect collaboration...Metro and us both share ideas to make it truly memorable for everybody," said renowned fashion director Robby Carmona, who has staged the show for Metro Magazine for the second year in a row.

Metrowear, held annually, is one of the most anticipated fashion events in the Philippines.

It has long been recognized as a platform for local designers to promote and celebrate their creativity.

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For comments and suggestions, e-mail the author at karen_flores@abs-cbn.com.