On the evening of March 8, 2025, the elegant Van der Valk Hotel in Melle, Osnabrück buzzed with anticipation. It wasn’t just another fashion show—it was the third chapter of Likha’t Latik, a cultural production that has grown from a heartfelt tribute into one of the most anticipated intercultural showcases in Germany’s Filipino community.
Founded by Dalia Oswald of DollGlam Productions, Likha’t Latik was born in 2023 in memory of her father. But it has since evolved into a platform where Filipino creativity is amplified, celebrated, and shared, drawing in talents from across Europe and beyond. This year’s theme, “Women: Her Story, Her Style,” was a timely and powerful homage to women—highlighting not just beauty and fashion, but resilience, storytelling, and empowerment.
The event opened with a warm welcome from bubbly hosts Sara Rose Santos-Pascual and Jenny-Vi Velasco, whose charisma set the tone for the night. Allan Delos Santos Bärmann, known for his infectious energy, kicked things off with a dynamic performance—his presence both onstage and backstage would continue to thread through the entire show, from Zumba to crochet couture.
From there, the evening unfolded into a rich tapestry of fashion and performance. Each designer brought their own voice to the runway:
- Ms. Tacer (Teyseer Castillo Aust), a multi-talented event stylist and wardrobe artist from Batangas, presented regal, well-crafted looks that spoke of Filipino pageantry and precision.
- Allan Bärmann surprised and delighted with a personal crochet collection—a heartfelt merging of craft and performance art.
- Donny Angelinah of Safriotra introduced the audience to the graceful world of Malagasy fashion, where every fabric and fold held cultural meaning and dignity.
- Ronnie Deleon Nacua, fresh from international showcases, stunned with his Mindanaoan haute couture, bold in texture and proudly rooted in tradition.
- Lerah Petker, founder of Camisa Studio Germany, redefined the Filipiniana for today’s women—elegant, wearable, and conscious of its heritage.
Each showcase was met with applause and admiration. But Likha’t Latik is never just about fashion—it’s about full-body storytelling. The stage came alive with performances from Wild Butterfly (Jing & Carmi), the soulful Joseph Dela Cruz Verhueldonk, and the electrifying Richard Claudio, while Allan Bärmann led a high-energy Zumba session that had guests moving in their seats.
On the sustainability front, Lokal Bayong Germany showcased beautifully crafted handwoven bags made from indigenous and upcycled materials. Their presence reminded us that fashion can—and should—honor both culture and the earth.
As the night deepened, the artistry continued with the powerful showcase by the Filipino Artists Guild Europe (FAGE)—a collective of visual artists using the runway as a gallery space—and the sleek, elegant pieces of La Mode en Moi, whose designs closed the show with poise and grace.
Of course, none of this came together without the often unseen heroes—the production team, makeup artists, photographers, and coordinators, each working behind the scenes amid the beautiful chaos. Backstage was a whirlwind of lashes, fittings, tech checks, and coffee runs, but it’s exactly in that kind of chaos where magic is made.
The event wouldn’t have been complete without the hospitality of Van der Valk Hotel Melle-Osnabrück, whose culinary team impressed with a full buffet of regional specialties, live-cooked dishes, and mouth-watering desserts. Guests indulged between segments, fueling the evening’s energy in both taste and atmosphere.
The finale walk was emotional—designers rejoined their models with pride, each showcasing a standout final piece. The audience rose in appreciation, not just for the beauty presented, but for the meaning behind it all. And when Dalia Oswald took the stage once more for the closing, it was with visible emotion and gratitude.
Likha’t Latik III was not simply a show. It was a living love letter to identity, culture, and the power of creative women and allies. It’s a space where Filipino pride finds its voice, where heritage meets modernity, and where artists don’t just perform—they share their soul.
And if this year’s edition is any indication, Likha’t Latik is only just beginning.
Until the next runway.
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