Entitled “Partnership Beyond Borders”, HMPH will be fusing the rich culture and future of the two countries when it comes to art, fashion and music. Starting with this weekend at SM Megamall, where it has partnered with four up-and-coming local artists for a collection of upcycled pieces. Spotlighted by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 which epitomizes the brand’s commitment to progress for humanity and innovation.

The showcase was opened with a kulintang drum performance by the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) and Pilipino Etniko Ritmo Kanta sa Sayaw (PERKS), which blended beats of Korean and Filipino instruments. Followed by a showcase attended by HMPH executives, including, Mr. Dongwook Lee, President, and Mr. Cecil Capacete, Managing Director. Mr. Myeongjin Kim, Korean Cultural Center Director, and on behalf of the City of Mandaluyong, Mr. Ernesto Victorino, their City Administrator, were also in attendance.

First, the “Synthesia” is an imaginative crossover of the Filipino baro’t saya and Korean Hanbok, curated by Glyn Alley Magtibay, an Oriental Mindoro-born designer. The piece mainly comprises of discarded X-rays, as her style revolves around clothing inspired by their beauty and uniqueness. With the hopes of encouraging a new generation of creatives to think outside the box and give new meaning to objects that might otherwise be discarded as waste, can actually be made wearable and stylish.

Second, the Ilocos-based designer, Amor Albano, takes inspiration from the wrappers of the Filipino delicacy pastillas, in her Filipiniana-Hanbok inspired piece named “East Meets Amore: A Fusion of Korean and Filipino”. She uses light materials to evoke ease and airiness, while also using the iconic colors of the Philippines’ sampaguita, and the cherry blossoms of Korea. Currently, she runs a fashion studio in Laoag and continues to use aesthetics and imagery in her creations.

Then, the “Strange Beauty” is another Filipiniana-Hanbok fusion highlights its Filipino-Korean features through tassels, pearl beads, and details unique to the traditional outfits. Its creator, Glady Rose Pantua, is a fashion designer and instructor from Zamboanga City. Her featured piece uses colorful, handwoven Yakan Clothing from the indigenous people of the island province Basilan in Sulu. Through her work, she aims to promote the use of locally sourced materials, such as that of Yakan.

Lastly, the “Bioniq 1.0” is an eye-catching ceiling installation of an upside-down vehicle, showcasing a reimagined Ioniq5. The life-size applied sculpture was created by Leeroy New, a Filipino sculptor, street artist, jewelry maker and fashion designer. The multi award-winning designer’s works combine sustainability with fashion and innovation. It is made entirely of biodegradable and renewable materials and other agricultural surplus like sawdust, bamboo, rattan, and copper grounds. He also has a display of wearable art called the “Carapace BioSuit”, which is made of reconstituted sawdust.

These installations shall be open for viewing at the Mega Fashion Hall Activity Center until Sunday, April 28, from 10 AM to 10 PM. After which, they will be moved to Artist Village at Camp Mariana in Jala-jala, Rizal. Camp Mariana is a sustainable farm with glamping sites and artist-owned properties, serving as a peaceful oasis for artists who want a quick escape from the city.

Mallgoers will also be able to check out an array of Hyundai vehicles namely the Creta, the Custin, the Santa Fe, the Stargazer X, the Staria, and of course the Ioniq 5. The latter is powering up the brand’s signature café through its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature. Customers who purchase a Creta or Stargazer will also enjoy an on-site exclusive discount of P 10,000 (terms and conditions apply). Moreover, visitors who register at the booth can enjoy not just a free cup from Dumbo Coffee but also free snapshots care of Hello Photo.