It’s Santacruzan time once more.
Movie and television stars are again sought after sagalas (Mayflower festivity maidens) in the traditional religious procession.
However, one has to identify the willingness of a person to don the sagala outfit and walk the streets of the city.
For instance, Maxene Eigenmann should have been the most awaited sagala these past years in a barangay in Makati City but iconic fashion designer Albert Figueras has been hesitant to approach the award-winning actress as part of the event.
“Lagi kong nasa isip si Maxene pero hindi kami magkatagpo ng oras. Hanggang ngayong taong ito, sinabi ko sarili ko na kakausapin ko talaga siya para siya ang Reyna Emperatriz dahil siya ang hinihiling sa akin ng mga taga-Barangay Olympia sa (I was always thinking of her but we didn't find the right time to talk about it for years. But this year, I told myself I would talk to her to be the Queen Emperatriz because she is the one being insistently requested by the residents of the barangay in) Makati,” informed Albert.
One afternoon, Maxene went to Figueras workshop in Makati where everything fell on the right place.
“Nagpagawa siya sa akin ng gown para sa isang awards night. Nilakasan ko na talaga ang loob ko at tinanonng kung payag siyang mag-Reyna Emperatriz bukas, Sabado, sa ganap na ika-7 ng gabi (She asked me to create a dress for her for an event. I really didn’t mince words and asked her if she could be the Queen tomorrow, Saturday at seven in the evening),” recalled Figueras.
According to the haute couture czar, Eigenmann who quickly rose herself to the occasion, fits the Reyna Emperatriz mold.
“Kasi, ang Reyna Emperatriz, hindi siya kailangang bagets at hindi rin matanda. Tamang-tama lang si (Because the image of Queen Emperatriz isn’t the youth neither aged. The actress is tailor made for the role) Maxene,” quipped Albert.
The Barangay Olympia Santacruzan is under the auspices of the Caampued Family in the district.
“Max will be wearing gold and white modern Maria Clara-inspired Filipiniana,” described Albert.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #MaxeneEigenmann