Filipino Designers Dress Young Patients at the 2nd I Want to Share Gala

On a night bespoke in compassion and conviction, the second I Want to Share Gala turned the Shangri-La The Fort into a space of generosity. With over 550 guests in attendance—including ambassadors, government officials, and changemakers from across industries—the event raised over ₱28 million for children battling cancer, capped by an anonymous ₱60 million donation that left the room breathless.

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But the evening’s most powerful runway moment didn’t involve celebrities—it belonged to 20 teens undergoing chemotherapy, dressed by four Filipino designers who gave them a stage to shine.

Francis Libiran, Michael Leyva, Dennis Lustico, and Ivar Aseron designed bespoke looks for the young cancer warriors—garments that made the children feel seen, celebrated, and, for a moment, untouched by illness. On the runway, the teens walked in celebration of their strength.

“The hand of God was present,” said philanthropist and foundation founder Sheila Romero, reflecting on the night’s overwhelming support. She called the designers “fashion gurus”, not for their creative acclaim, but for their generosity in creating “memories [the children] will forever treasure.”

This year’s gala supports the completion of Phase 2 of the Philippines’ first charity Bone Marrow Transplant Wing, the purchase of 50 infusion pumps for the Cancer Institute, and continued medical and survivorship programs for pediatric hematology-oncology patients.

In the world of Philippine fashion, it’s easy to conflate prestige with purpose. But at this gala, purpose wore couture, and it fit perfectly. When Filipino designers dress children fighting for their lives, fashion becomes a gesture of hope.

Photographed by KIM ANGELA SANTOS of KLIQ INC.