by Mariquita Pangilinan
Seven Filipina models, including Kiana Valenciano, daughter of Gary and Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, were not allowed by the organizers to walk the ramp on the Opening Night of LA Fashion Week.
Valenciano was a special guest of Jacob Meir, owner of @forthestarsfashionhouse in Melrose, but she and six other Filipino models were rejected with an announcement that “No Filipinas will walk.”
Angeli expressed her anger and sadness at what happened, especially after seeing makeup artist Cherry Ordoñez cry as she relayed how shabbily former Miss Earth Jamie Herrell was treated and how humiliated the five Filipina models were.
“It was heartbreaking for me as Kiana was excited. It was below-the-belt painful. Was it a height issue? Then explain it kindly. We flew thousands of miles to participate in the fundraiser because Jacob and his partner Filipina Mildred Deang personally called us. We even moved our schedules for the event,” said Angeli.
The mother of Kiana is thankful to Meir and the others who she called “brave warriors for a great cause” because they stood their ground not to participate in the fashion show.
“It must have been so difficult for you to be firm with your decision because it was your show but you stood by the girls. She may not have made the cut in their eyes but your decision blessed our family tremendously,” ended Angeli.
