Davao City — The Kadayawan Business Expo 2025, held from August 28 to 31 at The Tent, Azuela Cove, brought together entrepreneurs, creatives, and cultural advocates. Among the standout participants was Mindanao Fashion Star, a Davao-based fashion group that continues to make waves by blending heritage with contemporary runway appeal.

The group staged a series of presentations that impressed both industry insiders and the general public. Models carried designs inspired by local craftsmanship and indigenous traditions, offering a glimpse of how fashion can be both culturally rooted and globally relevant.

“Fashion is more than style — it is a celebration of identity and culture,” said Ms. Janah Billones, CEO of Mindanao Fashion Star, whose leadership has been central to the organization’s growing presence in Mindanao’s creative landscape.

Audiences took notice of standout performances, including Halina Mari Billones, who commanded the runway with poise, and Xylia Navarro, recognized as one of the group’s rising stars. Another crowd favorite was Brielle “The Legend”, whose walk added flair and personality to the showcase.

Heritage on the Runway

The Kadayawan Business Expo has always been more than a trade event; it is a platform where culture, business, and creativity intersect. By bringing fashion into the mix, Mindanao Fashion Star underscored how local design and craftsmanship can translate into opportunities for livelihood and entrepreneurship.

“When our models walk in garments inspired by Mindanao’s heritage, we are not just showcasing fashion — we are keeping culture alive,” Ms. Billones said.

Her words reflect the group’s broader mission: to highlight Mindanao’s identity while nurturing the next generation of fashion leaders.

Nurturing Emerging Talent

For many of the models, participation in the expo was a milestone in their personal and professional growth. Mindanao Fashion Star provides training that goes beyond runway techniques, emphasizing confidence, discipline, and cultural pride.

“Every step on the runway is a step forward for Mindanaoan creativity,” Ms. Billones added.

The group’s approach positions modeling as more than performance — it becomes a platform for empowerment, self-expression, and cultural storytelling.

Visionary Leadership with Fashion and Culture 

At the helm, Ms. Janah Billones has steered Mindanao Fashion Star into becoming a movement that bridges tradition and innovation. Her leadership fuses her passion for fashion with a strong commitment to cultural preservation.

Under her guidance, the organization has become a springboard for emerging models, offering mentorship, visibility, and professional opportunities. Billones envisions the group not only as a talent incubator but also as a cultural force that amplifies Mindanao’s voice in the national and international fashion industry.

Beyond the Kadayawan 

The group’s participation in the Kadayawan Business Expo 2025 reaffirmed the growing relevance of fashion in the region’s creative economy. By merging heritage with modernity, Mindanao Fashion Star demonstrated that fashion is not only an art form but also a vital contributor to cultural pride and economic growth.

With its commitment to authenticity, innovation, and youth empowerment, Mindanao Fashion Star is poised to help shape the future of Mindanao’s fashion scene — and bring its identity to the world stage.

About Mindanao Fashion Star

Mindanao Fashion Star is a Davao-based fashion and talent development group that empowers young models through runway training, personality development, and cultural appreciation. Led by CEO Ms. Janah Billones, it champions Mindanaoan creativity by merging tradition with modern fashion.

📌 Aspiring talents who wish to join may contact Mindanao Fashion Star through their official Facebook page: Mindanao Fashion Star.