MANILA, Philippines - The bedimpled Atty. Adel Tamano was a hit when he joined 15 doctors on the runway to model barongs by Jean Goulbourn’s Silk Cocoon.

Excitement reached fever pitch as soon as Atty. Tamano, Mu Sigma Fraternity Phi doctors Antonio Oposa Sr., Gregorio Pastorfide, Serafin Hilvano, Carmelo Alfiler, Gaudencio Vega, Jr., Alfredo Pontejos, Eduardo Gatchalian, Armando Crisostomo, Cesar Espiritu, John Anonuevo, Juan Rosas, Melfred Hernandez, Philip Cruz, Jose Tecson III and Randy Lopa strutted their stuff on the runway to the delight of the audience.

The gentlemen looked dashing in Silk Cocoon’s fab pieces in jewel tones (diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald) with brass, raffia and mother-of-pearl accents in Goulbourn’s signature hand-woven silk. Other featured designers were Jun Escario, Rhett Eala, Randy Ortiz, Philip Rodriguez, Richie Ortega, Michelle Lim, Delby Bragais, Parrish Carlos, Veejay Floresca, Tina Daniac and OJ Hofer.

Some barongs had embroideries inspired by the artworks of Impy Pilapil, Emily Cheng and Jeannie Javelosa.

The event dubbed “Brilyante — The Empowered Woman” is a benefit gala and fashion show organized by the UP College of Medicine’s Mu Sigma Phi Sorority in celebration of their 75th anniversary. It is for the benefit of their Cervical Cancer Prevention Network Program.

Cervical cancer, which is caused by HVP (human papillomavirus), is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipino women. The fashion show was staged not only to raise funds but also to spread awareness about this dreaded disease.