For the past eight years, the Bayanihan Student Organization has put on what College of Arts & Sciences freshman Sara Soriano said is "the biggest show on campus."
This year, the ninth annual BSO Fashion Show, entitled "Illumination," promises to be just as impressive.
The fashion show, which is Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union ballrooms, is divided into 10 segments, each about 10 minutes apiece, according to Soriano, who is also a member of BSO. Admission is $7.
Soriano helped choreograph the segment that ends the show, called Modern 2.
Preparing and putting on the show is "a good time, but sometimes it's stressful," Soriano said.
According to College of Health Sciences freshman Nikki Tud, students auditioned for the show in September and began practicing in early October.
Terri Santarromana, president of BSO and a College of Nursing senior, said BSO's platform this year is "educating, promoting and celebrating the Filipino culture at Marquette."
The fashion show is an event that "celebrates service, being men and women for others," Santarromana said.
The show is also a fundraiser, contributing its proceeds to a specific charity. This year, Santarromana said, that charity is Partners Advancing Values in Education, a nonprofit organization that makes educational opportunities possible for low-income families in Milwaukee. There will also be a silent auction during the show, donated from local stores.
"It's for a really good cause," Tud said.
The show's three coordinators began working on the performance at the end of last semester. One of the coordinators is College of Communication senior Jessica Cesar, who has participated the last three years.
Cesar said the goal of the event is "illuminating the power and value of education," connecting the theme with the charity.
"Illumination" will feature borrowed clothing from local stores in Milwaukee, such as Boston Store, Starship, Rave and After Hours. Representatives from the stores will be in attendance, Soriano said.
Eight of the 10 segments will feature models wearing clothes such as sportswear and clubwear, according to Tud, who choreographed the Filipino Dance in the cultural segment. The skirts worn in the segment are inspired by traditional Filipino skirts.
The BSO fashion show is more like a night of entertainment, filled with dance performances, skits and modeling, Santarromana said.
"It's not like your Victoria's Secret model show," she said.
Santarromana said she is excited about the show.
"It's always nerve-wracking," she said. "It's good stress."
Cesar said she has enjoyed seeing everything come together.
"Everyone involved with the show has worked extremely hard," she said.
More than 100 students are participating in the event, according to Soriano.
The final dress rehearsal was held Wednesday night, where all the different segments came together for the first time and practiced for the show.,”James A. Molnar”
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