Portrait in Tradition - A personal reflection for AAPI Month

It's AAPI Heritage Month, and I am excited to share a personal project, Portrait in Tradition.

I photographed the Kultura Filipina Couture Fashion Show last year, and I knew I wanted to know more. Beth Kremer (holding the microphone) and the Kultura Filipina dancers were the first I've seen in Charlotte that showcased traditional, Indigenous Filipino costumes from the Subanen tribe, the Zamboanga Del Norte Region of the Philippines.

I was thrilled when Beth agreed to a photoshoot featuring models from the Kultura Filipina group, dressed in hand-sewn pieces by a designated Subanen tribal dressmaker, Elizabeth Langutan Alcalde. Each garment is deeply rooted in tradition and worn on meaningful occasions—weddings, festivals, and rites of passage.

The costumes from Mindanao were shipped with special instructions to ensure they were worn with respect to the customs and traditions of each tribe.

A Subanen outfit cannot be replicated without the tribe's permission. Elizabeth Langutan Alcalde, the proprietor and designer of Pindana Subanen Dress Shop, located at Kapihan, Barangay Date, Tangkilan, Sindangan, Zamboanga Del Norte, is the designated dressmaker for Zamboanga Del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay areas. Alcalde was beaming with pride and joy when she learned that her creations would be showcased in a tribal fashion show in Charlotte, NC.

Subanen attire features the colors black, white, green, yellow, and red. Black represents night, a time of worship. White signifies tribal authorities and a special gathering. Red symbolizes blood for the defense of the ancestral domain. Green represents nature, a source of food, medicine, shelter, and clothing. Yellow expresses beliefs in supernatural entities. Subanen traditional clothing is characterized by brightly colored woven fabrics and elaborate beadwork.

The Kimona, from the Visayas, specifically from the Panay Region, is a traditional blouse, short sleeves, usually translucent, and made from delicate fabrics like pineapple cloth. The model in this series is wearing a traditional purple Kimona adorned with intricate white embroidery and pearl accessories.

I learned that Beth’s passion for sharing these garments comes from her deep commitment to preserving and celebrating Indigenous culture. She’s also 1/8th Maranao tribe from the paternal side of the family—an Indigenous tribe in the Philippines renowned for their intricate and sophisticated weaving traditions. It all makes sense now—no wonder she feels such a strong connection to these beautiful fabrics!

Through Portrait in Tradition, I’ve had the privilege of capturing these portraits, sharing meals (in true Filipino fashion—complete with delicious home-cooked dishes), and creating a space where we can celebrate and express our cultural pride together.

As a Filipina-American photographer, being able to celebrate and preserve these moments means more than words can say.

Photographer's Notes For Studio Session

Nikon Z6ii, Nikkor 70 - 200mm, FJ400 and trigger/Westcott Lighting System, Three-Legged Thing/Tripod, 7' Umbrella with Diffusion Fabric/Westcott Lighting System, V Flat, background, and Philippine props provided by Beth.

Final Thoughts

Thank you, Beth, for sharing these beautiful garments, along with your thoughtful descriptions and detailed notes that brought their rich history and meaning to life. This personal project wouldn’t be possible without Beth’s incredible generosity and kindness.

Every thread tells a story. Portrait in Tradition is a tribute to beauty, identity, and heritage.

I hope to continue capturing more pieces and share my culture with the community through portraiture!

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