The National Commission on Culture and the Arts selected the late Ramon Valera as one of the National Artists for 2006, thereby elevating haute couture to the level of the seven arts.

The Friends for the Cultural Concerns of the Philippines has mounted fashion shows of beautifully crafted apparel in a grand and colorful manner much like the town fiesta and the May time processions.

To raise funds to support the many projects and activities of the FCCP, committee director for fashion shows Letty Hahn formed her group to stage a fashion show of the elegant gowns of Ben Farrales at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4 at the Manila Polo Club.

Chair Karen Macasaet and Rose Lazaro with co-chair Tess Castro are working with committee members Mimi Valerio, Lulu Castañeda, Mabel Abaño, Baby De Jesus, Linda Cruz. Carrie Bautista, Myrna Borromeo, Sol Tan Gatue, Thelma Gana, Nini Layug, Cristina Caedo, Luz Cullen, Lydia Reyes, Tessie Amparo, Nene Casimiro, Evelyn Ranada and non-FCCP member Nikki Valerio under the supervision of FCCP president, Boysie Villavicencio.

Ogee Atos is in charge of the show Flair for Fashion featuring FCCP models like Connie Garcia, Marietta Holmgren, Marilyn Altarejos, Baby Ortiz, Linda Cruz, Lydia Reyes, Pitang Tiongson, Dette Tan, Alice Briones, Vicky Montilla, Kim Lokin, Nonie Basilio, Mila Lim, Annabelle Adriano, Grace Tiongco, Chit Bautista, Baby Antonio, Mars Lambino, Zeny Cabral and Bobby Caballero.

Guest models are: Lani Mercado, Jessica Buenevacz, Robert and Richard Hahn, Chiqui Brosas Hahn, Suzette Hahn Lopez, Ruth Rodriguez, Sandie Poblador, Lizette Alarcon, Eimee Cragun, Milo, Ogen, Joan Bondoc, Lili Adina, Juna Cadungog, Monica Manganti, Bianca Valerio, Samar Kahn and Anila Kahn, wife of the ambassador of Pakistan and Arti Pine, wife of the New Zealand ambassador.