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Bryll Dexter Novero

Mapúa University

Industrial Design student from Mapúa University, passionate about creating meaningful, functional products through 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and design for sustainability. Outside of design, I enjoy dancing, esports, and exploring creative hobbies that inspire my work.

Kuwero: Dance of Flame

Category: Apparel

Competitions: International

This piece draws from two powerful aspects of Filipino culture: the Balintawak and the Sanghiyang ritual of Indang, Cavite. The Balintawak, known for its butterfly sleeves and countryside charm, has long symbolized the Filipina—graceful, proud, and rooted in tradition. More than just a dress, it reflects joy, movement, and identity passed through generations. The Sanghiyang, or Sayaw sa Apoy, is a fire ritual I grew up witnessing. It's spiritual and deeply emotional. Fire becomes more than an offering; it becomes a bridge between people and the unseen, the present and the ancestral. In this design, I merge memory with ritual. The bolero reimagines the Balintawak in leather, a material of permanence and weight. An embossed flame moves across the back toward the shoulders, symbolizing not only ritual fire but the strength and spirit passed on by generations of women. This work is both tribute and transformation. Leather grounds the piece in the present, while the form and symbolism pay homage to the past. It’s about keeping tradition alive through design, evolving it without letting it fade.

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.