A montage of Filipino content creators in the UAE participating in the Kalayaan Fashion Show. EXPAT MEDIA

The Filipino community’s Philippine Independence Day celebration in Dubai is set to return on June 7, with dozens of UAE-based content creators preparing to take centre stage in a special fashion show at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Kalayaan 2026, a large-scale celebration marking the 128th Philippine Independence Day, will run from 8am to 8pm and is expected to gather thousands of Filipinos and multicultural visitors from across the UAE. One of the major highlights this year will be a creator-led fashion show featuring social media personalities, vloggers, comedians, lifestyle influencers, and online entertainers popular among the Filipino community in the Gulf region. Among the featured personalities are Bengs Hyu and Josh of FUCC, alongside Dumbo the Comedian and family members Mariz and John Moriz. Also joining the runway are Daddy A and Mommy Jen, Asian Boy Mark and Jenny in Dubai. Additional personalities include Mc Carl and Carl of Brgy Rigga, Kai Torreflores and daughter Maica, plus Mc Ber of BerMC TV and Jenny of Pinay Indian Accent. The creator lineup also includes MPD Pinoy Feed Dubai and Lodi of Pambansang Lodi, Monar Sabouni, twin brother of Manaf Sabouni, and Nino Gregorio. Also walking the catwalk are Gelo, Ryan, PJ and Lawrence from House of Fierce TikTok, alongside Edward Matro and Aldrico Padilla. The lineup further includes Ej and Matty of Brgy. Rigga, Jason and Mary Grace, plus Elton Unlimited Creativity and Marie Faye Marcus. Also participating are Jerica and Mohammad of Me and My AFAM, Ariel of Ye Kabayan Al Ain, and John Loydd of Kabayan in Al Ain. The fashion show will also feature Donna of Sabi ni Donna alongside Janmar Tragico, as well as Manaf Sabouni and Hadee Alviar of Milksheikh Pinoy, as well as Jobert and John Patrick from House of Fierce TikTok. Also joining are Mico Banua and Mary Margarete of Em Serrano Vlog, Jaymar and Austin of Cruizine’, and Kae Jessica of Solana Vlogs together with Jobert of Dew in Dubai. The event will also feature mother-and-daughter tandem Gretchen and Jaleisha of Mom Me Serye, alongside Gary of G-Bites and Marjie of Mommy Apple. Also participating are Jonathan Sibol and Wayne Gonzales of Lafang DXB, together with Youseff and Margie. Completing the lineup are Jep Laguitan and wife Ethel of Misis E, Kujing and Mika of Brgy. Rigga, Denz Torres of UBE Productions and Onin Torres of Ka Roommate. Kalayaan 2026 is presented by Emirates Loves Philippines, Infinite Communities and TFC, with D&R Pure Jewels serving as key partner. The event is also supported by S&J Beauty as Platinum Partner, alongside community partners Philippine Business Council – Dubai and Northern Emirates and Expat Media. Participating educational institutions include Crescent Circle Training Institute, Emirates Education Centre, The Philippine School Dubai, Ace Gen - Advanced Generation Training Center, and FIPA Schools. Food and beverage partners include Hong Gourmet Hypermarket, Chinese Star Restaurant, House of Inasal, Meryenda, and Dencio’s. Other supporting partners include Sadek Music Store, Ominific Design, Top Exhibition, Fil Arts Guild, Penz Global, Square and Compass Tourism, Bayanihan Lifestyle, Cabalen Express Cargo, Stagecraft, Print on Demand, DMCI Homes, Terelle Travel & Tours and S&J Beauty. Organisers said the annual Kalayaan event continues to celebrate Filipino heritage, talent and community spirit while bringing together expatriates, families, entrepreneurs and performers from across the UAE. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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