Global stages often dictate trends and as industries evolve and audiences expand, platforms that celebrate identity and creativity become vital in ensuring that heritage is not only preserved, but reimagined.
This year, Miss Universe Philippines 2026 becomes an avenue where Filipino craftsmanship takes center stage; not just in gowns or performance, but from the maker communities themselves. Through SAFATOS MARIKINA, the Filipino footwear industry is spotlighted, bringing with it generations of skill, culture, and design innovation.
Officially launched at Estancia Mall in Pasig City last April 6th, 2016, SAFATOS MARIKINA is led by the Philippine Footwear Federation, Inc. (PFFI), in collaboration with Zapateria and Filipino designer Thian Rodriguez MNL, and supported by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) and the Marikina City Government. The initiative marks a milestone partnership, positioning Filipino-made footwear as an integral part of the Miss Universe Philippines journey.
Through this collaboration, handmade shoes crafted by Marikina-based manufacturers will be worn by candidates across key moments of the competition, transforming each step on stage into a celebration of Filipino creativity.
A Platform where Filipino Creativity Takes Centerstage
Miss Universe Philippines has long served as a platform that amplifies Filipino identity to a global audience. With SAFATOS MARIKINA, that platform expands further; offering Filipino designers and makers the opportunity to bring their craft into motion, seen and experienced by millions.
More than an accessory, each pair of shoes becomes part of the narrative; where design, movement, and identity intersect. As candidates walk the stage, they carry with them not only elegance, but the stories of the artisans and creatives behind their footwear.
“Miss Universe Philippines has always been about more than pageantry. It is a platform for Filipino talent, creativity and identity,” shared Voltaire Tayag, Executive Vice President of Miss Universe Philippines. “Through SAFATOS MARIKINA, we are proud to bring Marikina craftsmanship and Filipino artistry into the spotlight.”
Design as the bridge between heritage and global relevance
At the heart of the collaboration is a strong creative direction that recognizes design as the driving force that connects tradition to contemporary expression. Zapateria, known as the Philippines’ first creative hub for footwear design and development, continues its advocacy of elevating craft through design innovation. By creating spaces where makers and designers intersect, the studio reinforces the idea that craftsmanship thrives when paired with creative exploration.
Leading the creative vision of the collection is Filipino designer Thian Rodriguez, whose work translates Filipino identity into modern, expressive forms. Together with Lee Villanueva, founder of Alunsinag, the collaboration brings forth a collection that reflects both structure and storytelling, intentional practicality, and each detail carries meaning.
“For me, this collaboration is about translating heritage into contemporary design. When craftsmanship meets thoughtful direction, footwear becomes more than an object. It becomes a narrative of who we are and where we’re going,” shares Lee about the creative direction for this initiative.
Through their direction, footwear becomes more than functional. It becomes a medium for cultural expression, capable of standing alongside global design while remaining deeply rooted in Filipino identity.
Weaving innovation together from textile to footwear
Central to SAFATOS MARIKINA is the integration of locally developed textiles into footwear that bridges science, sustainability, and craft. Through the DOST-PTRI’s Shoes and Footwear Accessories R&D Towards Omnibus Solutions (SAFATOS) Program, Philippine tropical fabrics are reimagined into wearable design. These materials, once confined to research and development, are now brought into real-world application by transforming innovation into tangible products.
“At DOST-PTRI, our goal is to bring Telang Pinoy beyond the laboratory and into actual industry application,” shared Director Julius Leaño, Jr.. “Through SAFATOS MARIKINA, we demonstrate how Filipino innovation and Marikina shoemaking heritage can come together to create new possibilities for Filipino design.”
Shoemakers of Marikina are at the forefront
Under the Philippine Footwear Federation, Inc., Marikina-based manufacturers take on the role of bringing the collection to life. The gala and swimwear heels are crafted by Rowiliza Landicho (Roweliza), Vilma Fontilla (Jakob), and Marlyn Magbag (Zachy Shoes), alongside partner manufacturers for the boots category including Antonio Manila, Checkpoint, CPoint, JAS, Mardini, Nico Angelo, and Zaeloren.
Their work embodies the precision, resilience, and pride that define Marikina shoemaking, ensuring that each design is realized with the highest level of craftsmanship. “Para sa amin, hindi lang ito trabaho. Karangalan na makita ang gawa naming sapatos sa entablado ng Miss Universe Philippines,” shared Marlyn Magbag of Zachy Shoes.
Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the deeper significance of the initiative: “Marikina has always been known as the center of Filipino shoemaking, but more than that, it is a city built on skill, pride and resilience. Initiatives like SAFATOS MARIKINA showcase our craftsmanship to a wider audience.”
Crafting futures where creativity goes beyond borders
The ceremonial signing of the partnership during the launch symbolizes more than collaboration; it represents a shared commitment to push Filipino craftsmanship forward. Through SAFATOS MARIKINA, design becomes the common ground where industries meet: where research informs creation, where makers bring visions to life, and where platforms like Miss Universe Philippines amplify these efforts to the world.
As the candidates take the stage, each step becomes a statement and proof that Filipino creativity is not only present, but thriving. From the small maker-houses of Marikina to the global runway, SAFATOS MARIKINA positions Filipino footwear not just as tradition to be preserved, but as a creative force ready to shape the future.
SAFATOS MARIKINA is a collaborative initiative led by the Philippine Footwear Federation, Inc. (PFFI), the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) and Zapateria Hub, uniting industry, government and creative partners to advance Marikina’s shoemaking heritage through the integration of Philippine textiles into contemporary footwear.
The Philippine Footwear Federation, Inc. (PFFI) is a non-profit organization established as the umbrella body representing and advancing the interests of the Philippine footwear industry. It works to unify manufacturers and stakeholders, strengthen industry collaboration and promote Filipino shoemaking legacy.
The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) is the government’s lead agency for textile research and development. It advances Philippine textiles through science, innovation and sustainability, supporting the development and real-world application of locally made materials across industries.
Zapateria is the Philippines’ first creative hub for footwear that bridges generational heritage of craftsmanship with creative innovation. Through its collaborative model, Zapateria supports makers, designers and brands by providing access to tools, expertise and opportunities to grow within the Philippine footwear industry.
