Expo Filipino Canada puts talent, culture and sustainable fashion in the spotlight in Edmonton

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 27, 2026

Photo courtesy: Global News

EDMONTON, Alberta — A celebration of emerging talent, multicultural diversity, and sustainable fashion is coming to Edmonton as Expo Filipino Canada Corporation prepares for the Voice of Alberta Grand Finals on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Conference Centre.

The event brings young performers into the spotlight while advancing the organization’s broader mission of connecting cultures, discovering talent, and empowering communities through fashion, music, and the performing arts.

During a recent interview on Global News Morning Edmonton, Expo Filipino founder Vermont Cabilan and Creative and Events Director Kneil Harkley shared how their international initiatives are creating opportunities for aspiring performers, models, and designers while promoting cultural exchange.

Their work brings together three major brands: Expo Filipino Canada Corporation, Runway Model Universe, and Voice of Alberta. Each offers a distinct platform for talent development, creativity, and community engagement.

Cabilan emphasized that their initiatives are not limited to the Filipino community. Instead, they welcome people from different cultural backgrounds, reflecting Canada’s diversity and encouraging greater participation in the creative arts.

Fashion meets sustainability

One of the organization’s flagship initiatives, Runway Model Universe, is an international competition that combines modeling, fashion design, and pageantry.

Established in 2018, the competition brings male and female models together with designers, creating a platform where fashion becomes a collaborative expression of creativity and cultural identity.

The competition has since expanded internationally. Its first edition was held in the Philippines, followed by a second edition in Istanbul, Turkey. The third returned to the Philippines, while Canada hosted its fourth edition.

Beyond the runway, Runway Model Universe has placed increasing emphasis on sustainable fashion and environmental awareness.

Harkley explained during the interview that the organization introduced sustainability and climate change as a central advocacy last year, encouraging participants to rethink how clothing is used and discarded.

One of its initiatives is an upcycling activity, where international models bring pre-loved garments and transform them into entirely new designs.

Rather than purchasing new materials, participants are challenged to work creatively with existing clothing, giving old pieces a fresh identity.

In a previous edition, professional fashion designers were invited to mentor the models, guiding them through the process of transforming used garments into original runway creations.

The activity demonstrates how fashion can remain expressive and visually compelling while encouraging responsible consumption and reducing textile waste.

For organizers, the competition is more than a display of clothing and modeling talent. It is also an opportunity to encourage conversations about sustainability and the role of creativity in addressing environmental challenges.

Voice of Alberta puts young talent in the spotlight

The organization’s commitment to discovering emerging performers continues through Voice of Alberta, a singing competition designed to showcase talent while helping participants develop confidence and stage experience.

The program features separate competitions for children and adults, creating opportunities for aspiring singers from different age groups and cultural backgrounds.

The children’s edition will reach its grand finale on Friday, October 30, at the Holiday Inn Conference Centre, 4485 Gateway Boulevard, Edmonton, Alberta.

Seven finalists will compete for the Voice of Alberta Grand Winner title, with performances scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

The ticketed event offers VIP and general admission options, inviting audiences to celebrate young performers as they showcase their vocal abilities on stage.

The winner is also expected to advance to the national search for Grand Voices of Canada, planned for July or August 2027.

Beyond the competition, Voice of Alberta aims to nurture confidence, encourage artistic expression, and provide meaningful performance opportunities for young singers.

Organizers are also preparing for the adult edition, with activities expected to begin in December, extending the platform to more performers across Alberta.

Connecting cultures through creativity

Expo Filipino Canada Corporation’s initiatives reflect a wider effort to connect communities through shared cultural and artistic experiences.

The organization has also expanded its activities internationally, including an event held in Cebu City, Philippines, on September 19.

Through fashion competitions, musical performances, and multicultural gatherings, it aims to create opportunities for individuals to showcase their abilities while building connections across communities.

During the interview, Cabilan highlighted the importance of welcoming different cultures rather than focusing exclusively on Filipino participants.

That approach is reflected in Runway Model Universe and Voice of Alberta, where participants from diverse backgrounds come together through common interests in fashion, music, and creativity.

With the grand finals approaching, Expo Filipino Canada Corporation is bringing that vision to the Edmonton stage, offering audiences an evening of musical talent while continuing its advocacy for inclusion, cultural exchange, and community empowerment.

The Voice of Alberta Grand Finals will take place on October 30, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Conference Centre in Edmonton, with the program beginning at 5 p.m. VIP and general admission tickets are available.

For event details, ticket inquiries, and information about upcoming initiatives, visit https://runwaymodeluniverse.com/