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Patricia Bangug is not your average nurse. By day, she serves in the fast-paced environment of the ER. By night, she transforms into a beauty queen and model, using her platform to champion Filipino cultural heritage. “I’m Pat, nurse sa umaga, beauty queen sa gabi, community leader on weekends,” she shares with a laugh, encapsulating her vibrant personality. Patricia’s story is one of balancing passion, purpose, and grace, as she seamlessly navigates her diverse roles.
Her journey toward nursing was inspired by her mother, who also worked in the profession. “My mom is my icon, and she is a nurse,” Patricia shares. “As a child, I would borrow her stethoscope and pretend to work, even sitting in her classes as if I were studying nursing myself.” Her passion solidified in high school when she joined the Philippine Red Cross and participated in medical missions. “Helping others has always been my calling,” she says.
Balancing her healthcare career with her roles as a beauty queen and model has its challenges. “Time and fatigue are the most difficult aspects,” she admits. “I would often find myself running from one shoot to another, sleeping on buses, and heading straight to hospital duty. But my passion for what I do enables me to overcome any challenge.”
From Campus Queen to Beauty Queen
Patricia’s entry into the world of pageantry was unexpected. As a high school student, she was a self-described “boyish student leader” when her school needed a candidate for the Campus King and Queen pageant. “Nobody wanted to join, so our dean handed me a pair of heels and said, ‘Tara na, magsa-start na yung shoot.’” Despite her initial hesitation, Patricia went on to win her first crown, sparking a journey that has been both transformational and empowering.
“Pageantry taught me confidence and resilience,” she reflects. “It’s not just about looking good, it’s about being a role model and using your platform to make a difference.”
Championing the Inabel Weave
Patricia’s advocacy is deeply rooted in her Ilocano heritage. Raised in La Union with family ties to Pangasinan, she grew up immersed in her community’s rich traditions. One of these is the art of Inabel weaving. “We call our cloth Inabel because ‘abel’ means ‘weave,’” she explains. “It’s not just a craft; it’s a way of life.”
The tradition of Inabel weaving dates back to pre-colonial times, with patterns and techniques passed down through generations. Patricia’s favorite pattern, Binakul, features a dizzying optical illusion believed to protect travelers from bad spirits. “Each weave tells a story,” she says. “It’s empowering to wear something that embodies strength and tradition.”
Today, Inabel is celebrated not only in traditional settings but also in modern fashion, appearing as bags, headpieces, and versatile outfits. Patricia highlights its importance as both a cultural symbol and a sustainable clothing option. “Wearing Inabel connects me to the fearless women who came before me,” she says. “It’s a tribute to their strength and artistry.”
Preserving Cultural Traditions
For Patricia, preserving the weaving industry is essential to maintaining Filipino identity. “It connects us to our ancestors and supports marginalized communities,” she emphasizes. Through her advocacy, Patricia shines a spotlight on the hardworking artisans who keep this tradition alive.
This vision is shared by Cebu Pacific, which has partnered with local weaving communities to celebrate Filipino heritage. In a special collaboration, the Binakol Inabel featured in these photos was specifically created by the Paoay Weavers supported by Mariano Marcos State University for Cebu Pacific using the airline's signature brand colors. By providing a platform for artisans, the airline aims to bring the stories of weavers to a broader audience, promoting cultural appreciation and sustainability. Patricia sees this collaboration as a meaningful way to elevate the craft and the communities behind it. “To represent our culture with Cebu Pacific is not just my success but the success of thousands of weavers,” she says proudly.
The Paoay weavers of Ilocos Norte stand as a testament to resilience and creativity. Using centuries-old techniques, these artisans produce intricate patterns that tell stories of heritage and identity.
Rather than relying on centralized weaving centers, weaving in Paoay is a deeply personal and integrated practice. With looms in most homes, residents weave in their free time (much like a grandmother sewing at home), making it a natural part of daily life and solidifying its place within the community's cultural heritage.
Cebu Pacific’s efforts to highlight these communities have helped bring their craft to a broader audience in a way that feels authentic and celebratory.
Patricia hopes that her work will inspire younger generations to appreciate and preserve Filipino traditions. “Heritage is not a dying asset,” she insists. “Our old churches, bridges, and textiles hold valuable lessons. It’s up to us to share these stories and encourage the youth to experience our culture firsthand.”
Looking to the Future
Patricia envisions a future where Inabel weaving thrives globally, with young artisans taking the lead. “The youth are smart and skilled,” she says. “They just need guidance, and I’m here to be that light.”
Despite her packed schedule, Patricia prioritizes self-care by exploring hobbies like yoga and pilates. “It keeps me in shape and calms me down,” she shares. “Loving what I do makes everything worth it.”
As Patricia continues to make a difference, she encourages others to take action. “Start small but think big,” she advises. “No action is too small. Take that step now and be the change you want to see in the world.”
Ready to explore the beauty of Filipino heritage? Discover Laoag and fly direct from Manila with Cebu Pacific!
Book your flight today and join the movement to celebrate and preserve our traditions.
Photographer: Dave Graciadas (@davegraciadas)
Production Manager: Mary Joyce Lapasaran (@_joycelapasaran)
Art Director: Yela Lao (@ylalao)
Content Producer: Jamie Sanchez (@jamiexs)
Model: Patricia Bangug (@patriciabangug)
Hairstylist and Makeup Artist: Team Muriel Vega Perez (@murielvegaperez)
Stylist: Andie Dau (@andie_dau) by Gee Jocson Studio (@geejocson)
Wardrobe: Ifugao-Wooven Blazer in Yellow from Kandama Collection (@kandamacollective), Kantarines Bolero in Cream and Kantarines Dress with Floral Design from Heritage Finds (@heritagefinds), White Slacks from Maison Soriano (@maison_sorianoo)
Writer: Chelsey Brazal (@nadinebrazal)
Set Design: Kamila Garcia-Santos (@youcantseewhat)
