Cannes, France.
Award-winning Filipino food creator Abi Marquez, just made history– and she did it in style. On May 23, 2025, she took home Food Creator of the Year at the 7th annual World Influencers and Bloggers Awards (WIBA) held at the iconic Hotel Martinez during the Cannes Film Festival.
Known to millions as the “Lumpia Queen,” Abi has built a thriving community around her joyful, food-focused content. So when she stepped onto the carpet in a dramatic, ketchup-red Filipiniana inspired by Pinoy spaghetti, it felt like a perfect extension of her personality and brand—playful, nostalgic, and unapologetically Filipino.
The gown was a custom creation by Filipino designer Jo Rubio, brought to life in close collaboration with Abi and her NYMA management team– Pam Ricarte (Creative Director and Head Stylist), Kat Bautista (COO), and Karen Tumbali (VP).
Originally conceptualized in blue, the team pivoted after learning that Cannes’ carpet was the same color. “We were originally set on a blue gown,” Pam shared. “But when we found out the carpet was blue too, we had to switch it up. That’s when the spaghetti idea came in– and it just made perfect sense. Playful, nostalgic, and a little unexpected, just like Abi.”
The team leaned fully into the idea, and the final look was both couture and clever. “Abi and the team were all in on the concept,” Pam said. “We requested a classic Filipina silhouette with a touch of French elegance for Cannes. We imagined the gown as pasta draping around her, complete with a suspended fork and beaded strands that mimicked spaghetti.”
Jo Rubio, known for his refined approach to heritage fashion, embraced the challenge. “I study my muse, and I ask a lot of questions to understand the objective,” he said. “Food was truly our inspiration for the whole look. Since Abi is a good cook, we quickly gravitated on what would effectively personify her and coherent to her content.”
Crafted from red Italian silk, the gown featured the traditional butterfly sleeves of a terno, but reimagined with sculptural flair. The details were intentional– gold-plated forks, draped silk straps, gold tubular beads, and strings of pearls that mimicked pasta in motion. The ensemble was finished with thoughtful, playful accessories– a spaghetti clutch by Nick Bentel, pasta-inspired nails by @nailsby.nica, and spoon-shaped earrings.
Nails by Nica (@nailsby.nica); Spaghetti Clutch by Nick Bentel
One subtle but meaningful detail– embroidered along the gown’s train were the words “Kain Tayo” (“Let’s eat”), a phrase that captures the warmth and hospitality of Filipino culture.
For Jo Rubio, wearing a Filipiniana at Cannes is a cultural representation on one of the world’s biggest stages. “The Terno has always been the most iconic Filipino dress,” he said. “To see it on the red carpet in Cannes is emotional. It’s a designer’s dream. But more than that, it’s a cultural statement.”
Abi’s look was elegant, current, and quirky– but more importantly, it signaled her growing place in fashion as someone designers are beginning to bet on.
He hopes this moment can help propel more Filipino design and craftsmanship onto the world stage. “I hope this sparks a larger movement,” he said. “Filipino artistry deserves to be celebrated not just occasionally, but consistently—and globally.”
Once again, Abi brought her story and the Philippines to the global stage. It was a moment that felt personal and proud, a loud and joyful nod to Filipino creativity that truly screamed Pinoy pride.