He was one of the personalities invited at the recent summit where the Hollywood A-lister was also invited to.
In a post on social media, renowned fashion designer Rajo Laurel shared a special experience that he got to have at the recent ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit in Taguig City last November 11 (Wednesday).
“I just have to share an incredible experience. A moment that reminded me why Angelina Jolie is so much more than the actress the world knows her to be,” he wrote in tue caption of the photo carousel.
Rajo, who also served as a speaker in the event, noted that he was invited to a private roundtable discussion with Mastercard’s leadership, some of Asia’s most influential CEOs and financial leaders.
“Ms. Jolie walked us through the business mission of [Atelier Jolie],” the fashion designer narrated. “For centuries, wealthy Western powers, dating back to colonial times, have exploited the resources of developing countries, from tea in China to precious gems in Africa, branding them as their own while reaping the majority of the financial profits.”
On which, Atelier Jolie seeks to change the narrative by “giving credit and returning profits where they rightfully belong: to the countries of origin and the artisans whose craftsmanship brings these creations to life.”
Rajo noted that he had rarely heard anyone speak about the history of colonialism and the inequalities of our world today with “such conviction,” and added that what impressed him more was that Angelina’s words were backed by “meaningful action through engagements with country leaders and NGOs to make real change happen.”
“Angelina Jolie is the real deal!” exclaimed Laurel, who also quipped for someone to pinch him for what he felt like a dream.
In a separate post, Rajo also shared his thoughts about the summit, where he felt proud to be a Filipino creative.
“We may not always have the resources or facilities that others around the world enjoy, but we have learned to create with whatever is available to us,” he told.
“Many countries have established fabric mills and access to the most advanced machinery. And what do we sometimes have in the Philippines? A needle and thread, and a rickety old sewing machine.”
However, when local creations side are placed sode by side with those from anywhere in the world, Rajo shared his belief that Filipinos can hold our own. “Not because we have more, but because we bring something deeply personal to what we create: our authenticity, our stories, and our soulful voice,” he also said.
He also regarded the that one of the greatest strengths of Filipinos is the ability to work with their hands, make most of what people have, and pour so much of themselves into everything they create.
“And I think that is where Filipino creativity truly shines,” he realized as he expressed pride in representing Filipino creativity on the said platform.
