Dressmaker for Guam's beauty queens and kings

Marie Perez, Pacific Daily News Published 12:58 p.m. ChT Nov. 2, 2017

(Photo: Courtesy of Fred Cruz)

Many of the gorgeous gowns that grace Guam's pageant runways come from the humble home of Rhodora Paloma.

Paloma is a local seamstress with over forty years of experience. She does most of her work out of her house in Sinajana.

Her work is often part of award-winning looks during pageants, such as Best in Gown and Best in Native Costume. She also created gowns for the First Lady Christine Calvo and does work for Paradise Weddings.

Rhodora Paloma, a local seamstress, putting the finishing touches on a gown. Paloma makes many of the dresses used by local pageant contestants. (Photo: Courtesy of Fred Cruz)

Q: When did you start sewing?

A: I started sewing since high school. Before I was just fond of making my own dresses because I liked to dress up. One time my teacher and my classmate noticed my outfit.I started sewing for my classmate and for my teacher and it started like that.

Q: Did you receive any professional training?

A: I went to school for one year in Cora Doloroso and then I got a close friend, a designer. I worked with her and then when I was in Manila, I learned how to sew through (another) designer friend of mine. (Also) I’m just curious about sewing so I just practiced and practiced.

Q: How did you establish a sewing career on Guam?

A: Word of mouth, I didn’t even have a card before. I arrived in Guam in 1990 and I started to sew for a lot of people. I made a lot for the pageants. Miss Universe, Miss World, almost all pageants all year. I always win best in gown, best in native costume, best in recycled costume.

Q: How do you create a dress?

A: All my customers just send me the picture on WhatsApp and then I quote it. And then if they like the price then I go ahead. Sometimes my charging depends on their budget. If they can afford it, than I go to the expensive materials.They just give me the design and I give them suggestions, what is good for them and then I just execute it. I just follow it, I don’t even make a pattern I cut through the material.(Fittings) usually only take one time. I (can) make a gown in two hours, but it depends on the design.

http://www.guampdn.com/story/entertainment/pika-magazine/2017/11/02/dressmaker-guams-beauty-queens-and-kings/779042001/