MANILA, Philippines?One idle Sunday lunch, Lulu Tan-Gan was wondering, now that fashion shows are suddenly a dime-a-dozen, what other fashion-show concept could we have? One that could benefit the local fashion design industry, as much as possible.

Then she talked about how she has taken up running, how much she?s enjoying it, and how it?s keeping her blood sugar level in check. Could we do a shoot of her in her running gear, we asked. A lot of today?s women could get many tips and ideas from her everyday wardrobe, one that takes her from workout to work.

That?s it, we looked at each other, struck by the bolt of idea. That?s a fashion show that?s so now: activewear that takes a woman, or a man, to the rest of his day schedule?and that even makes a style statement.

Lulu runs, joins a marathon. Sunday Inquirer Magazine editor Leica Carpo is not only running, but is also preparing for a triathlon (Iron Woman). And so is her sister Amanda. Inquirer columnist Tessa Valdes-Prieto is a mother and wife who does yoga, diving, running?as physically demanding as her party whirl. Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales is hardcore when it comes to squash and yoga. Designer Rina Go is a diehard boxer. Sen. Pia Cayetano uses her triathlon for a cause. Metroactive magazine editor-in-chief Jeena Lopez is a wakeboarding champion.

These women are not athletes in the traditional sense. They just lead an active lifestyle, like millions of other men and women in the country. They do so because they want to stay fit and healthy?indeed they want to stay alive. And?this is a big ?and??they get a major high when they feel the adrenaline rush.

Weekend warriors, we can call some of them. And they live today?s lifestyle that is antidote to the stress and pressure of contemporary life.

And?they don?t stick to one designer for their clothes. Since activewear is a style statement, they know how to marry brand with a custom-made design of a Filipino designer.

That was how the idea for Inquirer Lifestyle series? Fitness.Fashion show was born. That Samsung chose to share this fashion vision turned the idea into reality. ?The collaboration merely confirms Samsung?s sustained efforts to define what a lifestyle brand is all about. And PDI Lifestyle is a strategic alignment,? said Pen Roque, Cheil Country Director for Samsung Philippines.

We tapped some of today?s designers to collaborate with top active brands.

They are Vic Barba, Joey Samson, James Reyes, Louis Claparols, Rhett Eala, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Tonichi Nocom, Randy Ortiz, Ivarluski Aseron, Arcy Gayatin, Rajo Laurel, and of course, Lulu.

They are collaborating with Kipling, Bench, Speedo, Adidas, Nike Golf, Puma, Marks & Spencer, Fila, Aigle & Oxbow. Virgie Ramos? Swatch is also supporting this collaboration.

Leica, Tweetie, Amanda, Rina, Sen. Cayetano, Jeena will be guest models in this show on July 31 at Peninsula Manila, with Inquirer contributing editor Apples Aberin-Sadhwani, Ruby Gan, Svetlana Osmena, Fely Atienza, Akiko Thompson, Enchong Dee, Paolo Abrera.

L?Oreal is doing the hair and makeup. Thelma Sioson-San Juan