"Indie T-shirts" anyone?

CEBU, Philippines - Shirts are the most comfortable and convenient piece of clothing that anyone put on. It is also said that it is the oldest preserved garment. Throughout the years, the shirt has changed its appearances and styles. In the 16th century, shirts were embroidered and sometimes it even had cuffs and frills. And now, we have digital printing and graphic designing of shirts.

With self expression and the enhancement of knowledge and skills also comes art and design evolution. The youth who have the capacity to influence society are voicing out in a creative way, by literally wearing their beliefs. Because of this, individually produced shirts flourish in the streets of Cebu. To the entrepreneurs and youth consumers it is not just business, it is also brandishing one’s lifestyle and taste. This belief is shared among the founders of one “indi shirt” clothing line: Dopee, a local clothing line gaining popularity among students and young professionals.

Dopee was founded by Pierson Querubin, Dylan Baguio and Jumar Jake del Corro. Pierson is a young graphic designer who ventured into this industry to incorporate his passion for art and business. As a child, Pierson already saw his path in graphic designing. He has always loved designing and graphics, so he graduated as a graphic designer in Toronto, Canada. Upon his return to Cebu, he founded Dopee Clothing Line with his cousins. Coming from the West, his styles are reflected by the urban designs of Dopee shirts. By urban, it means shirt designs would be filled with graphics. Even the brand is also a reflection of who he is, Dopee meaning “carefree and light hearted”. In an interview, Pierson said that he wants his designs to be flexible to cater to any lifestyle among consumers. Dopee is mainly a combination of hiphop and rock for urban lifestyle. He describes himself as a neophyte in the industry but he dreams big. He dreams of going international to bring out Cebuano pride, to gain more and earn more. He does not want his designs to go mainstream. He wants his design to have class and not merely just a shirt.

Dopee has not only been a business to cousins, but it is also a home, especially to the other employees. Pao Pao and Jun Jun, two new hires, claim that they found a home in Dopee.

This business does not only limit its purpose to printing shirts and earning. Pierson hopes that Dopee would inspire young Cebuano artists to showcase their talent and be a pride for Cebu. True enough since the shirts are made in Lapu-Lapu City, consumers are proud to wear Dopee. Angie Rubio, a college student said that she likes wearing Dopee because it makes her proud to be a taga-Opon and it is also a form of recognizing Cebuano talent.

Designers like Pierson have popularized local art. By self-expression, creativity, talent and also good entrepreneurship, Pierson did not only inspire to express and be fashionable, but he has also somehow motivated many Cebuano artists to express and show their talent. (FREEMAN)