Filipinism

CEBU, Philippines - As their contribution to the culmination of "Buwan ng Wika," LIMELIGHT Male Model Management, JCI Cebu-Mactan Channel, and Elizabeth Mall, showcase F I L I P I N I S M | Patronizing Our Culture | A Fashion Show on August 26, Sunday, 5 p.m. at The Stage, 4th Level of EMall.

The event will showcase the modern Filipiñana and Barong Tagalog creations of both seasoned and emerging fashion designers: Jerrick Macasocol, Bree Esplanada, Edward Castro, Pinky Magalona, Maui Lezama, Chan Abella, Roger Salazar, Jan Salvador Diamola, Rennie Braza, Lemuel Rosos, Lord Maturan, and John Ramman Arellano; as well as accessory designers Chastity Manuel and Marj Leyson.

Playup on Barong, Terno

Filipiñana or Terno gowns and Barong Tagalogs are celebrated not only by politicians during the State of the Nation Address, but also by local fashion experts who have taken up the switch in promoting the traditional costumes as inspiration for local fashion, according to Limelight talent and model manager Dexter "Dux" Samolde.

Barong Tagalog, the official national costume of Filipino men, originated from the northern part of the Philippines, and is originally made of jusi or pineapple cloth, woven from pineapple (pinya or piña) leaves. It is worn over a Chinese collarless shirt called camisa de Chino. It exhibits the loose, long lines of its Chinese sources, the airy tropical appearance of Indo-Malay costumes, the elongated effect of Hindu dressing, and the ornamental restraint of European men's clothing.

Today, the Barong can be woven from different materials and in different colors. It is usually used for formal occasions and meetings. The Barong was popularized as formal wear by former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay who wore in most official affairs, including his inauguration as President.

Meanwhile, the Filipiñana or Terno is a formal dress made of expensive lace and fabric adorned with embroideries. It is the sophisticated version of the national costume, the baro't saya. It is known for its elegance and butterfly sleeves. It is usually worn for formal occasions, made more popular by former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos. Some even called it the Imelda dress or the Imelda terno.

In the end, the idea of wearing Filipiñana or Terno and Barong Tagalog need not be a burden, but a challenge to help us overcome preconceived notions about the national costume. Thus, the idea of the fashion show at EMall: To wear the Filipiñana or Terno and Barong implies dignity, class and elegance.

Designers at work

" Designer Jerrick Macasocol. A native of Mindanao, he wants to showcase the beauty of the region. Inspired by the glamour of a Maranao woman with her man, and because it's rarely seen in shows, Maranaos being very conservative especially with the way they dress up, Macasocol works his way round turtle necks, long sleeves, the use of black spandex fabric for the color pallet, embellished with gold safety pins, and accessorized with gold metal bracelets and chokers.

" Designer Roger Salazar. Inspired by one of Cebu's leading designers who artfully brings out the shape of a woman's body. With this in mind, he puts together something that in one way honors this designer, and in another way pays tribute to a woman's contours. He used black spandex as lining for two reasons: one to keep and emphasize a woman's shape and two, to provide a contrast to the overlaying lace. The lace of stretch materials is of a beautiful light caramel brown daringly cut and hugging the body's curves until it flares just above the knee. The hemline is made of soft tulle with horsehair to emphasize the bias cut of the bottom of the dress. Underneath, the model will use a petticoat, to bring out the design beautifully. As for the Barong: A two-toned Barong Tagalog, beginning with black at the hemline, lightening into gray towards the chest.

• Designer Lemuel Rosos. The design is inspired by the traditional Filipino Barong Tagalog but it is given a new twist by modernizing the look with the use of hand-painting and accentuated with stones and beads to give highlight. The fabric is dyed in black. The fit is Italian since it hugs the body but it doesn't constrict movements because it is very fluid. The silhouette is neo-classic in nature because of the modified wearability that allows the wearer freedom to enjoy his heritage.

• Designer Maui Lezama. Used the Terno as a base but made it fresh and youthful. Got inspired by tribal prints, thus the beaded detail on the front bodice. Used sinamay on the bodice with flat stones and beads sewn on it, the bodice back made of black georgette. The skirt will be draped with black soft tulle. The Barong Tagalog will be of sinamay with embroidered detail.

• Designer John Arellano. Design is inspired by the movie "Mirror, mirror" because of its fascinating design which leads him to come up with his own style and approach. He used pleated appliqué for the base of the garment; bandage curve appliqué for the cover-up details. And as for the fabric used, he used pink satin to emphasize femininity --- soft and fragile look of Filipina beauty.

• Designer Rennie Braza. The design was inspired by iconic former First Lady Imelda Marcos because of the butterfly sleeves. The fabric has animal prints to introduce to the international market that our Terno can also be worn even for casual events.