The way they wore
MANILA, Philippines - In 1888, a group of 20 women from Malolos, headed by Alberta Uitangcoy and Basilia Tantoco, among others, petitioned Governor General Valeriano Weyler to allow them to open a night school where they could learn Spanish. As history took its course, not only did these women learn Spanish, the school also allowed independent thought and the ideas to flourish, leading to the birth of the KKK. Jose Rizal wrote his famous letter (the only piece of literature he ever wrote in Tagalog) to the “Women of Malolos,” thanking them and inspiring them to continue the work they had started.
Fast forward to 1999. Estefania Aldaba-Lim, one of the 20th century’s most distinguished Filipino women, with the help of some of her descendants, established the Women of Malolos Foundation, Inc. (WOMFI). Now in its 10th year under its current president Bong Enriquez, the organization “is a movement of people with affinity to Malolos dedicated to the preservation and promotion of pride in its history and heritage for the future generation.” In line with this, the theme of the main event for its 10th anniversary is “Own a Piece of History: Adopt a Heritage Home,” which ties in with Malolos as a Heritage Town. The basic concept is to work for the restoration of heritage homes — particularly homes with a connection to the women of Malolos themselves. The sheer scope of such a project makes it necessary for the foundation to focus on the homes on a specific street, “The Kamestizuhan.”
To celebrate the 121st anniversary of Rizal’s famous letter, WOMFI decided to mount a show that featured the history of fashion at the Metropolitan Museum. The featured designers did not disappoint. Malolos designers Jun Calalang and Jay Custodio presented a historical perspective of what women wore from 1888 up to the Commonwealth period. Randy Ortiz, Rajo Laurel and Rhett Eala presented their modern take on the classic baro at saya and one is just simply fascinated to see how women could wear kilos of fabric and look their best, effortlessly. Seen from the point of view of revolutionary women, using their belt sashes or skirt hems to transport important letters or documents, fashion has been, throughout history, both practical and functional. What is really inspiring is seeing how the silhouettes have not changed but rather have become streamlined for a more contemporary look. Take for instance the bell sleeve, which has somehow remained true to form although its use continues with varying treatments.
In the audience were other proud descendants such as Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., Maritess Tantoco-Enriquez, Lydia Echauz, Oscar Reyes, Josefa Santos-Tibajia, Zeny Reyes, Letty O. Eligado, Brenda Reyes-Cancio. Also present were Cheche Lazaro, Nina Lim-Yuson, Ricky Lim and Mercia Crisostomo Aquino. Though not descendants, their forefathers were the indios bravos of their time.
