Baro't Saya & Barong Tagalog

Barong Tagalog

• Official National Costume of Filipino men
• Thin and translucent
• Common formal attire in Filipino Culture
• Traditionally made using Piña fabric

Baro't Saya

• Official National Costume of Filipino women
• Baro: sleeved, collarless blouse

thin fabric, woven from Piña fibers

• Saya: long skirt woven from silk

Baro't Saya

Why is it Filipino?

Why do you think it is cultural heritage?

Historical Background

BARONG TAGALOG

16th Century/

Pre-Spanish

Native Tagalogs in Luzon wore Baro

Early 19th Century

The baro and its collar were both shortened,

Modifications hastened due to interaction with Europeans

1920's

A style emerged that was considered "the most authentic" Barong Tagalog. Made of abaca fiber, it was worn over a collarless t-shirt.

1975

-President Ferdinand E. Marcos designated the Barong Tagalog as “the national attire”

-Barong Tagalog Week (June 5 – 11).

-The presidential act was meant to focus nation-wide attention on the Filipino national dress to widen its use and enhance its export potential.

For the most part, it has retained its essential look since it was first worn:

-round neck,

-straight long sleeves,

-mid thigh hemline

(and then modified with collar, cuffs and side slits).

1700s

Spaniards brought in their dressy shirt with standing collar, the high Elizabethan collar

Present

-Filipinos continue to wear the Barong Tagalong during formal events

-made casual with the introduction of short-sleeved variety (made of cotton, Philippine ramie and later, of chiffonille called “polo Barong“)

1898

Filipino nationalists had won their fight for independence. The Barong Tagalog, as it was popularly called from then on, had ruffled collars and cuffs and more elaborate designs

1935

under the tutelage of President Manuel L. Quezon, a variation of the Barong Tagalog, known as the "Commonwealth Barong Tagalog" became popular.

Historical Background

BARO'T

SAYA

The Spanish era brought about Spanish ethics, which influenced Christianized women to wear a skirt called the saya and a blouse called the baro throughout the 400 years of colonization

BARO

Butterfly sleeves made consistently of fine fabrics

• influenced by the costume of the statues of the Blessed Virgin.
• a square kerchief called alampay, usually made of the same fabric as the saya was worn over the baro to cover the breasts

*also doubled as a veil, later called the panuelo.

SAYA (generally fashioned out of opaque plaid or striped cotton and sinamay varieties),

• remained unelaborated until the period of intensified global trade.
• thicker material known as the tapis was wrapped around the lower half of the woman’s body and tied at the waist
• secured in place by the knotted ends or by a length of braided material.
• In some societies, belt-like pieces were used.
• The tapis was an assertion of native pride. To this day, the tapis is worn by older women in barrios all over the Philippines.

When the Spaniards ruled over the country, one of their three missions was to spread Christianity. With the advent of religiousity and veneration of the Blessed-Virgin, the Filipino women’s clothing transformed to that of conservatism.

Threats?

Threats

Colonial mentality; Filipinos' love for foreign brands

Physical and situational constraints that limit, discourage the use of it

Advancing trends in the fashion and textile industry

What actions have been taken to protect it from the threats?

Actions

The practice of wearing it during special events (government, school, etc.)

Adapting it to the modern context, to fit the taste of today's Filipinos especially the youth

Events, exhibitions that celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship of these prized artefacts

Sources