•♦• CATEGORIES/TYPES OF PHILIPPINE NATIONAL COSTUME•♦•
I. The Traditional Terno/Filipiniana
Many believe that this is originated from 'baro't saya' which commonly consists of two parts, the baro (upper garment) and saya (lower garment). This traditional dress has been worn by Filipino ancestors on the late 18th to 19th century. Unlike baro't saya, it is made as a whole which was later modified with a thin yet wide shoulder sleeves called 'butterfly sleeves'. It can be usually seen on special gatherings and events. In this day and age, it has been greatly influenced by great minds of designers and it is being dubbed as one of the symbols of modern Filipina.
II. Muslim/Mindanaoan Traditional Costumes
This is inspired from our brothers and sisters from Mindanao, specifically Muslim people. It usually gives so much class, sophistication and enormous dignity to the ones who will wear this kind of attire. It may vary from sizes, color and designs to some extent. It also signifies the rich cultures of numerous tribes and ethnic groups of the region.
III. Festival Costumes
Tagged as one of the happiest people on earth, Philippines has been very blessed with numerous festivities across the archipelago. Sinulog festival, Masskara festival, Panagbenga festival to name a few. As suggested by many, it could really be a great inspiration for the traditional dresses of our Filipina queens in their respective international pageants. One of these has been already worn by the country's very own and the reigning Miss Earth Jamie Herrell in last year's edition.
I think it's kinda overwhelming to see more of these attires in the years to come being confidently paraded by our queens. On the other hand, the global audience will have an opportunity to savor the nation's celebratory and jolly spirit.
IV. Ethnic/Indigenous/Tribal Costumes
There are over 180 ethnic/indigenous and 100 tribal groups in the archipelago. These comprise the racial differences as well as the diversity of the country. Aside from having a ethnolinguistics background, they also have the rich innate cultures and traditions that can still be observed even in this modern time. One great example is their traditional attire. We can see the hardwork and dedication that they put in it. Furthermore, enclosed is the historical bounteous that these clothes are trying to communicate in its observer. Its origin and how they are able to preserve its authenticity and ethnicity.
We really hope to see more of these costumes in the years to come. These are the living proofs that the Philippines has so much to offer to the world.
V. Modernized Philippine Terno/Filipiniana
In this day and age, the traditional ones are somehow making its new faces. One great example for that is the Philippine Terno or Filipiniana. Through the booming of the inevitable modern time, this attire is gearing towards to more unique, slick and futuristic designs. With overflowing creativity of Filipino designers, they come up with these creations through the utilization of indigenous products, stylish and up-to-date materials.
What is your take on this one guys? Wanna hear your thoughts!
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VI. Philippine Legendary Characters/Creatures
If there are various things that fascinate me the most are the Philippine legendary characters as inspiration for the national costumes of our representatives in international pageants. It will surely bring some sort of edginess, divine and magical touch to someone who will get to wear that kind of creation. In lieu of this, here is the quick background on this NatCos suggestion.
• DEITIES - They are the gods, goddesses and diwatas worshiped by ancient Filipinos before the Christianization of the natives after the Spanish conquest of the Philippines.
• POETIC CHARACTERS - Like Ibong Adarna. It is an epic written in the 17th Century about an eponymous magical bird. The Adarna bird is a fictional creature which had the ability to cure any sickness with its song so name was chosen to evoke the healing power of education and knowledge against the struggle of the Filipino against poverty-causing ignorance.
• LEGENDARY CREATURES - One example is the Sarimanok. It is a legendary bird of the Maranao people who originate from Mindanao, a major island in the Philippines. It comes from the words "sari" and "manok." "Sari" means cloth or garment, which is generally of assorted colors. Manòk means "bird".
• SUPERHEROES - One great example is Darna. She is a fictional character and Filipino comics superheroine created by writer Mars Ravelo and artist Nestor Redondo. In her more popular incarnations, she is a deceased warrior from another planet manifesting herself through a girl from Earth, named Narda. She first appeared in Pilipino Komiks (Ace Publications, Inc.) #77 (May 13, 1950).
• WARRIOR PRINCE/PRINCESS - Amaya is one of the courageous legendary warriors. She was the daughter of Datu Bugna and the uripon(slave) Dal'lang, the girl with the twin snake, who was destined to put an end to Rajah Mangubat's reign of terror. She was a Bai (princess), who became an uripon (slave) due to Dian Lamitan's (her father's legitimate wife) treachery. Eventually, she rose among the ranks to become a "Punong Alabay" (Babaylan's head apprentice) until she was forced to flee after she (in self-defense) killed Rajah Mangubat. While in exile among the Manobo, she became their Baybayin teacher and in turn learned their fighting style to become a full-fledged Warrior and finally became their first female chief leader. She was known as the most powerful woman during her time. She existed before Magellan discovered the Philippines.
Source: Wikipedia
Who would love to see the creations made out of this inspiration? Care to share your thoughts on this?
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Photo credits to all the rightful owners.
