The local fashion scene is undeniably alive thanks to Filipino creativity. However, we can't discount the fact that our fashion aesthetic is also anchored on the ideas that have trickled down from global fashion capitals. Let's not forget that we have an iconic national costume that has been held in high regard by local and international designers alike. However, the modernization of our famous terno or baro't saya needs a bit more gleaning for it to remain relevant today.
This is the goal of the Balik Saya project, headed by the Intramuros Administration (IA) and Manila’s 5th District Representative Cristal Bagatsing. Headlined by a design competition, the project aims to shape Intramuros as a hub for emerging fashion designers and creatives who are driven by both heritage and creative ideas. The competition aims to create contemporary designs for the baro't saya using local materials.
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Representative Cristal Bagatsing with Fashion Designer and Project Mentor Jojie Lloren
“Balik Saya was initially only intended for the youth,” said Representative Cristal Bagatsing. “But there were a lot of queries from seamstresses and out of school youth who were interested to join. So we widened the scope from just the youth to everyone residing in Manila’s 5th district. We now champion an advocacy for everyone in the district to further develop their appreciation for cultural heritage.”
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Inno Sotto, head judge
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Lucy Torres-Gomez
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Tobias Guggenheimer (the Dean of SoFA Design Institute), Jo-ann Bitagcol, Criselda Lontok, Jo-ann Bitagcol, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, Lulu Tan Gan, and Rajo Laurel.
The 15 finalists were chosen to present their contemporary pieces to an esteemed panel of judges that included Inno Sotto, the head judge, Criselda Lontok, Jo-ann Bitagcol, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Lulu Tan Gan, Rajo Laurel, Randy Ortiz, Tobias Guggenheimer, the Dean of SoFA Design Institute, and Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez.
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Alaine Isabelle Leones from St. Scholastica’s College
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Allana Marie Ecalnea from St. Scholastica’s College
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Christian Bulasag from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Jackie Ombao
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Jacob Paiso from Technological University of the Philippines
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Jesus Mauricio Bea
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Maria Nina Luisa Doctor from St. Scholastica’s College
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Mariah Marella Parayray from St. Scholastica’s College
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Miguelito Cabrera
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Rana Vashti Sacramento from St. Scholastica’s College
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Sandra Lou Galang from St. Scholastica’s College
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Somera Rana from Colegio de San Juan de Letran
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Vianka Lorraine Castro from St. Scholastica’s College
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Zayre Capangyarihan
The creations were judged based on design, workmanship, wearability, and originality. The finished design should consist of at least 25% indigenous fabrics like piña, jusi, and inabel, among others. The project's mentor, renowned fashion designer Jojie Lloren, also showcased his own capsule collection.
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
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Five winning designers brought home cash prizes (up to P100,000 for the first prize), an apprenticeship at Rustan's, accommodation at The Bayleaf in Intramuros, and a workshop from SoFA Design Institute. Apart from the Top 5 winners, special prizes were also awarded and the recepients were given scholarships at F.A.B. Creatives worth P100,000.
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
5th place, Margaux Gustilo from St. Scholastica’s College
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
4th place, Lou Galang from St. Scholastica’s College, represented by dad Carmelito Galang, Jr.
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
3rd place, Somera Rana from Colegio de San Juan de Letran
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
2nd place, Alaine Isabelle Leones from St. Scholastica’s College, represented by mom Maria Victoria Leones
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Grand Winner, Mariah Marella Parayray from St. Scholastica’s College, awarded by Manila’s 5th District Representative Cristal Bagatsing, Intramuros Administrator Atty. Guiller Asido, and National Museum Director Jeremy Barns.
Special awards include Rustan’s Iconic Award, and Fashion+Arts+Business Creatives gives the F.A.B. Award for the designer who has the most potential to become one of the most important Filipino designers in the future. The recipient of the award gets a scholarship at F.A.B. Creatives worth P100,000.
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
F.A.B. Choice Christian Bulasag from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, awarded by Patricia Lagunda and Albert Avellana, Directors of Fashion+Arts+Business Creatives
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
SoFA Choice or the Fashion Visionary Award was given to Vianka Lorraine Castro from St. Scholastica’s College, awarded by Tobias Guggenheimer, Dean of SoFA Design Institute
IMAGE Courtesy of Balik Saya
Rustan’s Iconic Award went to Rana Vashti Sacramento from St. Scholastica’s College, awarded by Michael Huang, Rustan’s Vice President of Store Development and Expansion.
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