These are Barong paired with caps that were created from locally-sourced and sustainable materials.
On Thursday, September 10, Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran publicly revealed his special collection called Malaya, which he described as a Barong that celebrates Filipino heritage “told through deep symbols and craft.”
The said pieces of clothing will be worn by Filipino athletes who will participate in the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan and will also bring together different elements that show culture in the country.
The Barong was created using piña jusi and includes symbols such as the word “malaya” (“free”) written in the ancient text Baybayin, as well as Kalinga-inspired patterns, and the colors and rays of the Philippine flag. “Together, they tell a story of heritage, strength, freedom, and pride, carried onto the world stage,” they said.
Meanwhile, matching caps were also crafted from strong, sustainable woven paper echoing the natural texture of rattan and will be the companion to the iconic Malaya Barong for Team Philippines. These are also finished with intricate embroidery drawn from the colors and elements of the Philippine flag.
Malaya will have the same design language as Libiran’s prior creations worn by athletes such as The Flag, Araw, and Agila at the SEA Games, and Sinag at the Paris Olympics in 2024, which are all shaped by the rays and colors of our the Philippine flag.
Thos time, though, brighter colors and symbols of Filipino heritage, freedom, and pride are present.
For Francis Libiran, he says that creating for the country has always been more than just design. It is an act of love and service for country.
“Our athletes carry more than dreams. Dala nila ang puso ng bayan, and it is my honor to dress that courage,” he said.
The 20th Asian Games will officially begin on September 19, with the Gilas Pilipinas set to kick off the campaign on Friday, September 11. Meanwhile, the 5th Asian Para Games is set to start on October 18.
On September 10, the 464-strong delegation was also given a grand sent off in Manila, where it was also announce that weightlifting standout Albert lan Delos Santos and Olympic boxing medalist Aira Villegas as Team Philippines’ official flag bearers for the opening ceremony on September 19.
