Philippine Independence Day celebrations are on the way. It’s that time of the year, when the humble Barong comes out on display.  Despite Sydney’s winter season, people will no doubt brave the weather to shiver and parade their colourful Barongs.

Rod Dingle, Ross Iglesia and Dennis Laxamana dressed to the nines, in their fine Barongs.

The Barong Tagalog, simply means the “Dress of the Tagalogs” has been around during pre-colonial days.  It may have been influenced by the Mexicans “Guayabera” which came through the Acapulco Galleon Trade and the Chinese “Camisa de Chino.”  President Quezon declared it as the national attire and in 1975, Marcos declared a National Barong Week, to encourage people to wear it even at work.

The traditional shirt is lightweight and translucent making it ideal for Philippine climate and is the prescribed formal wear for official events.  It is made of fine jusi (pineapple) or banana leaves and hand embroidered.  It is worn with a white short-sleeved undershirt (or same colour as the Barong); is left untucked and has no pockets so as not to distract from the embroidery.

Our humble barong has evolved through the years with cuffs and collars of varying widths; then there’s the one with the standing collar (or the Chinese collar); there’s the half open shirt and full front open shirt with buttons revealed or concealed. Designs are aplenty: geometric designs, delicate eyelets, or flowers and swirls in various colours.  Then, there’s the wide loose barong and the tapered “Piere Cardin” style.  And the short sleeved polo barong version became ideal for the everyday work scene which had 2 pockets in  front, in line with the hips.  Female versions have also evolved as more functional and suitable for day wear.  It’s the perfect alternative to the Saya with butterfly sleeves, which is left strictly for very formal occasions.

And when talking about the Barong, one person comes to mind – none other than Rod Dingle, who has lived up to the true essence of the Barong .  Rod wears his Barong like his badge of honour.  

Rod Dingle, the ultimate Barong fashionista.

As one who is frequently up on stage fronting events as the master of ceremonies, he has fashioned heaps of Barongs through the years.  Dare to rummage through his wardrobe and I have no doubt that you would lose count of the hundred or so barongs hanging or neatly wrapped in boxes, some still unused, but most bringing back a special memory of some event or dignitary. 

Rod Dingle’s collection comes in various styles and designs, in a range of shades and tints. What to wear on the day will simply depend on the event and his mood.  Some elegantly simple, some a little more elaborate than others, and some downright flamboyant.  Some purchased off the rack but some especially tailored by a master craftsman – a couturier. 

For Rod, the need for something to wear on a special occasion has turned into a passion and his desire overwhelming. He simply can’t resist when he sees an exquisitely crafted one.  One of his most memorable Barongs was for PCC’s Independence Day celebrations in 2002, when he donned a Barong Tagalog with the faces of Philippine Presidents embroidered on it. It certainly was a buzz on the night and definitely one for keeps.

Although the Barong may now come in different colours and styles, nothing compares to the classic elegance of the cream coloured Barong, with matching black pants and black shoes. Worn correctly, it is impeccably, so dignified and sheer class. Wear it with pride!