Philippine Dress: Barongs, etc. (Lots of Pics)

[emptym]

Originally Posted by UberDyologzz

@emptym Ohhh... In that case, just "Post mo na!" would be more natural. Or "Post na!" "Post na post!" sounds more like you're emphasizing the... post-iness of a post. [e.g. 'mahigpit' [tight] -> "mahigpit na mahigpit" [really tight], 'mahal' [expensive/loved] -> "mahal na mahal" [really expensive/really loved]. A quick fix would be a comma - "Post na, Post!"
Ah, thanks! I just know that my cousins say things like (now properly punctuated), "Eat na, eat!" or "Game na, game!" I only know about 200 words and phrases...

Originally Posted by SpallaCamiccia

Ohh those hand sewn " floral " shirts are great! Why are they so dirty , they can´t dry clean those for the museum?

It is sad. The museum has a very interesting collection imo. But it's poorly maintained and lit. Here's a couple of undershirts they had from men who had been killed in relatively recent uprisings (last 50 yrs). I took the shots because they showed anting-anting -- the protective power from inscription, etc. The stain and holes on the first one show they weren't effective, at least not always. Of course, I'm told their efficacy depends mostly one one's loob:

I hadn't originally thought of posting those here, but they probably are an important part Philippine dress. I'm wearing a scapular/rosary combo knotted by Dominican nuns for example... I've had it for well over 10 yrs.

 

[neyus]

These are great pictures. It is a pity though that the museum displays them in those dirty cases... A Barong Tagalog in Jusi or Pina is really nice. Its an interesting shirt but not unique for asian or some other countries around the world. I've posted some examples from around the world Guyabera - Cuba, Mexico

Thai Shirt

Indonesian Traditional Shirt in Batik fabric

Barong

Chinese Shirt

Kurta or Pajami - India

Nightshirt

 

[emptym]

^You make a good point. Not only are they similar, but there seems to be a good chance based on indirect historical evidence that they are all related. At the national Museum, we were told that before the Spanish came to the Philippines, the locals almost certainly had contact with cultures spanning from Madagascar to the Americas. This can be seen in burial practices, fabrics, jewelry, sanskrit tablets, and other things I can't remember.

 

[Doc4]

Good thread.

Originally Posted by neyus

A Barong Tagalog in Jusi or Pina is really nice. Its an interesting shirt but not unique for asian or some other countries around the world.
Just about every BT I've seen is very see-through, requiring an undershirt (usually white); I guess that for me is the main distinguishing feature of the BY compared to the others you have shown, although I agree with you that many cultures have their own take on the general theme.

(my personal preference would be for a BT made of a fabric like linen or such that would be opaque enough to not need an undershirt, to help beat the heat.)

Originally Posted by emptym

It's interesting to see the different styles over the years. Never heard of people wearing barongs w/ white or cream pants, for example.

I attended a wedding in Tacloban. The groom wore tan pants with his BT, and all the other men in the wedding party wore black pants. This helped to distinguish the groom, but I felt it also just plain looked better.

 

[MyOtherLife]

emptym,
I have a Barong from 1991. It has been worn many times but still looks like new, the problem is it has darkened with age, which I guess is normal for the type of fabric it is.
Whenever I wear it to an event, my Filipino friends are politely quick to point out 'oh that's old'.
I am rather sentimental about my Barong as well as pleasing my friends.
What to do? Buy a new one or is it acceptable to wear an old (approaching vintage) one?

Edit- Photo's added.

 

[emptym]

Originally Posted by Doc4

... I attended a wedding in Tacloban. The groom wore tan pants with his BT, and all the other men in the wedding party wore black pants. This helped to distinguish the groom, but I felt it also just plain looked better.
Neat. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Man Of Lint

emptym, I have a Barong from 1991. It has been worn many times but still looks like new, the problem is it has darkened with age, which I guess is normal for the type of fabric it is. Whenever I wear it to an event, my Filipino friends are politely quick to point out 'oh that's old'. I am rather sentimental about my Barong as well as pleasing my friends. What to do? Buy a new one or is it acceptable to wear an old (approaching vintage) one? Edit- Photo's added.
Wow! That is beautiful. Thanks a lot for the pics. I would just take their comments about it being old as compliments. I consider old to be good, in general. And barongs in particular, at least good barongs, acc. to my relatives and a couple books, get better w/ age. Yours definitely looks good. I've heard that if you want it freshen it up a little, you could put some vinegar or lemon juice in a rinse. Also, you're supposed to hang it on a non-plastic hanger and cover it from exposure to light with something breathable and natural, like an opaque cotton shirt. Otherwise it will tend to yellow.

Originally Posted by neyus

...
Thanks for posting these pics, btw. I forgot to thank you.

 

[UberDyologzz]

Originally Posted by emptym

...I've heard that if you want it freshen it up a little, you could put some vinegar or lemon juice in a rinse. Also, you're supposed to hang it on a non-plastic hanger and cover it from exposure to light with something breathable and natural, like an opaque cotton shirt. Otherwise it will tend to yellow...

+1. This is absolutely correct. Add some vinegar in water and let the barong soak a bit... Unfortunately, these measures are more preventative than corrective - past a certain point, there's little you can do to correct the yellowing if the barong wasn't maintained well.

Also, there are already some opaque barongs out [there have been for a while now, really], but don't expect them to be appropriate for formal events.

 

[HRoi]

so, a barong is the equivalent of, what in the Western world? in terms of formality and usage in society?

is it uber formal like a tux or a wedding suit? or is it more like a business suit?

 

[Moss]

What's Tagalog for divot?

 

[Doc4]

Originally Posted by HRoi

so, a barong is the equivalent of, what in the Western world? in terms of formality and usage in society?

is it uber formal like a tux or a wedding suit? or is it more like a business suit?

Just like words and sentences don't translate literally from one language to another, so too I'm thinking the Barong Tagalog doesn't totally "equate" to a particular western garment. It probably covers any "western" use of formal evening wear (white tie), semiformal (black tie), daytime formal (morning suit), as well as a fair number of occasions where one would wear a suit (especially for politicians and for social occasions when in the west one would wear a suit.) It also seems to have a nationalistic/patriotic theme to it as well, so it kind of equates to the kilt that a Scotsman would wear on Robbie Burns Day (especially when living abroad.)

At least that's my 'western' take on it.

 

[MyOtherLife]

Originally Posted by HRoi

so, a barong is the equivalent of, what in the Western world? in terms of formality and usage in society? is it uber formal like a tux or a wedding suit? or is it more like a business suit?
Uberformal yes. like a tuxedo. It just wouldn't be pratical to wear our tuxedo in their climate because you would roast alive. At this point I concede to the experts about possible exceptions to the rules.

Originally Posted by Doc4

Just like words and sentences don't translate literally from one language to another, so too I'm thinking the Barong Tagalog doesn't totally "equate" to a particular western garment. It probably covers any "western" use of formal evening wear (white tie), semiformal (black tie), daytime formal (morning suit), as well as a fair number of occasions where one would wear a suit (especially for politicians and for social occasions when in the west one would wear a suit.) It also seems to have a nationalistic/patriotic theme to it as well, so it kind of equates to the kilt that a Scotsman would wear on Robbie Burns Day (especially when living abroad.) At least that's my 'western' take on it.
Yes, an overall formalwear. Foreign visitors to the Philippines may also wear the Barong to festive or religious events and the local people will just love them for offering such a respectful gesture (but ask the locals what is appropriate to be sure). If a Filipino (here or in the Philippines) ever offers you a Barong as a gift, this is a great honour for you as they are showing you their acceptance and respect of you. (It is not the same as Hawaiians offering you the lay on your arrival, to be clear) 'Barong' is the name of the garment. 'Tagalog' is the name of the national language (pronounced 'Ta-Gal-og' accentuating the second syllable) There are hundreds of regional dialects in the Philippines. Tagalog is the unified or national language. It is predominately spoken in Metro Manila but also spoken somewhat (but not always) regionally as well. Without Tagalog, Filipinos from one region wouldn't understand those from another region as the dialects can be entirely different. The Barong is a rather impressive achievement in that it is made from a very difficult material to work with, let alone master, and the handwork that goes into the making of one is labouriously intricate and ornate. It is a dressy yet very pratcical garment as well considering the tropical climate. Seeing the OP's photos one notices the photos aren't in great condition. This is common, very common. I know many Filipinos who's family photos have suffered the ravages of mold, mildew and termites. It's a wonder anything can surive such adverse climate. Anyone with good Photoshop skills could make a cottage industry of restoring old photos from tropical countries. To our Filipino friends on SF, I hope this information is accurate.

 

[MyOtherLife]

Originally Posted by emptym

Neat. Thanks.
Wow! That is beautiful. Thanks a lot for the pics.
I would just take their comments about it being old as compliments. I consider old to be good, in general. And barongs in particular, at least good barongs, acc. to my relatives and a couple books, get better w/ age. Yours definitely looks good. I've heard that if you want it freshen it up a little, you could put some vinegar or lemon juice in a rinse. Also, you're supposed to hang it on a non-plastic hanger and cover it from exposure to light with something breathable and natural, like an opaque cotton shirt. Otherwise it will tend to yellow.

Originally Posted by UberDyologzz

+1. This is absolutely correct. Add some vinegar in water and let the barong soak a bit... Unfortunately, these measures are more preventative than corrective - past a certain point, there's little you can do to correct the yellowing if the barong wasn't maintained well.
Also, there are already some opaque barongs out [there have been for a while now, really], but don't expect them to be appropriate for formal events.

Thank you both. I will try all the excellent advice.

 

[UberDyologzz]

Originally Posted by Man Of Lint

Stuff.

Mostly correct, Man Of Lint.

The most appropriate western analogue would be the suit - much like suits, Barongs have varying degrees of formality depending on how they're cut and what they're made of.

As an example, most entry-level employees wear barongs with short sleeves, made with linen/jusi and polyester blends. Higher up the food chain you'll start seeing long-sleeved barongs made out of jusi.

After that point, you start seeing barongs made with pina - some managing directors and up wear pina barongs with long-sleeves to work, but that's hardly the norm. Even then, it wouldn't be right to wear barongs with too much embroidery to work.

For formal occasions like weddings, pina or jusi barongs are the the order of the day, with long sleeves. Normally, people closer to the celebrating family [direct relatives, close friends, etc.] wear barongs with more embroidery, while people not as close aren't required to be as formal [some might say they are encouraged to be just as formal though].

 

[bbaquiran]

Originally Posted by Man Of Lint

'Barong' is the name of the garment. 'Tagalog' is the name of the national language
'Tagalog' also refers to the people living on Luzon. 'Barong' derives from the old Tagalog (language) term for shirt or blouse, 'baro'. 'Barong Tagalog' can be interpreted literally as 'shirt worn by the Tagalogs'. The same term is used in 'baro't saya', meaning 'shirt and skirt' -- the traditional women's dress seen in emptym's first photo alongside Aguinaldo's military uniform. While the barong tagalog can be seen being worn everyday by men, women almost never wear baro't saya today.

 

[neyus]

Originally Posted by bbaquiran

'Tagalog' also refers to the people living on Luzon. 'Barong' derives from the old Tagalog (language) term for shirt or blouse, 'baro'. 'Barong Tagalog' can be interpreted literally as 'shirt worn by the Tagalogs'.
The same term is used in 'baro't saya', meaning 'shirt and skirt' -- the traditional women's dress seen in emptym's first photo alongside Aguinaldo's military uniform.
While the barong tagalog can be seen being worn everyday by men, women almost never wear baro't saya today.

Thats a pity about women not wearing the baro't saya. When I got married my wife insisted that I wear a barong tagalog to our wedding and I did so happily. But when I suggested that she wear a traditional dress she declined. Anyway she looked beautiful but would have been interesting if she also wore the traditional dress. For my wedding all of my party wore charcoal trousers - it looked so much better than the plain black that is so common with most Filipinos. I own about three barong. One which I wore to my wedding, another one which I wore to another wedding and another one which I shortened the sleeves and wear casually.

My wedding barong I think was made of the raya and the other the jusi. I forget which ones is which. But the one for my wedding looked like it was made on a raw silk...with alot of visible fibre present in the fabric, the other barong is made of something very close to normal silk and it is really smooth in texture.

Can somebody explain to me the difference between the jui and the raya?