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Filipino architect and fashion designer Francis Libiran gave us a glimpse of his intricately designed Team Philippines’ official parade uniform for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
“It gives me great pride to release the designs of the official parade uniforms I created exclusively for Team Philippines at the 30th Southeast Asian Games,” Libiran said as he posted a photo of his design sketches early in the month.
“Depicting the vibrant colors and meaningful symbols of the Philippine national flag, these designs of the famous Barong Tagalog presents a modern take on the Philippines’ national costume. Created using fine Philippine fabrics and materials, these designs celebrate pure Filipino pride,” he added.
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On July 21, Liberian finally revealed the finished product.
“I’m so honored to design the official parade uniform of Team Philippines for the 30th Southeast Asian Games,” Libiran said on his facebook post, together with a picture of his new design.
The designer incorporated a modern twist with the uniform, reinventing the national costume by infusing elements of the Philippine flag. With a blue and red collar, the sun seen on our national flag embroidered all over and across the left shoulder, together with the three stars. He utilized Philippine fibers and materials to create his masterpiece.
Libiran added, “Reinventing the design of our Barong Tagalog made it more nationalistic and festive by incorporating the vibrant colors and meaningful symbols of the Philippine national flag. I made use of Philippine fibers and materials, accented with custom art deco embroidery.”
His design will certainly bring a new flavor to the usual team uniforms, and would best represent our country for the international event—especially since the local sports teams haven’t been getting proper funding for the past few years, and isn’t the government’s top priority. Funding has always been a problem of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) since 2012.
However, early last year, the PSC has prepared a master plan for this year’s sports budget, and especially for the country’s hosting of the 30th SEA Games.
According to the PSC, a total P1.2 million budget has been appropriated, half of which for preparations and the other half for actual competitions.
The Philippine delegation will be marching in Libiran’s elegant barongs for the opening ceremonies of the SEA Games biennial meet.
Team Philippines will be marching with these barongs at the Philippine Arena on Nov. 30.
Photo courtesy of Francis Libiran’s Facebook page
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