When Filipinos think about traditional clothing, the thought always goes back to the usual Filipiniana that everyone is familiar with—barong tagalog for men; camisa, saya and pañuelo for women. This is largely due to the country being colonized for 333 years by Spain.
Although these represent national culture, they only symbolize a certain point in Filipino history.
Today, there is renewed interest in the country’s pre-colonial history, with more brands wanting to showcase indigenous culture. This is exactly what Balik Batik aims to do.
Balik Batik is a social enterprise that promotes Filipino traditional weaving, embroidery and artistry. Each apparel that it sells is unique. It is an intricate art form celebrating some of the country’s indigenous culture and heritage.
Unlike the traditional Filipiniana that is usually worn during special and formal events, Balik Batik’s pieces can be worn casually and regularly.
Veronica Baguio, owner and founder of Balik Batik, shared that her inspiration in creating this business started in 2016 when she learned about Filipino handwoven fabrics. Balik Batik sells and features textiles from different regions in the country.
In Luzon, they work with the Itneg, Igorot, Kalinga ethnic groups and collaborate with Pinilian Abel de Yloco weavers. In the Visayas, they have the hablon weavers both in Cebu and Iloilo, and Panay Bukidnon women. In Mindanao, they work with the T’boli, Yakan, Tausug, Maranao, Iranun, Ata Langilan Manobo, among others.
“I was always interested in having my own clothes with indigenous fabrics,” said Veronica. This interest took her far as she was on a business trip in Davao and took a day off scouring for Filipino designs that she could wear to the office.
She shared: “I found some batik blazers and other indigenous made blazers, and posted about them,” she said “offering to ‘pasa-buy’ some for my friends in Cebu. Surprisingly, the post gained traction and many people responded, and most of them are people I didn’t know.”
“It was then that I realized that a lot of people are like me in that we want to wear Filipino designs more casually and regularly. It was then that I had the idea to start Balik Batik,” said Veronica.
Through Balik Batik, Baguio was able to help indigenous groups from Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao by supporting their livelihood as well as their rights and highlighting the issues that they are currently facing. In light of preserving the nation’s indigenous culture, Veronica has made it her advocacy not only in assisting them in their livelihood but bringing awareness to the issues the IPs (Indigenous People) are going through.
Veronica shared that the business’ advocacy didn’t happen in a snap. She worked closely with the various indigenous groups and has become more aware of their plights especially during the pandemic when their livelihood was greatly affected.
“They have their own voices, and our role can be to amplify their voices when they speak out for their rights. I do hope more Filipinos will help our indigenous groups, and that there will be less issues about helping them.”
Veronica hopes that more Filipinos will be aware of the stories and history behind the pieces that they sell.
“We want young Filipinos to grow up knowing about our indigenous groups, their fabrics and designs, and so that the new generation will be more appreciative of what is truly Filipino. Our pieces are also unique because we want to highlight diversity. There are more than 100 indigenous groups in the Philippines, and it would be amazing if more Filipinos are aware and support their work.”