Innovation of Baro' t Saya and Barong Tagalog Goes Viral Online.

An innovative Baro’t Saya and Barong Tagalog became viral online due to its materials used to create such elegant Filipino Dress. The Baro’t Saya is unofficial national dress of the Philippines. The name is a contraction of the Tagalog words baro at saya.

During the Spanish Era, the Saya or skirt came into use. Some believe that the TAPIS (a darker and thicker material which had to be wrapped over the skirt which formed into an apron) was worn over the SAYA as an assertion of native pride. The BARO was influenced by the costume of the statues of the Blessed Virgin. The outfit has an extended train or COLA which the women looped around their arms while walking or dancing. This style gave birth to what will be known as the BAROT SAYA.

A Baro  means man’s top. Barong Tagalog is a contraction of Baro ng Tagalog-meaning a Tagalog's clothing.


With that note, a  creative , runner and art enthusiast from Dasmarinas , Cavite named Paolo Santos decided to bring back the era of Spanish fashion in an imaginative approach. “Gumamit ako ng mga Recycled material like Eco-Bag and Abaca sa pagawa ng mga ito ( I used recycled material in creating such dress like Eco-bag and Abaca Fiber”, a 34-year old artist said.

The SAYA or skirt is made of 100% Orange Eco-Bag with white linings that serve as details. Santos didn't add TAPIS because it requires a transparent fabric that Eco-bag doesn't have that characteristics. He uses an orange Abaca loom for the COLA, with white lace (that made of Eco bag as well) attached on the edges and a flower design in front. Indeed, to add the femininity he recycled a broken PAMAYPAY (Fan) and refabricate into a well-designed one.


Likewise, when it comes to man’s top, BARONG TAGALOG is totally well-made. He even put details in front via manual embroidery. The fussy art of both dress Baro’t Saya and Barong Tagalog are designed, configured, and tailored in just a span of 8hrs. “I am a pressure player type of person and my artistry come out when I am under pressure”,Mr Santos jokingly said. He intentionally made the dress as an entry for a contest in his company where he is currently  employed  with.

Santos narrates during my interview that his primary reason on choosing the recycled materials is to persuade the community to reuse idle materials. “I want to let them know that recycling is fun” he added.

Paolo Santos, Designer and Artist

“Texture wise, Eco bag is the closest maerial to cloth that can be tailored for both Barong Tagalog and Baro’t Saya. And most Eco bags now are not printed, so it’s more visually realistic and unnoticeable (not unless you look it closer to the finish product).  One of my goals is to execute the immaculate outcome that will showcase a WOW factor - without realizing that is prepared by using an Eco-Bag. I focused on the intricacy of the details and not into flamboyancy.” He explained thoroughly. “I choose ORANGE as the theme because it’s visually stimulating, vibrant, and it carries less aggression and fierceness than the color red due to its combination with the calming color yellow.” He added.

Undeniably, Filipinos are creative in finding a better way of doing something innovative with a cause. There are environmentalists around the country who tried to change the world in their own ways. With that note, Paolo Santos showcases his talent and creativity through creating a distinctive artistry. Simultaneously, he was able to influence the community to save the mother earth.

“I am happy because I was able to express my feeling through this art and at the same time it gave an impact to the community”, he just smiled.