|
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Calado.
(ka-la-do)
Hand
embroidery historically indigenous to Aklan
and neighboring areas. |
Other
indigenous fabrics to consider: |
Jusi
Jusi is the less expensive alternative to
the piña fabric. Jusi is made of raw
silk, on which hand painting of vertical and
horizontal lines are applied to create the
“Piña look”. |
Abaca
Abaca is a local banana-subtype, whose fibers
are pulled out of the leaves then sun-dried
to achieve their white color. After sorting
to size, the threads then become knotted and
twisted together before weaving. |
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|
The
barong as we know it had three historical purposes:
It is sheer, so as Indios may not be able to
conceal weapons with them; it is without pockets, so
as the Spanish upper crust is protected form thievery;
its shirt tails were not allowed to be tucked in, so
as to distinguish social status.
So how does our beloved piña got into
all this? Simple. We, the Filipinos, were forbidden
to have any imported fabric next to our skin. Thus,
we, the Filipinos, an innately defiant race that we
are, conjured our very own piña fabric.
Of
course now it’s the age of Sex and the City and
Vera Wang and Manolo Blahnik. Isn’t it just about
time the modern Filipina takes the piña fabric
to her own hands, more like against her own skin, on
nonetheless, her wedding day? |
