World Class Barong, A Peasant Shirt.
Press release was made during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Sydney, Australia tagged the Filipino’s national costume for men as a “peasant shirt.”

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, who himself a delegate to the summit said, “It’s very important that the clarification be made. I’m not sure about the origin personally but at the moment it’s is practically the people in high society and government, this national costume is being used by heads of state.”

What is Barong?
A barong Tagalog (or simply barong) is an embroidered formal garment of the Philippines. It is very lightweight and worn untucked, similar to a coat/dress shirt. It is a common wedding and formal attire for Filipino men. The term “Barong Tagalog” literally means “Tagalog dress” (i.e., baro ng Tagalog or dress of the Tagalog) in the Filipino language.

It was popularized as formal wear by Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, who wore it to most official and personal affairs, including his inauguration as president. The barong was officially made the national costume by a decree from President Ferdinand Marcos in 1975.

This Filipino tradition dates back to the Spanish Colonial era. The most common theory about its origins is that the Spaniards made Filipinos wear barongs untucked to distinguish them from the ruling class. Also, barongs were usually made of thin fabric–almost transparent or transluscent–and with no pockets, so that the Spaniards could see that the wearer was not bearing any weapon under the garment. (source: wikipedia.org)

The Barong does not deserve such negative remarks (huh! i remember Malu Fernandez). But whatever these people say about our National Costume, yet Barong is one of the World Class popular garments of the Philippines. Proud Pinoy Made!

World Class Barong, A Peasant Shirt by Pinoy Ambisyoso.