5 Reasons Why Francis Libiran’s “Sinag” Barong Represents the Philippines in Olympics 2024
A glimpse at how Francis Libiran sent modern-day warriors to the global arena with his “Sinag” barong.
Words Patricia Lanzagarita
Photos courtesy of Francis Libiran
August 7, 2024
Including deeper meaning in clothing is not an easy task. Every detail must be intricate, and every weave must be meaningful.
As the Paris Olympics 2024 welcomed Filipino athletes, the world was also struck by how Filipino designer Francis Libiran combined pride and honor with style and regal beauty. Discover how the designer went beyond fashion to bring actual ‘warriors’ to the global arena.
Optimism: The “Sinag Barong”
“Sinag” basically means rays of the sun. In the Philippines, we use the sun as a symbol because we are known for our positivity and resilience. The design exhibits this symbolism not just metaphorically, but also literally, as it includes embroidered sun rays in its detachable organdy sling.
Libiran named the attire “Sinag” barong to portray the Filipino spirit, which is full of hope and buoyancy. With the meaning behind its name, it is indeed more than just clothing; it is a symbol of the optimism of every Filipino.
Fearless: Pintados-inspired warrior patterns
“Brave heroes”
This is what Libiran calls our Filipino athletes. The “Sinag” barong especially features a detachable sling that portrays the athletes wearing protective armor shields.
Additionally, the design has Pintados-inspired warrior patterns that originally came from the tattoos of the Pintados Tribe. Historically, the Visayan tribe is known for their nature-inspired tattoos, which adorned their bodies to symbolize bravery and societal status.
Just like how the Pintados tribe exhibits courage, the “Sinag” barong enables and encourages our athletes to traverse fearlessly like warriors who are ready for battle as they conquer the world with their talents and abilities.
Inclusivity: Genderless Design
Why detachable slings, you say? We stand for inclusivity, versatility, and resourcefulness!
Libiran designed the barongs with detachable slings so that the athletes can use them again on other occasions or for formal events—definitely exhibiting resourcefulness. The designer also added that he designed the barongs as genderless, which can harmonize with both femininity and masculinity.
Depicted as brave and modern-day heroes, Libiran doesn’t limit fearlessness and bravery to one gender, which definitely sent a message of courage, equality, and empowerment to our Filipino athletes.
Pride: Barong and Its Traditional Fabric
In a world where change is constant, it is also vital for fashion to evolve. One of the best things about Libiran’s design is that the modern and traditional designs were combined. The traditionality is still there, as he enhanced the beauty of the Barong Tagalog, the national attire of the country.
The barong was also intricately woven and designed using piña-jusi fabric, which is usually the main component of the said formal attire. With this, the athletes didn’t just represent themselves, but also the pride of Filipinos and the Philippines.
Honor: The Philippine flag
The athletes wore the detachable sling like a badge, stained with the colors of the Philippine flag, and placed it near their hearts on their chests. With it on their chests, they are displaying the honor of the country on the global arena as they represent the Philippines at the Paris Olympics 2024.
They say “clothes make the man.” The “Sinag” barong makes a powerful statement, inspiring our Filipino flag-bearers to conquer the world. Rising like the sun, our Filipino athletes stand tall, as they shine in the global arena.
