26/11/2024
Barong Journey
2019 - 2024
My devotion to improving how I represent my couples—not just in my hosting skills but also in my presentation.
In my humble beginnings, I only had suits. I didn’t pay much attention to the outfits or themes for the male entourage and guests for two main reasons: I didn’t have the resources to buy a barong ( yung mga suit ko nga Hiram, minana or ukay ukay lang! Basta presentable, OKs na! Daanin nalang Sa performance) and I didn’t feel like wearing one. I was used to rocking suits at JS Proms and pageants.
Then one day while hosting a wedding, I felt out of place being the only one in a suit while everyone else wore barong. That sparked a change!
I decided to visit Onesimus to get an affordable barong, even though I was doubtful about spending my limited budget. But my love for weddings and hosting gave me the courage to invest in it.
In the second picture is my very first barong, bought for Php 3,500. It was made of synthetic materials—the “sako barong,” as the saleslady described it.
Initially, I didn’t enjoy it, but over time, especially at garden weddings, I appreciated how breathable it was, avoiding the sweaty mess I experienced in suits. Slowly, I fell in love with wearing a barong.
As my sako barong aged and wore out, I had to buy a new one. By then, my career was progressing, and I had a higher budget for a better quality barong.
I explored different types, such as jusi, coat barong, and pina silk, realizing that higher-quality materials with detailed embroidery came at a higher price. I invested in Jusi barongs for around Php 5,000 to Php 7,000 as upgrades.
Next, I added coat barongs to my wardrobe, even though they were slightly more expensive, ranging from Php 10,000 to Php 15,000. But they looked premium, so why not? The downside was they weren’t as lightweight and breathable, but the aesthetics made it worthwhile. Pag aircon venue, sinusuot ko.
This December 2024, I’m decided to invest in the Pina-Cocoon Barong Calado with intricate embroideries, and I know I won’t be going back to lower-quality barongs.
It feels amazing—lightweight, breathable, with stunning embroidery and beautiful details. The pina-cocoon fabric fits perfectly. It feels magical! Sobrang gwapo!
The Pina-Cocoon Calado ranges from Php 25,000 to Php 40,000. This truly feels like a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to host weddings in these beautiful pieces. I began with 2 pieces, and I eagerly anticipate the adventures that await in my Barong Collection Journey.
Embrace your craft, stay devoted to improving, and everything else will follow!
