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Wear Your Pride on Your Sleeve

Show your Pinoy pride this Independence Day!

by Kate Alvarez
Published Jun 9, 2009

Pro-Pinoy fashion is no longer an original concept, thanks to cheap Greenhills novelties and low-quality silkscreen shirts mushrooming all over the country. There are far too many "Adobo" shirts, retro items, and other spur-of-the-moment businesses riding on the pro-Pinoy wave. But once in a while, there are designers and brands that take time to dwell on what it really means to be Filipino. Here are five brands that bear Pinoy colors (and icons) with style:

	Happy Days Artist Paolo Icasas was one of the original advocates of the pro-Pinoy trend. He wanted to pay homage to Filipino pop icons of the past, from Paraluman to Palibhasa Lalake. When copycat businesses caught on to the trend, Paolo changed his game plan. As an artist who spends weeks or even months working on his paintings, Paolo's latest shirt designs dwell on thought-provoking political and social messages instead of his usual pop culture references. "I choose not to explain my work," he said. "Reflect on it. You may see something I wouldn't be able to put in plain words." Export Quality, P450 Happy Days shirts comes in standard sizes for men and women. Branches: 2/F Robinsons Place, Ermita Manila; 3/F Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas, Q.C.; 2/F Festival Supermall, Alabang; 2/F Trinoma Mall, Q.C.

	Allstars In 2006, the Philippine Allstars became the first Asians to win back-to-back Gold titles in the World Hip-Hop Championships held in the US. As they rose to fame, the 12 members paid tribute to their country by sporting t-shirts emblazed with stars and sun symbols taken from the Philippine flag. The demand for these shirts spread worldwide, as the Allstars merchandise branched out to accessories like dog tags and rosary-inspired necklaces. Dog Tag, P600 Allstars apparel is available in adults' and kids' sizes. Order online at www.philippineallstars.com

	My Pilipinas for Collezione C2 When fashion designer Rhett Eala collaborated with Collezione C2, the team had the mantra "fashion, art, and nationalism" in mind. Since they began emblazing the Philippine map on their RTW clothes in 2007, the concept became a smashing success. Proudly 100% Philippine made, My Pilipinas for Collezione C2 has been spotted all over the world, thanks to balikbayans taking the merchandise overseas. Plus factor: the shirts are made of high quality fabric–the design won't wear off no matter how many times you put it in the wash. Polos range from P500-700, dresses start at P800, and kids shirts are P500 each. The My Pilipinas Series is available in standard women's, men's, and kids' sizes. For a complete list of Collezione C2 branches, visit www.collezione-c2.com

	Adidas If you're all about strutting the Philippine colors but are tired of the usual tees and jackets, then bring the red, blue and yellow down to your toes. Launched last April, the limited edition mi adidas Philippine collection has only 60 pairs per design. Take your pick from basketball and running shoes, and make sure your name's on the reservation list before the collection's cleaned out! Supernova Sequence, P7,495 The Limited Edition mi adidas Philippine Collection is available at the Adidas Flagship store at 1/F Greenbelt 3 Makati.

	Team Manila When Team Manila produced their first few designs a couple of years ago, they vowed to "incorporate anything and everything that exemplifies life in Manila." The brand has since produced countless shirts, bags, and accessories that remind us of life in the metro–from the mundane jeepney to national icons. Team Manila's latest designs show off pop-y and colorful interpretations of Manila summer. Shirts are available in men's and women's sizes. Prices vary. For a complete list of designs, dealers and branches, visit www.teammanila.com.