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Fashion designer Francis Libiran with the "Sinag" barong, which Filipino athletes will wear in the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, June 19, 2024. Gretchen Fullido, ABS-CBN News

Fashion designer Francis Libiran with the "Sinag" barong, which Filipino athletes will wear in the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, June 19, 2024

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Francis Libiran

Gretchen Fullido

ABS-CBN News

<div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">MANILA -- Esteemed Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran has created a uniquely crafted barong for Team Philippines, which members of the national team will wear for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">In an exclusive interwith with ABS-CBN News, Libiran shared the creative journey behind the barong, named &quot;Sinag.&quot;</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">&quot;The name &#x27;Sinag&#x27; translates to &#x27;Rays of the Sun,&#x27; symbolizing hope and optimism. This design embodies the spirit and pride of the Filipino people,&quot; he explained.</span><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1718791559632061924_Francis Libiran 1.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Fashion designer Francis Libiran with the " which="" Filipino="" athletes="" will="" wear="" in="" the="" Opening="" Ceremony="" of="" Paris="" Olympic="" June="" Gretchen="" ABS-CBN=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Fashion designer Francis Libiran with the &quot;Sinag&quot; barong, which Filipino athletes will wear in the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, June 19, 2024. <em>Gretchen Fullido, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Libiran&#x27;s vision for the barong blended the Philippines&#x27; cultural heritage with the grandeur of the Olympics. Drawing inspiration from the colors of the Philippine flag, Libiran crafted a piece that ensures Filipino athletes will stand out during the opening ceremonies, set on July 26. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">&quot;The opening parade will take place along the River Seine, with athletes on boats drifting from Pont d’Austerlitz to Pont d’léna. To make a visual impact, I designed a wearable and detachable sling-style armor featuring the yellow sun rays of the Philippine flag set against a backdrop of red and blue,&quot; he said.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/6/18/ralph-lauren-dresses-u-s-olympians-for-the-ninth-year-2137"></a><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/6/18/ralph-lauren-dresses-u-s-olympians-for-the-ninth-year-2137">READ: Ralph Lauren dresses U.S. Olympians for the ninth year</a></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">To honor the host country, Libiran incorporated the French tricolor into the strap of the detachable armor. &quot;The colors of the strap pay tribute to France&#x27;s national flag, symbolizing our respect and gratitude to the host nation,&quot; he said. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The &quot;Sinag&quot; sun rays also incorporate Pintados-inspired warrior patterns, representing bravery and fierceness.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Asked why he chose the barong for the opening ceremony, Libiran said: &quot;What better way to represent the Philippines on an international stage than with our very own Barong Pilipino?&quot;</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">&quot;The year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the Philippines&#x27; participation in the Olympic Games, and our athletes are our modern-day heroes. It was crucial for me to ensure that they shine and stand out on the opening day,&quot; he said.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The materials and techniques used to create &quot;Sinag&quot; are a testament to Libiran&#x27;s dedication to quality and tradition. He selected Piña-Jusi fabric from Kalibo, Aklan, renowned for its delicate and luxurious texture. The detachable sling armor is made from silk organdy fabric, fully embroidered by Libiran&#x27;s in-house artisans. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">&quot;It&#x27;s a sling that acts like armor for the athletes. They can detach it, making the Barong suitable for their other special occasions or functions,&quot; Libiran said.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Additionally, the collar of each barong features fine embroidery of the Pintados-inspired warrior patterns for added elegance and style. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The intricate embroidery is also a testament to Libiran&#x27;s architectural background. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/6/17/petecio-paalam-named-ph-flag-bearers-for-paris-games-1345"></a><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/6/17/petecio-paalam-named-ph-flag-bearers-for-paris-games-1345">READ: Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam named PH flag-bearers for Paris Games</a></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">&quot;The detailing is very meticulous,&quot; he said. &quot;The separation of the blue and red needs to be precise and visible from afar. This level of detail ensures that our athletes will be recognized as representatives of the Philippines, even from a distance.&quot;</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Libiran has designed the barong for Team Philippines in a number of events, including the 30th Southeast Asian Games that the country hosted in 2019.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">However, this is the first time that he has designed the national team&#x27;s barong for the Olympics. For the fashion designer, it is more than just a professional achievement but also a heartfelt contribution to national pride.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">&quot;This barong represents unity among Filipinos. It&#x27;s not just about me as a designer; it&#x27;s about making our athletes feel proud when they wear it,&quot; he said. &quot;Every time they compete, they carry the Philippine flag close to their hearts.&quot; </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></span></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PTIEilTSrMM?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:10pt"><span style="color:#000000;background-color:transparent;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="width:100px;display:inline-block;position:relative"></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div>

<p>Esteemed Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran has created a uniquely crafted barong for Team Philippines, which members of the national team will wear for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.</p>

Esteemed Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran has created a uniquely crafted barong for Team Philippines, which members of the national team will wear for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Francis Libiran unveils 'Sinag' barong for Team PH at Paris Olympics

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Francis Libiran unveils 'Sinag' barong for Team PH at Paris Olympics

Gretchen Fullido,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 19, 2024 06:23 PM PHT

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