Francis Libiran's Inspiration Behind 'Sinag' Barong for Filipino Olympians
Philippine Olympic medalists, boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, along with the rest of the Philippine Olympic delegates, will not only carry the Philippine flag at the opening ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics on Saturday, July 27 (1:30 a.m. Philippine time). They will also beam with pride wearing the "Sinag" Barong created by esteemed designer Francis Libiran.
As the name suggests, "Sinag" is inspired by the rays of the sun and is thus a symbol of hope and pride. With the vibrant colors of the Philippine flag, it is meticulously designed to showcase our cultural heritage and heroism.
Carlo Paalam wearing the "Sinag" barong at the Olympic send-off
“When I was commissioned by the Philippine Olympic Committee, headed by its president Hon. Abraham N. Tolentino, to work on such an important representation for our athletes, I thought, I have to make them shine and stand out on the opening day of the Olympic games,” said Libiran. “With such a momentous opportunity before us, there is no better way to represent them and our country than with our very own Filipino barong Tagalog.”
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The opening parade will commence with a cruise along the Seine River and together with delegates from all over the world, our Philippine team is set to make that monumental entrance.
“For this once-in-a-lifetime occasion, I created this Olympic barong using a light and airy piña-jusi fabric sourced from Kalibo, Aklan. It consists of a detachable, contemporary silk organdy blue and red sling with colors that pay tribute to our Philippine flag,” the designer shared.
Details of the "Sinag" barong
“The embroidery is inspired by the Pintados warriors, which depicts fierceness in battle. It then covers the left shoulder and upper arm, carefully draping around the torso with a bright yellow sun ray pattern decorating the chest, just like a warrior’s armor symbolizing bravery and hope," he adds.
Joining Petecio and Paalam in Paris is fellow Tokyo Olympic medalist Eumir Marcial. They will be accompanied by fellow boxers Aira Villegas and Hergie Bacyadan, fencer Sam Catantan, golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina, gymnasts Carlo Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, and Levi Ruvivar, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, rower Joanie Delgaco, swimmer Jarod Hatch and Kayla Sanchez, runners John Cabang Tolentino and Lauren Hoffman, and weightlifters Elreen Ando, John Ceniza, and Vanessa Sarno.
“I strongly believe that our athletes are heroes in their own right and if creating the “Sinag” Barong is able to encourage and inspire them as they carry our flag, then that for me is already manifesting victory,” Libiran added.
