Why Filipino Folk Dancers Wear Barong Tagalog ?

 The Philippines is known for its beautiful and attractive tourist spots. But did you know that the Philippines’ pride also comes from its lively and graceful traditional dances, especially Maria Clara suite? Yes, you heard it right! Not just that, folk dancers are also well-known for wearing Barong Tagalog in graceful Maria Clara suite.

Have you ever heard of the Philippines’ traditional folk dances? Or have you watched any live performances from Filipino folk dancers?

Are you curious about why Filipino folk dancers are prominent in wearing barong Tagalog? Here’s why!

Why Barong?

You should be asking right now, why barong? Can they just wear formal polo and then dance? No. Not at all!

Maria Clara suite showcases Spanish influence in music, dress, and dance. Part of the influence of Spaniards is wearing barong in a Maria Clara dance. Almost all dances require wearing it.

Dancing in barong Tagalog represents a lot of attributes Filipino have and it also serves as a respect to the culture and traditions of the Philippines. In some dances, wearing it portrays a formal or flirtatious way of courtship to a Filipina. Just like this one:

Paseo de Iloilo

Actually, this is the most sophisticated dance of Maria Clara Suite. This dance literally shows how Filipinos back then court a Filipina with its formal attire – barong Tagalog.

Aside from wearing barong as a representation and identity of Filipino people, this one might be the best way to describe why Filipinos and some of you should choose barong in school dances and many occasions.

Barong Tagalog is worn over an undershirt. That is why it is considered a greater portion of outerwear than a shirt. This garment is often ornate and appearance is very festive, especially whether it is adorned with lace and embroidery.

Partially, this explains why Barong Tagalog is worn untucked, flowing freely over the pants. The men should not hide beautiful ornamentation underneath the trousers or belts. And also, wearing the barong suits the humid and hot climate in the Philippines better.

Wearing barong also represents Filipinos creative way of making a successful and beautiful product.

Barongs worn by folk dancers are mostly handmade; it is carefully hand-woven to produce better qualities and best smiles while dancing. Who wouldn’t be proud wearing a hand-woven barong while dancing, right?

Now, would you prefer dancing in polo rather than representing Filipino arts, culture, and traditions just in one clothing? Of course, you’d choose the later part! Why? Because that’s the pride that barong brings to every person who wears it.

Barong Tagalog is more than just traditional Filipino clothing. Wearing it and the barong itself is part of the identities of many Filipinos today. Some of the memories in this tradition – wearing barong – may fade, but folk dancers wearing it in traditional dances saved and preserved its representation and value of the Philippines culture, arts, and tradition.

Barongs of today were not just used for folk dances or representing the country, it can also be worn in modern activities, such as State of the Nation Address, ASEAN, and other public and private gatherings that require “Filipino-themed” attire.