This week, I spent some considerable amount of time trying to create a Barong Tagalog¹ for myself. I was using a real life photo of a Barong Tagalog as a guide but it wasn’t as easy as I originally thought it was.

Creating a Barong Tagalog was much harder than a T-Shirt because it has more details and patterns in it. I really wanted to have a Barong Tagalog to compliment the Filipiniana² Themed 3rd. Level of 3 Stars and a Sun.

While thinking of what to do, I suddenly remembered some pictures that was given to me by a Filipina SL resident and in the picture they were wearing traditional Filipino costumes (a Barong Tagalog and a Maria Clara³ Gown). I see those pictures everyday but since I was too occupied in creating my own Barong Tagalog, I never really examined it. From what I was told, the Barong in the picture was designed by a famous Filipina designer in Second Life but I just can’t remember her name.

After a few more days, while googling for websites related to Second Life, I chanced upon a blog entry about the establishment of a Philippine Embassy in Second Life. The blog entry also mentioned something about the Barong Tagalog, it’s price (500L$) and the name of the creator. All I need now was the money and today I went to the creators’ shop and bought myself a Barong Tagalog.

There were like six variations but I selected the traditional antique one (shown above). The package includes a pair of pants, an underwear, a camiso de chino shirt/jacket and the Barong Tagalog itself. I was also expecting a pair of socks and shoes but it wasn’t included. Too bad it would have made the package complete.

I’m generally happy with it and now that I’ve seen how it looked (all sides/angles) I may now be able to create my own line of Barong Tagalog.

Chink in the Armor

Overall the Barong Tagalog was very good. The color and shading, as well as the pattern were nicely done and I like it very much but I just can’t help myself from noticing one minor detail and that was the seams were not aligned in some parts especially in the arms and in the belly/belt area.

Disregarding that minor detail, the Barong Tagalog looks very nice and every Filipino in Second Life should have one since the price is very reasonable but if you would like one for free then wait until I finish my very own Barong Tagalog. When? That I do not know. LOL!

1. The Barong Tagalog is the Philippines’ National Costume for Filipinos
2. Pertaining to Philippine Culture and Tradition
3. Maria Clara is a fictional character created by our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, in his novel Noli Me Tangere