Barong, Filipiniana gown showcase at The Inaugural

By Leo Udtohan 

Who are you wearing?  Creations of Boholano fashion icon EJ Relampagos during the the Inaugural ceremonies of the provincial government of Bohol last Thursday, June 30. Photo: Rep. Vanessa Aumentado 

Who are you wearing?

Filipiniana was still the attire of choice at the Inaugural ceremonies of the provincial government of Bohol held Thursday (June 30) at the Bohol Cultural Center. 

Most male lawmakers still opted to wear the traditional barong Tagalog, traditionally paired with dark pants and black formal shoes.

The terno, with its distinct butterfly sleeves, was worn as tops paired with matching pants or in the traditional manner, as dresses accented with artful folds, beautiful embroidery or delicate beading.

It is a Filipino heritage to wear Filipiniana and barong Tagalog. It makes politicians look dignified yet native with the essence of servitude. 

Who are you wearing?  Creations of Boholano fashion designer Noel Bompat Estopito during the the Inaugural ceremonies of the provincial government of Bohol last Thursday, June 30. Photo: Reps. Vanessa Aumentado and Alexie Tutor

Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado wore a stylish hand embroided piña silk barong designed by Boholano fashion icon EJ Relampagos. 

Vice Governor Victor Balite was also in a barong, while his wife Ruselle wore a blue  Filipiniana dress.

2nd district Rep. Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado, was also wearing a piece designed by EJ, a burgundy terno. 

EJ said Vanessa is a very simple person. She  wanted a simple, no beadwork, no lace gown. 

"So what I did, I draped her gown from a fitting form and added some dyed feathers to complete the look," EJ shared. 

Board Member Mimi Boniel wore a tinalak print midi skirt designed by EJ. It was paired with a piña cocoon barong embellished with Ifugao tribe accessory beads. 

3rd district Board Member Tita Baja wore an emerald green gown carved with cabbage roses on some parts of the dress through fabric manipulation. 

"It was her request as well to make it simple. She only wanted to look slim and emphasize the curves so that brought me the idea in creating her modern Filipiniana,"  EJ said. 

3rd Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor and 2nd district Board Member Jamie Aumentado Villamor were wearing the creations of another Boholano designer Noel Bompat Estopito. 

Tutor was wearing an orange gown. Her daughter, Issa, also wore Estopito's. 

"The Color Orange will always shout out “Kumbati!” I am proud of wearing this color. It symbolizes life, vibrance, good vibes and good will," Tutor said. 

"Today marks the beginning of another chance and opportunity to serve the 3rd District of Bohol, whom I love dearly. Tersero, I will always do the best that I can to take care of you," she added. 

Atty. Jamie was wearing a serpentina terno dress which perfectly matches her taste and style.

"I have always wanted my getup to be simple, low key, yet striking. White is my color. I chose this basket weaving sleeves because it perfectly showcase one of Bohol’s booming industries. I always love anything woven, it is a reminder of hard work, creativity and interconnection," said Jamie the talent, creativity and work ethics of Estopito.

In his Facebook post, Estopito said 

in designing garments, it is in his heart to ensure that every creation celebrates a woman's body; no matter the size, no matter the shape.  

"Taking inspiration to what is local, and to what is inherently Boholano combined with classic minimalist design approaches will always be my guide in bringing out the innate elegance within a woman," he said. 

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Most memorable lines from newly minted leaders (and why we are moved, if we are moved) during their inaugural addresses:

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado-" Today the pride and honor of the Boholanos have been restored. For standing and taking his oath before you is a true Boholano by blood, by heart and by action and who is now tasked to carry the yoke of leading our beloved province of Bohol. With total humility I accept totally the trust you have entrusted me."

 "We are not out witch-hunting; we are on a clean-up drive. There will be no more bypassing of the normal bidding procedures. There will be no more transactions done by or coursed through people who have no official functions in the Capitol. There will be no more 'Ivans. We may be able to unmask the face or faces of that notorious “Ivan” or not but we will make sure that our dealings will be transparent and above-board. We owe this to our fellow Boholanos. And I personally owe this to my late father who had served his people with no stain of corruption. "

Panglao Mayor Boy Arcay-"Today is the end of the abusive and careless administration in our town. Today is the beginning of providing real service and service to the people that will provide opportunity and hope for comprehensive development for all the people of Panglao. This is also the day my calvary begins, but if we help a lot and bear the cross, we will be able to bear it, no matter how hard."

"Let’s make our town business-friendly. Let’s eliminate under-the-table transactions and illegal solicitations by traders."

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap- "Before being elected as your Mayor, I am a wife first and a mother to Janah and Jaby. But today, I am now a mother to over 105,000 Tagbilaranons. I am responsible for your wellbeing and welfare. A mother not only to a few but to all," she said. "I am here to serve you, within the tenets of democracy and equality, without discrimination based on age, gender, religion, or political affiliation. Under a participative and consultative brand of leadership, we will obtain an inclusive progress for all. Malungtaron nga Asenso Para sa Tanan."

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