Modern Barong and Filipiniana by Josip Tumapa Design

Posted by

On May 3, 2026

Barong Tagalog with hand embroidery by Josip Tumapa Design at the Philippine Senate during SONA 2025 — Hand-embroidered Barong Tagalog by designer Josip Tumapa, worn at the Philippine Senate during SONA 2025

Recent Work in Barong Tagalog and Calado Embroidery

Over the past two years, Modern Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana by Josip Tumapa Design have developed noticeably. Calado embroidery is now used more frequently in Barong Tagalog. This technique was used before, but not as consistently and not at the same scale.

During this period, demand for custom barong for women has also increased, especially among clients from the United States and Canada. These are often ordered for weddings. In some cases, a calado barong is chosen instead of a traditional wedding dress. This option differs from a classic bridal gown and maintains a connection to the Philippines, which is important for clients with Filipino roots.

Barong Tagalog by Josip Tumapa Design were also worn in an official government setting — the Senate of the Philippines. For this context, more restrained designs with hand-executed ornament were selected. The pieces remained formal without excessive decoration while maintaining a connection to Filipino tradition.

Full Filipiniana look with separated volume and light-reactive lower section designed for stage presence — Full look showing contrast between upper restraint and expanded lower volume

Filipiniana terno with reflective skirt panels used for a Miss Universe Philippines candidate photoshoot — Awarded Filipiniana design used in a photoshoot for a Miss Universe Philippines candidate

Close portrait of modern Filipiniana gown with terno-inspired sleeve and warm studio lighting — Close studio portrait focusing on the face, upper dress line, and the terno-inspired sleeve shape

Modern Filipiniana gown with terno-inspired sleeve and wide train in full-length studio portrait — Full-length studio portrait showing a modern Filipiniana gown with one prominent sleeve and wide floor-length train

Filipiniana for Pageant and Editorial Contexts

Two dresses from the Constructed Light collection were used in a photoshoot with Fatima Alsowyed, a participant in Miss Universe Philippines 2026. These shoots show how Filipiniana is used in a contemporary pageant context.

One of the pieces is Ivory Light Filipiniana, made from raw capiz shells sourced from Samal Island. Each shell was individually cut and shaped to form a continuous iridescent surface.

The second piece is Gilded Geometry Terno. It focuses on a structured skirt, a rigid framework, and the recognizable terno silhouette.

These two dresses were also presented at the Buglasan Festival 2025, where Cary Santiago was part of the jury. The works received the awards Best Terno · High Fashion — Buglasan Festival and Best Designer · Silver Overall Winner.

Josip Tumapa Design also created two dresses used in a photoshoot with Erica Jean Cadayday, a participant in Miss Universe Philippines Camiguin. One of them is a contemporary Filipiniana piece.

Close portrait of royal blue gown highlighting neckline, drape, and soft light on the upper body — Close studio portrait focusing on the neckline, upper drape, and how light defines the shape of the gown

Royal blue evening gown with flowing train and high slit captured in a full-length studio pose — Full-length studio image showing a royal blue gown with extended train, captured in a dynamic pose with controlled fabric flow

Blog

Recent Work in Barong Tagalog and Calado Embroidery

Filipiniana for Pageant and Editorial Contexts

Leave a Reply Cancel reply