How This Editorial Honors the Heritage of Bukidnon and Its People

In this month’s main fashion editorial “Tomorrow Land,” Bukidnon’s rich heritage is front and center.

For our May 2024 issue in the fashion editorial “Tomorrow Land,” six young women, all Mindanao natives, are swathed in looks for the northern Mindanao grasslands. Revolving the fashion story around modern interpretations of femininity, corsets and belts—by Filipino designers Mich Dulce, Neric Beltran, and Mark Pabon; as well as Irish designer Una Burke and global houses like Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Alaïa—are fastened atop multiple barong variations to pull the eyes to the waist.

The barong is reimagined by Filipino designers: Joey Samson spins it contemporary with a raw-hemmed, cropped finish, while Randy Ortiz introduces botanical embellishments and romantic, semi-puffed sleeves. That women can freely wear the traditionally male garment is a manifestation of the tectonic shifts in a woman’s cultural and social role.

They’re paired with billowing frilled skirts that challenge the long-held notion of the hyper-feminine as frivolous, from Joey Samson’s flounce eyelet to Neric Beltran’s layered tulle. Jorel Espina modernizes the saya (skirt) and tapis (overskirt) with a midi-length checked number, reminiscent of the balintawak or “a laid back version of the terno.” When paired with an Abdul Gaffar capelet, the look becomes regal; an overt expression of a woman’s power.

Anchoring the outfits are cowboy hats, accessories, and footwear that hark back to the region’s own stables and pastures. Western-inspired boots are worn throughout, from Marikina-born label Zapateria to French luxury house Dior.

The fashion direction celebrates the region’s cultural diversity and abundance, too: Ken Samudio’s all-over pearl embellishments, Filip + Inna’s intricate embroidery, and Randy Ortiz’s weighty brocade are testaments to this. Jewelry both old and new is piled on, thanks to gold and silver body ornaments from Filipino labels Natalya Lagdameo, Amami, Capricci, and Argyle & Valentine, and a hefty brass belt with bells made by Tboli artisans in Lake Sebu.

This story is proof that the unwavering spirit of Bukidnon province’s heritage remains alive in other ways. Their mission has always been the same: to nurture and preserve what their ancestors have passed on. It’s the beating heart beneath the surface of everything they do, wear, and create. And to this day, it’s what reverberates around their culture, traditions, and the land they walk on.

Stephanie wears a JOEY SAMSON barong, FILIP + INNA skirt, GUCCI belt, ZAPATERIA heels, and ARGYLE & VALENTINE ring. Jady wears a FILIP + INNA blazer, UNA BURKE belt, RANDY ORTIZ skirt, GANNI boots, and ARGYLE & VALENTINE ring. Photographed by Borgy Angeles for the May 2024 Issue of Vogue Philippines.
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MA ANGELICA choker, JOREL ESPINA top, DION LEE corset, RANDY ORTIZ skirt, and DIOR boots. Photographed by Borgy Angeles for the May 2024 Issue of Vogue Philippines.
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NATALYA LAGDAMEO earring, CAPRICCI earring, MA ANGELICA earring, JOEY SAMSON barong, and MARK PABON corset worn as a skirt. Photographed by Borgy Angeles for the May 2024 Issue of Vogue Philippines.
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From left: Jady wears a FILIP + INNA barong, NERIC BELTRAN corset dress, RAJO LAUREL dress and skirt, and DIOR boots. Jana wears an ARIAT hat, MICH DULCE corset, and JOEY SAMSON skirt. Photographed by Borgy Angeles for the May 2024 Issue of Vogue Philippines.
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From left: Jady wears a FILIP + INNA blazer, RANDY ORTIZ skirt, and ARGYLE & VALENTINE ring. Stephanie wears a JOEY SAMSON barong, FILIP + INNA skirt, GUCCI belt, ZAPATERIA heels, and ARGYLE & VALENTINE ring. Photographed by Borgy Angeles for the May 2024 Issue of Vogue Philippines.
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NERIC BELTRAN skirt worn as a veil. Photographed by Borgy Angeles for the May 2024 Issue of Vogue Philippines.
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BOTTEGA VENETA belt, KENNY LADAGA skirt, and DIOR boots. Photographed by Borgy Angeles for the May 2024 Issue of Vogue Philippines.
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KEN SAMUDIO pearl embellished blazer, JOEY SAMSON barong. Photographed by Borgy Angeles for the May 2024 Issue of Vogue Philippines.
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FILIP + INNA top and navy skirt, ALAÏA belt, JOREL ESPINA black skirt, and GANNI boots. Photographed by Borgy Angeles for the May 2024 Issue of Vogue Philippines.
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The Bukidnon (which translates to “mountain people”) dwell in the sprawling lush highlands of northern Mindanao. Photographed by Borgy Angeles for the May 2024 Issue of Vogue Philippines.
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From left: Jady wears a FILIP + INNA barong, NERIC BELTRAN corset dress, RAJO LAUREL dress and skirt, and DIOR boots. Jana wears a MICH DULCE corset, JOEY SAMSON skirt, and AIGLE boots. Queenie wears an ARIAT hat, KEN SAMUDIO blazer, Tboli brass belt with bells, JOEY SAMSON skirt, and ZAPATERIA boots. Photographed by Borgy Angeles for the May 2024 Issue of Vogue Philippines.
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Photographed by Borgy Angeles for the May 2024 Issue of Vogue Philippines.
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KEN SAMUDIO pearl embellished blazer, JOEY SAMSON barong and eyelet skirt, Tboli brass belt with bells, ZAPATERIA boots, and CAPRICCI earrings. Photographed by Borgy Angeles for the May 2024 Issue of Vogue Philippines.
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