Kids

Unique Buwan ng Wika Costumes That Kids Can Wear

by Kevyn Gohu
August 3, 2023

Here are some unique Buwan ng Wika costumes the kids can wear to celebrate the national monthly event!

When we celebrate Buwan ng Wika, the kids usually don a patadyong dress (the typical skirt paired with a kimona) or barong for a costume. But with the Modern Filipiniana wave, there are a lot more bespoke pieces that celebrate our culture. The best part is that many of these items speak volumes about their culture and craft — with their impeccable weaves, carving, and metalsmithing. All it takes is a bit of research to make a unique Buwan ng Wika costume for the kids and even the family to match.

1. The Warrior’s Uniform

The Philippines has its own martial art, internationally known as Kali or Escrima, but known locally as Arnis. Declared the Philippines’ national sport on December 9, 2011, Arnis has a colorful array of uniforms since they weren’t too strict on it. Some practitioners wear a simple white shirt, red pants, and white shoes as a tribute to the Katipuneros. Others pair it with what many call a kangga or the red vest.

If we’re planning to pay homage to those who practice Arnis in the mountains, make sure to look up how to style a bahag. It’s usually men who wear it and even then, there’s a way to make sure it covers everything.

Sixto Dantes in a unique Buwan ng Wika costume

Dingdong Dantes’ son, Sixto, even went with this peg and channeled his inner Lapu-Lapu.

2. Clothes Made with Different Weaves

The Philippines has a rich culture of weaving, especially from our Mindanaoan brothers and sisters. Each of their weaves tells a story of their art and lifestyle. The T’boli weave, known as the Tinalak weave, is one such weave that shares the dreams that the women of the T’boli receive from the T’boli goddess of abaca, Fu Dalu. Some stores like Kaayo have integrated the patterns with contemporary wear, curating pieces for men, women, and kids.

3. Lamma, Tolgè, and Balko

While the men of Ifugao have the bahag, women have the tolgè — a tapis (or wrap skirt) that they usually wear while tending the rice fields. Some of these wrap skirts are knee-length, but there are others that are calf-length. The mothers and daughters from Ifugao often weave five unique tapis designs which are identified by their style, length, and border design. They then wear it with a balko or a woven belt and a lamma — a white sleeveless shirt — before topping it with layered necklaces.

4. Mestiza Dresses

For more formal occasions, the Mestiza Dress has become iconic even among celebrity moms. Also known as the Terno, it’s famous for the elegant fall of the skirt and butterfly sleeves. It has become a signature look for many First Ladies of the Philippines when they attend diplomatic events.

5. Kimona

The kimona is a classic netted top made of pineapple fibers. It is normally won on top of another shirt or undershirt. These pieces are often favored for how it easily matches black slacks and how it makes a statement with their accented sleeves and sequins. Some of the kimona sleeves range from puff sleeves to flowing sleeves.

Time to be creative with our Buwan ng Wika costumes!

While kids would prefer to cosplay their favorite cartoon characters, Buwan ng Wika can be equally fun so long as we get creative with it. Even the typical patadyong dress (the one the girls usually wear) can have a unique and fun twist to how it’s worn and designed. Fashion is how families bond with one another, since it’s a trend that develops with them. Besides, some kids even have competitions over the Best Buwan ng Wika costume. So time to bag that gold!