‘Ninoy Aquino for president’ shirts are so Pinoy

Among the crop of aspirants for next year’s national elections, whom will you vote for president in 2010? A group of graphic T-shirt designers suggests: How about Ninoy Aquino? The martyred senator’s ideals come alive as if he were joining the slew of presidential candidates promising change in next year’s polls—at least in the realm of statement tees. Fun patriotism Oh-We’re-So-Filipino (OWSF), the group that conceptualized the shirts, challenges presidential aspirants to embody what Ninoy Aquino stood for. Sportscaster and columnist Mico Halili said his group wanted to introduce the radical idea to make people think: What if Ninoy were alive today? What could he be doing during these tumultuous political times? How can the country be better with a President like Ninoy? (Full disclosure: Halili writes a regular sports column for GMANews.TV, The Final Score)

Halili explained: “Aside from being very much in tune with the (country’s current) political situation, the shirts encourage people to act. We ask them: Wouldn't you want your next president to be someone like Ninoy? He’s someone who’s willing to (put his life on the line)." Not endorsing Noynoy The “Ninoy for President" shirts are not your ordinary statement shirts. OWSF deviates from the influx of Cory and Ninoy shirts that became popular after former President Corazon Aquino passed away last August. While it’s easy to associate the shirts as offshoots of the “Cory Magic" sparked by Mrs. Aquino’s death, Halili said that OWSF is different because it poses an imaginary concept that baffles people. In fact, Halili says they conceptualized the shirts even before the democracy icon passed away and even before Sen. Noynoy Aquino declared his intention to run for president. He likewise clarified that OWSF is not a political movement endorsing Noynoy’s candidacy. “Having Ninoy as OWSF’s icon is a sentimental choice. When we were kids, we knew Ninoy. We remember the day of his assassination. For us, Ninoy is a very strong symbol. We wanted him on our initial line. We're not really aligned with any movement or group aiming to propel Noynoy to the presidency," Halili said. Pinoy pride Halili said their shirts target young people, who have easily picked up OWSF’s message. “The older ones, they are the ones confounded and confused. They think we’re promoting Noynoy. But as far as our target market is concerned, we’re very happy with the feedback. Young people understand our message. There really has to be creative thinking to generate humor," he stated. Halili also said they’re proud to be part of a graphic arts revolution that makes young Filipinos comfortable about wearing local brands and proclaiming their unique heritage. He said even the grandsons of Ninoy and Cory—Jiggy and Jonty Cruz (sons of Ballsy Aquino-Cruz) and Miguel Abellada (son of Pinky Aquino-Abellada)—are amused at their concept. “The three grandsons have all purchased our pieces. They liked the shirts!" Halili exclaimed. - GMANews.TV Sold at P550 per piece, “Ninoy for President" shirts are available at the Analog Soul boutiques - PowerPlant Mall in Makati City and TriNoMa Mall in Quezon City. OWSF also sells their line in Commune Manila, a quaint shop along Perea Street, Makati. Interested buyers can check out the shirt designs and place their orders online at owsf247.multiply.com. OWSF is a partner of the “I Am Ninoy" and “I Am Cory" Foundations. Part of the shirt proceeds will go to Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foundation.