Philippine heritage highlighted in Paralympians' opening ceremony outfit

Philippine heritage, as shown through textile, is highlighted in the outfit of the Filipino athletes who will join the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

"Weave Artiste" and fashion designer Ditta Sandico created the outfit which will be worn by the Philippine delegation which includes para athletes Jerrold Mangliwan, Cendy Asusano, para swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Angel Mae Otom, para archer Agustina Bantiloc and para taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin.

The outfits are made of “banaca" which is a blend of banana and abaca fibers.

For the female athletes, a "panuelo" or shawl is included which is adorned by a flower-like brooch which has rays of the flag, and they also have yellow hats. The women’s parade uniforms also has zippers which serve as armholes that can be closed and opened and adjusted.

For the male athletes, their suits are inspired by the traditional outfit of Mangyans which has a colorful and hand-embroidered “habol” on the right breast while the national colors are seen on the other side. A blue headwear completes the men's outfit.

"We were given the challenge to come up with that would capture the dynamic spirit of our national para athletes while celebrating our rich cultural heritage through traditional textiles,” Sandico said in a press release from the Philippine Sports Commission. “Hence our theme for their costumes is ‘Heritage in Motion."

Sandico added that the designs were also sensitive to the needs and body types of the para athletes.

“Naiiba ito sa mga parade uniform na nasuot namin. Talagang ispesyal talaga,” wheelchair racer and national para team captain Mangliwan said in a release. “Talagang magiging proud po kami na suotin 'to sa opening ceremony.”

The Paris Paralympic Games will open on August 29 and will run until September 8.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News