Of beauty and power

Bagoyan is one of those brands deeply rooted in culture and tradition. The beauty and power of their weaves is a celebrated testament of the rich history in the mountainous regions. With endless stories to tell, the past is interpreted through their colorful and intricate masterpiece textiles that has proudly carried the flag on their sleeve. Fairly a newbie in the fashion retail landscape, they are a brand of great pride from a distant past made new through narratives of clothing for the future. Here’s a chance to get to know them better through these 10 things you didn’t know about Bagoyan. New Now Next goes one on one with designer Jasmine Baac on the celebrated brand from the North.

NNN: What does Bagoyan mean? The story of the word.

Jasmin Baac: It’s my Kalinga name and my great grandmother’s name who was a priestess in our tribe. Bagoyan means a woman of beauty and power.

Which culture and what province does the brand represent?

JB: The brand represents the Kalinga culture and the many different tribes from Kalinga Province of the Cordillera Region .

Who is the designer behind the brand? What’s your profession?

JB: Jasmine Baac, a YKalinga from the Tobog Tribe. In addition to being the founder and creative director of Bagoyan, I am also the head of Compliance and External Relations in a Food Manufacturing company, leveraging my Juris Doctor degree to navigate legal complexities and strengthen stakeholder relationships.

What was the first product that started it all? And why?

JB: Started with handwoven masks in May 2020 with the intent to help the weavers and also promote the vibrant colors of the weaves of Kalinga. I wanted to wear something unique, something that gives color at the height of the pandemic and show some hope.

How many years has Bagoyan been around?

JB: Five years this 23 May, it’s our anniversary.

The biggest challenge is keeping the brand alive?

JB: The biggest challenge in keeping Bagoyan alive is balancing cultural integrity with innovation, sustainability, and a deep sense of purpose. As someone leading every aspect of the brand, I wear many hats; researching regenerative fashion, sourcing quality fabrics to thoughtfully incorporate into our weaves, and striving to minimize waste through mindful design and production. At the heart of it all is the mission to empower women, especially our artisans, to honor our heritage and recognize the global worth of their craft. It’s a quiet rebellion: a deliberate, soulful stand for tradition, creativity, and a more mindful, equitable future through fashion.

How many styles do you come up with every collection? How many collections in a year?

JB: For each collection, I typically come up with 5-8 distinct styles(except for New York Fashion Week where we came up with 15), ensuring there is variety while maintaining a cohesive theme. As for the number of collections, Bagoyan releases 2 collections per year; one around March to August season and another for September to February. This allows me to focus on quality and ensure that each collection reflects both the current trends and the core values of the brand.

Bagoyan’s greatest achievement so far?

JB: Bagoyan’s greatest achievement so far is proving that a dream rooted in heritage can thrive on both global and local stages. From showcasing at New York Fashion Week to finally having a pop-up at Power plant Mall,something I once only dreamed of. It’s been a journey of turning quiet hopes into tangible milestones. More than just achievements, these moments reflect what’s possible when purpose drives every decision, especially in promoting Kalinga, empowering communities, and advocating for culture. A highlight is when I kindly requested the approval for the weaving center for Kalinga from Senator Legarda, a first that reaffirms that at Bagoyan, fashion is a tool for meaningful change.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in the business of fashion? Why?

JB: The most important lesson I’ve learned in the business of fashion is the power of staying true to your values. Fashion moves fast, but authenticity, sustainability, and purpose-driven design are what truly resonate in the long run. By committing to craftsmanship, culture and community, I’ve realized that success isn’t just solely about sales (although it’s also very important) it’s about the impact you make. For me, this is something deeply personal, a way to make an indelible contribution to Kalinga and ensure its stories, traditions, and people are seen, valued, and remembered through every piece I create.

Advice to people who want to do what you do?

JB: My advice to anyone who wants to do what I do is: start with purpose, stay grounded in your values, and don’t be afraid to begin small. The journey won’t be easy, especially when you’re wearing many hats and juggling different roles but if your work is rooted in something meaningful, it will carry you through the challenges. Don’t be pressured by timelines or trends; work at your own pace, build when you’re ready, and grow when you have the budget. Never forget the people who helped you along the way, always pay your employees and artisans fairly, and be honest with your customers, offer what’s truly good for them, what fits them, and what makes them feel seen. Stay patient, stay consistent, and always remember why you started because that’s what will keep your vision alive.