Designer Avel Bacudio takes design to a global level of patriotism and service to a nation. His latest project, the “Laro ng Lahi” collection, elevates Philippine fashion internationally and takes clothing as a symbolic declaration of national spirit using locally crafted textile that fuses Pinoy heritage with innovation.
A shared vision between Avel and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino, the project aims to achieve the gold for the Philippines’ elite athletes and to empower and sustain communities of Filipino artisans nationwide.
New Now Next gets an exclusive with Avel and digs deep into this concept of creating uniforms, what it means and its importance in the up-and-coming Southeast Asian Games from 9 to 20 December in Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla, Thailand.
New Now Next (NNN): How did this project land in your lap and why did you accept it?
Avel Bacudio (AB): The Gintong Sinag (Golden Ray) event in Intramuros last March 2025, and the Alas Pilipinas (Philippines Aces) fashion show last June -- this is all about our athletes, and the fact that we only really pay attention to them every time they triumph and bring home a gold medal. And I looked carefully: why is something missing? That’s the point of visiting the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in Pampanga. When I realized that I think as a Filipino and an artist, I had to ask someone to help me make this dream of dressing our athletes come true. Alas, through the help of the First Lady and the Social Secretary, I was granted a fundraising show entitled “Gintong Sinag” for both NAS and Paralympics.
What was the inspiration for the uniforms?
Because of the sheer number of gadgets and the internet, we have forgotten our own traditional games; we have Luksong Tinik (Jump over the Thorns), Tumbang Preso (Prisoner’s Base/Capture the Flag variation), Patintero (Filipino street game/tag), Luksong Baka (Jump over the Cow) and many others. This is where I drew inspiration from, that stuck with me from provincial life, to return to our Traditional Filipino Games (Laro ng Lahi).
What colors and fabrics did you use and why?
Because this is the SEA Games, we need to wave the colors of our flag by using blue, red and white. The fabrics used here are made from pineapple (piña), banana tree fiber, abaca, waterlily (lerio/water hyacinth) and kayawan (a type of plant fiber). This was done with the help of the DoST (Department of Science and Technology) and PTRI (Philippine Textile Research Institute), and these textiles are embroidered with the games of our past.
What’s the silhouette? What made you come up with it?
Because we are in a tropical country, our garment needs to be studied. It should be soft and not stick to the body. It’s also similar to our common Barong; the only difference in its shape is that it fits our body perfectly and we can move without hesitation because the SEA Games will be held in Thailand, and there is no difference in our climate.
How come you’ve transitioned to doing a lot of uniforms aside from ready-to-wear?
As a designer, and having some knowledge of our country’s history, it comes along with the need for us to try our artistry, using different approaches. The creation of a uniform used in a parade representing our country brings a different level of capability and energy for me.
Making uniforms entails a lot of manpower such as skilled workers, mananahi (sewer) and tailors — how many do you have under your wing? How do you sustain them?
This is different from what I’ve made before, because I am not the only one thinking. This is a collaboration with my sewers, weavers, embroiderers and others. It isn’t just a few, but many hands and hearts that were put into it.
Local designer sportswear is slowly growing in the Philippines; are you planning to get into it? Why and why not?
It warms my heart because the current Philippine fashion scene is vibrant; we can truly say that our culture and art are shining once again. This is my dream: that in the coming future, we will be known worldwide. I have been working towards this since way back, the only difference now is that I am using our very own local fabrics and Filipino craftsmanship. I still have much more to learn and research for the next generation.
How long did it take for you to make the uniforms? How many designs? What are they?
It took two months to create this set of one outfit for a woman and one for a man with the help of the weavers and embroiderers, as well as many people who believe in my ability.
Was it easy to make uniforms since you’re used to made to order, ready to wear, couture and it’s out of your comfort zone? Why?
If from your childhood, your heart has been dedicated to creation and it’s something you genuinely love, it comes easily to me. Over the past years, or perhaps decades, I have studied all aspects. This is now a part of daily life; the only difference now is that I need to create our own unique Filipino designs using the blessings from the Almighty. And if your dedication is to create, even if this is not within your comfort zone, I need to study it because it is a new chapter of learning.
What’s the dream uniform you’d like to make and why?
A uniform that will make a mark globally, showing that we have our own unique identity that carries the story of being Filipino. We will call it LUZVIMINDA LARO NG LAHI.