BALINTAWAK

A shortened skirt, the butterfly sleeves, the plaid textile, the low cut bodice,
came together in the 1930s in the costume called Balintawak. It was worn during picnics and
other jaunts into the countryside. Balintawak as "look" was deeply associated with Antipolo,
a favorite summer destination for Manila dwellers. This costume was to epitomize Filipina gaiety,
light-heartedness and her costuming sense of rural roots. Even when it was absorbed into the
domain of haute couture, the balintawak continued to signal song, dance, and festivity.