Commemorative Pop-Up Exhibition and Workshops: Balik Balik Celebrates Five Years in Atua Midtown
From a Psychology Degree to a Thriving Social Enterprise: Veronica Baguio's Journey with Balik Batik
Veronica Baguio, a social sciences teacher with a passion for storytelling, never imagined herself starting a fashion brand. Yet, here we are, talking about Balik Batik - a company that's turning heads in the fashion industry.
"Fashion designers are awe-inspiring, but I've no background in fashion," she chuckles. "What I do know is how to tell a captivating tale."
In 2020, amidst the pandemic, Balik Batik was birthed. Its mantra: wear the story. Veronica immersed herself in the industry, traveling tirelessly from Zamboanga to Kalinga, Marawi to Panay, listening to the tales of indigenous weavers.
Some brands claim to support local. Balik Batik chooses to collaborate deeply.
"They're not just suppliers; they're partners, co-creators," she explains. "When one of them needs rice, I make certain to buy from them."
Balik Batik's creative process unfolds in three ways. Sometimes, the weavers send finished products; other times, they send just the fabric, which Veronica and her team transform into stylish clothing like bomber jackets and denim outerwear. In the third method, the Balik Batik team sends out ready-made garments for the weavers themselves to embellish and design. Every piece undergoes a labor-intensive months-long process, meticulously crafted with intention and respect.
Transforming Heritage Wear into Narratives
In Cebu, where Balik Batik first blossomed, selling historical clothing came with challenges. "They'd admire the jacket, then question the price. So, I'd show them a video of the weaver," Veronica shares. "Suddenly, their tone changes and they pay for it in full."
Every product is a lesson and a conversation starter for Veronica. "I teach through our social media, not just 'Buy this!' but 'Look - this is the fabric of the Yakan of Basilan and this is how they weave it.' "
Veronica has spent sleepless nights in weavers' homes, shared laughter under makeshift roofs, and asked tough questions: "Are we paying enough?"
In Zamboanga, she immersed herself in the homes of Yakan weavers, learning about their stories through the warp and weft of their looms. She carries their tales everywhere she goes.
"It's easier to tell a story when you see their perspective and when you sit where they sit," she shares.
A Decade of Crafting Narratives
Some early designs are no longer in production, but they're still proudly worn by clients. Other designs have evolved. The brand has expanded across the country, and as Balik Batik celebrates its fifth anniversary, it plans to partner with more indigenous groups, listening to their stories and collaborating deeply with them.
Balik Batik returned to Cebu to celebrate its fifth anniversary, featuring freebies, discounted pieces, workshops, traditional weaving demonstrations, live performances, and a mesmerizing Pansak dance. The event encapsulated everything Veronica envisioned for Balik Batik: a fusion of cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and storytelling, making it a powerful presence in the fashion industry.
- Despite her psychology background, Veronica Baguio, the founder of Balik Batik, has made a significant impact in the fashion industry with her storytelling approach.
- Amidst the pandemic in 2020, Balik Batik was born, focusing on collaborating deeply with local indigenous weavers to create unique clothing.
- Veronica Baguio travels extensively, from Zamboanga to Kalinga, Marawi to Panay, to listen to the tales of these weavers and incorporate their stories into her brand.
- Balik Batik's products are more than just clothing; they are narratives that help customers connect with the indigenous weavers and the heritage behind each piece.
- In Cebu, Veronica finds it crucial to show customers the stories behind the weavers and their work to rally support for fair pricing.
- Balik Batik has expanded its collaboration with more indigenous groups, reflecting Veronica's commitment to promoting cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and storytelling.
- For their fifth anniversary, Balik Batik returned to Cebu, offering freebies, workshops, and live performances as a way to celebrate its mission and showcase its commitment to the fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and education-and-self-development industries and the local shopping community.
