Visitors of Rizal Park will soon have the chance to wear traditional Filipino clothing such as the barong and baro’t saya, thanks to a new costume rental shop that will open near the historic landmark, ABS-CBN News reported.
The project, a collaboration between private groups and the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), aims to enrich the park experience by allowing guests to dress in Filipiniana attire while learning about its cultural significance.
“Magkakaroon na ng Filipiniana costume or attire rental dito sa park… bukod sa pagkakaroon ng chance na pang photo ops siya, isa rin siyang learning experience,” said Florizza Buclatin, NPDC’s Chief of the Cultural and Public Affairs Division.
The initiative is also expected to benefit long-time park photographers who have seen their livelihood challenged by the rise of mobile phones. Veteran photographer Antonio Austria, who has been working in Rizal Park since 1972, said the rentals could revive interest in professional photography. “Kung magkakaroon po niyan, maganda po kasi lalakas kami… malaking bagay ‘yun,” he said.
Young visitors also welcomed the idea. College students Mahde Arumpac and Miguel Vipiniso said wearing traditional attire at Luneta would not only be visually striking but also help Filipinos reconnect with their heritage. “Maganda po siyang tingnan… Mahalaga po rito para ma-appreciate at matangkilik po ‘yung mga Pilipino,” Arumpac said.
For some, like nature enthusiast Lorena Dumaguin, the rentals are a reminder to embrace Filipino identity. “Unahin natin ‘yung sariling atin. Sana hindi naman sobrang mahal kasi baka hindi ma-afford ng tao,” she added.
Travelers who have tried similar experiences abroad also believe the project will attract more tourists. Eariel Macasaet, who once rented a traditional costume in Thailand, said such activities are among the most memorable for visitors.
According to Buclatin, guests will be allowed to wear the rented costumes while strolling around the park and posing with local photographers. The NPDC is finalizing documents to implement the project within the year, with a fashion show of traditional attire and cultural performances scheduled on August 31 at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium.
For schedules of concerts and walking tours at Rizal Park, visitors may check NPDC’s official social media pages.
