By Dara Clariza Evangelista
I dropped by the Katutubo Pop-Up Market by Bench at The Bench Tower in BGC last weekend, and it was such a feast of Filipino creativity. From reimagined heritage silhouettes to playful accessories, these were the five pieces that really caught my eye:
1. The Macramé-Inspired Top from @lambodstudio
This piece felt like wearable art with its intricate knots and fringed details. It’s breezy, textural, and instantly elevates a simple outfit. I love how it highlights slow fashion craftsmanship while staying modern and versatile.
2. The Plaid Hand-Painted Top from @iamlokal
I’ve seen Lokal’s work before (they once had a Jose Rizal jacket that was unforgettable), but this one stopped me in my tracks. The clash of bold plaid and a hand-painted hibiscus motif made it feel like contemporary Filipino art you could wear.
3. The Denim Cutout Vest from @nicoloperez
This sculptural vest reinvented denim for me. The cutout panels tied together with ribbons looked architectural yet playful, creating a unique layering piece that’s both edgy and fun to style.
4. The Modern Butterfly Sleeve Jacket from @bb.marikitph
A cropped denim jacket with puffed, printed sleeves, this was such a clever, modern spin on the traditional butterfly sleeves. It’s cultural pride stitched into a cool, everyday silhouette.
5. The Playful Beaded Charm Necklaces from @adanteleyesa
These were pure joy to look at. Each necklace was brimming with Filipino icons — from lamps and kalesas to seashells and even Jose Rizal portraits — strung alongside colorful beads and whimsical charms. Truly, they felt like little stories you could wear.
Bazaars like these always remind me why I love supporting locals: every piece is brimming with identity, artistry, and heritage. These five were my favorites, but the entire fair was a celebration of Filipino creativity.
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