THE BALI-OG INSPIRED indigenous costume of Francis Ramirez is definitely not a ‘sashay away’ masterpiece, making it stood out amongst the other native artworks in the recent designing competition sponsored by the Pangasinan Provincial Library (PPL).

On August 31 (Tuesday), the PPL announced the winner on the ‘Paggawa ng Katutubong Kasuotan sa pamamagitan ng mga Resikulong Kagamitan’ Competition wherein Ramirez, a Bachelor of Arts in English Language student, garnered the highest number of online votes.

“Pagbati sa nagwagi sa patimpalak na Malikhaing paggawa ng katutubong kasuotan gamit ang mga resikulong kagamitan sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa na si Mr. Francis Paolo Ramirez,” posted on the library’s official Facebook page.

Said competition which aimed to develop nationalism and patriotism among Pangasinenses, was part of the celebration of “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa” with the theme, “Filipino at mga Wikang Katutubo sa Dekolonisasyon ng Pag-iisip ng mga Pilipino”.

The costume designed by Ramirez was made out of recycled and indigenous materials like Kadlay seed, ‘katsya’ or flour sack, used umbrella cloth, sea shells, pestacio shells and glue stick.

What made it so special was the inspiration which was derived from a traditional layered necklace of various ethnic groups in the islands of Visayas and Mindanao.

“The competition is actually a great opportunity for me because it helps me to enhance my skills in fashion designing,” said by Ramirez.

With his journey, the senior student wants to encourage other youths to explore their capabilities and talents in different fields especially during these trying times.

“This also opens a realization on my part especially that we are facing the challenging pandemic situation, it serves as an avenue to express my creativity,” the ABEL student said.

With the cash prize that he will be receiving, Ramirez said that he will be using it to buy pocket WiFi which will be very helpful in his online classes.

“As a student, it will be also helpful because I can now purchase a pocket WiFi for the study,” Ramirez added.

Along with Ramirez, two other LCians also shined on the “Malikhaing Paggawa at Pagbigkas ng Pabula” Competition: Mr. Mark Vince Ventura and Ms. Lynlie Peralta, both from College of Arts, Sciences and Letters. \mmpd