The National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Metropolitan Theater launched a special exhibition on Tuesday. The opening event marked the start of Linggo ng Kasuotang Pilipino 2026.
The exhibition is titled Saplot ng Entablado: Kasuotang Pilipino sa Sining, Tanghalan, at Pamana. It opened at the Metropolitan Theater Gallery on September 1.
The display brings together Filipino attire from various stages, productions, and artistic settings. It shows how clothing helps shape characters and identities in Philippine theater.
Presidential Proclamation No. 241 establishes the third week of September as Linggo ng Kasuotang Pilipino. The annual observance promotes pride in Filipino identity and cultural heritage.
Rommel Padillo Serrano curated the exhibition. The collection features diverse styles of Filipiniana and Barong from different eras.
The display highlights design changes over time. It also connects contemporary clothing with traditional Filipino fashion.
Serrano dedicated the project to the people who preserve Philippine arts and culture. He honored teachers, researchers, artists, and seamstresses. He also thanked designers, performers, and cultural workers.
“To each and every one of you, I would like to thank you for being a symbol of remembrance of this institution in our country,” Serrano said during the opening ceremony.
NCCA Deputy Executive Director for Operations Bernan Joseph Corpuz spoke about the unseen work behind stage productions. He emphasized how costumes bring historical contexts to life.
“Pero ngayong araw, ating bibigyan ng puwang ang buhay at mga galaw na nangyayari sa likod ng entablado … Dito nabubuo—sa tulong at sa pamamagitan ng mga kasuotan—ang mga karakter na ating napapanood kasama ang konteksto ng kanilang panahon at pagkakakilanlan,” Corpuz said.
Several notable figures attended the opening. Guests included Metropolitan Theater Chief Administrative Officer CJ Serrano and Cultural Properties and Regulations Division Chief Administrative Officer Patrick Lee. Soprano and opera singer Rachelle Gerodias also joined artists and cultural enthusiasts at the event.
Several organizations supported the exhibition. Partners include the Intramuros Administration and the Rotary Club of Heritage Advocates. The Rotary Club of BonPen-Quezon Premier and BelCanto Opera Philippines also provided support. Other partners are KameraMan by Kristian Marquez and The Kalilayan Folkloric Group.
The MET Gallery now serves as a special viewing space. Visitors can see costumes as records of performance and craftsmanship. The garments also honor the people who shaped Philippine cultural expression.
Saplot ng Entablado runs through September 30. The gallery is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission to the exhibition is free.