On Philippine Independence Day 2021, all eyes were on the T-shirt, fashion&rsquo;s most democratic garment.

The commemoration of Independence Day 2021 was much like the last, with jovial celebrations limited by current circumstances. As people continue to navigate a year plagued with unsteady variables, Filipino creatives have found a way to celebrate, taking a step forward through the community-led Wear Your Story project to make some noise in the name of Filipino pride.

In line with the #damakolahiko campaign, creatives Esme Palaganas, Jowee Alviar, Marc Josh Veloso, Mong Feliciano, Marvin Conanan, Mikki Dela Rea, and Rik Rasos helmed Wear Your Story as a collaborative t-shirt exhibit, meant to highlight the blossoming potency of Philippine fashion and its accompanying communities and subcultures. The project features independent names such as <a href="http://basicmovement.ph/">Basic Movement</a>, <a href="https://teammanilalifestyle.com/">Team Manila</a>, <a href="http://www.proudrace.com/">Proudrace</a>, <a href="https://purveyr.com/">Purveyr</a>, <a href="https://tropicalfutures.institute/">Tropical Futures</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stockroomphilippines/?hl=en">Stockroom</a>, <a href="https://dbtkco.com/">Don't Blame The Kids</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thetwelfthhouse/?hl=en">Twelfth House</a>.

Courtesy of Revel

Courtesy of Swash

Courtesy of Tenement

But the decision to feature T-shirts was not arbitrary. It has long been considered emblematic in Filipino culture&mdash;the T-shirt has often proved significant in conveying messages within Philippine sociopolitical movements because of its blank-canvas nature. And since the T-shirt is not limited to being a statement of personal preference, it is often registered as an engine for change, commonly utilized to impart expressional messaging and organizational efforts. While it comes across as harmless, it has proven itself a worthy medium for wearable solidarity.

Courtesy of Episodes

Courtesy of Salad Day

Courtesy of The Sinner Collective

Courtesy of Tropical Futures

Courtesy of Coziest

T-shirts have always managed to say something before it is even realized, making steady stances in the midst of ambivalence. In another time, a T-shirt exhibition may seem rather random, but today, a permanent and prevalent effort like this seems vital, even notable. And, as a year of uncertainty continues to unfold, at least something can remain: the words on your T-shirt.

The Wear Your Story exhibit and pop-up event at R1, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City (across Signet and Commonwealth) was viewable from June 11-13, 2021.

The T-shirt as a Powerful Symbol of Wearable Solidarity

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