MANILA, Philippines -- In today's fast-paced world where everything is measured in nano-seconds, it's nice to know that there are still a number of hand-made arts and crafts that take the time to create. Yes, while it only takes seconds to send messages across the world, it takes a long time to create Barong Batik. Do you have any idea about how long it takes? Let us take you to a journey. The Barong Batik first starts with jusi fabric from the Philippines, which used to be hand-woven and now is mechanically created from delicate yet strong silk organza fiber. The cream colored fabric is then shipped to Jakarta and then sent to the villages of Pekalongan in the island of Java in Indonesia where Batik motifs passed on from one generation to the next are hand-drawn using the cjanting (a pen-like implement that uses melted wax as its ''ink'') to create intricate patterns that make this Barong Batik a creation that's truly unique, a fusion of two cultures. One piece of Barong in Jusi material can take weeks or even months to create. Indonesian tailors then fashion these Batik printed Jusi into Barongs, which take about a week per shirt. Each Barong Batik shirt takes almost a month to create and is a unique hand-made work of art. The idea for Barong Batik came to Jakarta-based Filipino entrepreneur and artist Freddy Mercado and his partner, Thelma Victorio when they witnessed the painstaking process of creating batik in a mall. ''I was amazed when I witnessed how Batik was made.'' said Freddy. ''Immediately, it gave me the idea to blend our jusi [material blend of raw silk and pineapple fibers] from the Philippines and the art of batik into one.''
After he finished his contract in 2005, he created is first Barong Batik together with a Jakarta-based batik artist who took almost four months to create the unique garment. Freddy wore the Barong Batik to the Philippine Independence Day celebration and it was a big hit.
''I was surprised because a lot of guests asked what kind of batik I was wearing, what kind of material was used and where they could buy it. So, I saw the opportunity and told them - You can buy it from me. And that's how the business started.''
For Barong Batik Indonesia, Freddy partnered with Romi Oktabirawa, a fourth-generation batik entrepreneur from Pekalongan, Central Java, who owns a large batik business that employs more than 500 people.
''He invited me to his place, so I could see the entire process of batik tulis [hand-drawn batik] myself,'' Freddy recalls. Romi, who is also the chairman of Paguyuban Pencinta Batik Pekalongan (Pekalongan Batik Fans Association), works with Freddy in applying traditional batik motifs on the jusi.
Various motifs from fine butterflies, ''kawung'' [geometrical shapes], ''parang'' (knives) as well as dragons of a Chinese influence are selected and artfully laid out in the jusi fabric by Freddy. The production process takes time. For hand-stamped batik, the process may take between three weeks and one month for one piece of jusi. For hand-drawn batik, it can take two to three months. The traditional Barong Filipino, the national dress of the Philippines is very similar to the formal Batik shirt of Indonesia. The main difference of the two garments is in terms of the fabric used - Barong Filipino is made usually made from Jusi, hand-woven piña (from pineapple fiber), linen or cotton blend while Batik shirt is traditionally made of Silk for formal wear or Cotton for every day. The style is similar except that the Indonesian Batik shirt is usually open all the way in front while the Barong usually has a button/ placket opening that stops just below the waist line. The Filipino Barong also usually has the Design in a U-shape around the bodice, the cuffs and the collar, while the Indonesian dress shirt has the Batik motif all over the jusi fabric akin to the callado embroidery of traditional Barong Filipino. Both styles (the Filipino Barong and Indonesian Dress Shirt) are available for the discriminating gentleman.
Barong Batik - the Barong of today
Today, the Barong has evolved from the cream jusi; it now comes in vibrant jewel colors and instead of callado embroidery, people can wear it with hand-made Batik patterns. Like the Indonesian Batik shirt, Barong Batik comes in short sleeves for a more casual look or the long-sleeved version for formal receptions and events. ''Our Barong Batik has made it to the wardrobe of top diplomats like His Excellency Vidal Querol, Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia and businessman Peter Gontha who owns 20 pieces. Roberto Feliciano of Lippo Group, Mel Regalado-CEO of Hypermart are proud owners of Barong Batik to mention some,'' says Freddy, CEO and Designer of Barong Batik. Washington Sycip, well-known businessman, educator and founder of SGV has Barong Batiks in his collection - ''He saw it in Jakarta and asked people where he can get some. I met with him and he got six Barongs immediately!'' adds Thelma, chief marketing officer of Barong Batik. The production is limited since the barongs are hand-made in Pekalongan Village, Java, so the proud owners can be assured that they belong to an exclusive group.
In Manila, Barong Batik can be ordered by contacting Mr. Jeff Victorio - cell phone: 0916-7389699, landline: (02) 869-2448. In Jakarta, Barong Batik email: Thelma_Victorio@yahoo.com or jcmerc@yahoo.com.
