Two lifelong friends embarked on a remarkable journey that combined the artistic traditions of the Philippines and Indonesia. Inspired by the beauty of Indonesian batik, they began a quest to blend it with the delicate Philippine fabric Jusi.
Through perseverance and experimentation, Freddy Mercado Jr. and Thelma Victorio created Barong Batik—a stunning fusion that revolutionized both the Philippine barong and Indonesian batik. Each piece, meticulously hand-drawn by skilled artisans, is a unique work of art, a showcase of cultural collaboration and the pursuit of beauty.
Their story began in 2006, not as a grand business plan, but as an experiment rooted in curiosity and artistic passion. Mercado, an artist himself, was captivated by the intricate process of batik creation he witnessed in a bustling Indonesian mall.
“I saw an old lady doing the batik process with a kettle of hot oil, painting on a white cloth, and I immediately thought of why not on our jusi,” Mercado recalls. This sparked a quest to find batik artisans in Central Java, leading them to the heart of batik artistry in Pekalongan.
It took over a year of experimentation to perfect the process of applying batik to jusi, ensuring the colors wouldn’t bleed and the fabric would retain its elegance.
“We usually travel back and forth to Manila, and when we had the chance we brought the jusi with us to Jakarta and the artisans tried to sample the process using our fabric. It took time for the batik artisans to master the technique. After more than a year of experimentation, we brought the textile back to Manila to have it made into barong,” Victorio says.
Modernizing tradition
The Barong Batik made its debut at a Philippine Embassy reception in Jakarta in 2010. Mercado’s creation sparked immediate interest among the Filipino expat community. They were drawn to the vibrant colors and modern designs, a departure from the traditional dark hues of batik.
Mercado and Victorio both realized that their accomplishments in the mid-2000s marked the start of a fashion revolution. Barong Batik modernized the traditional Philippine barong and Indonesian batik, creating a unique fusion of cultures that appealed to a sophisticated clientele including Indonesian and Philippine dignitaries, the Philippine expat community, government officials, businessmen, and individuals looking to make a statement.
Piece of wearable art
The process begins with Philippine jusi transported to Pekalongan, where skilled batik artisans meticulously hand-draw intricate patterns using the traditional wax-resist technique. Each cut takes about four to six weeks to complete for Jaab Batik and eight months for Batik Tulis.
Despite receiving offers from major retailers like SM’s Kultura and renowned barong maker Onesimus to expand the reach of Barong Batik, Mercado and Victorio opted to maintain their exclusive market positioning.
The decision stemmed from the high cost associated with both the intricate fabric and the specialized production process involved in creating these unique garments.
“What we are selling is a piece of art. Barong Batik is more than just clothing; it’s a statement of individuality and cultural appreciation. Its niche market comprises those seeking something truly special for life’s significant moments, from ballroom galas to business conferences,” Victorio says.
Global presence
While based in Jakarta, Barong Batik has expanded its reach, with showrooms in the Philippines and collaborations with prominent figures in the Filipino business community, such as that with Filipiniana maverick designer Patis Tesoro.
Their commitment to quality and artistry has garnered attention from those seeking to incorporate Barong Batik into various fashion and lifestyle products.
“The product speaks for itself as it is a timeless fashion statement. Every person wants to be recognized. Donning Barong Batik truly elevates both the Philippines’ and Indonesia’s creativity to global recognition,” Mercado says.
It’s a celebration of two nations’ artistic traditions, woven together into a unique and timeless fashion statement. From its humble beginnings to its global recognition, Barong Batik represents the enduring spirit of friendship, innovation and the pursuit of beauty.
