Pat: The Wave in Trends

Like her sister, Pat has got into the vibe of how streetwear style and her love for dancing has influenced her that comfort and style is everything. Although streetwear not being her style, she is no stranger to the recent phenomena of DLSU undegrads getting in to this known trend and how she was able to go with the flow with the rest of her fellow students.

Name: Patricia Paner

Nickname: Pat

Location: Fairview, Quezon City, Philippines

Currently an: Incoming Graduating Student of DLSU (AB-OCM), Intern in Activations Advertising

Shirt: Stussy

Cap: Adidas Originals

Sneakers: Adidas NMD

Jacket: Polo Sport

Cap: Adidas Originals

Mon: Since you are not really into this kind of trend, do you like streetwear? Why or why not?

Pat: Like streetwear, is alright with me naman (so). But then again, it's not really my style. Like for one, it's either super cheap or super mahal (expensive). Anything that I can find in-between. Usually tsangi (thrift shops) or the mid-level, like Uniqlo kind of stuff lang (only) but then, I always end up wearing streetwear stuff pag tinatamad ako pumorma (when I feel lazy to dress up). Like sweatpants and wind breakers mga ganun (like those) when I feel like looking like "thrash" for the day (laughs). Pero yung tipong kinakareer ko yung streetwear (Like the kind that would drape myself in streetwear), I'm not that kind.

M: So you prefer streetwear (or so-called streetwear) brands that are affordable in the sense but if you find it within the stores, you purchase those products as well?

P: Yeah. Pag ako naka-ukay ako ng clothes (When I go thrifting for clothes).

M: Having said that, can you name local or foreign streetwear brands that you're into?

P: Mmm (deciding).

M: It doesn't have to be the ones you normally wear (laughs).

P: Obviously the specifics (that I wear). Wala naman yung sobra (Nothing in excess). But then, you know, yung parang (describing herself) super into Adidas. So I end up buying stuff from that brand. Wala lang eh (It's really nothing).

M: So, you know, I wouldn't say you're not knowledgeable but you're limited to few brands you choose or you create. What is your definition of streetwear fashion for young Filipinas?

P: Uhm, for me, like streetwear and fashion more or less is yung sinusuot ko dati (what I use to wear before) because I was into dance when I was in high school. So yung mga siguro suot before now, very loose, very baggy (So what we wear before is very loose and very baggy) which makes us free to move. Yung ang parang definition ko for streetwear (That's sort of my definition of streetwear). I guess that's why you call it streetwear kasi pwede mo siya pang harabas (because it is something you can thrash). Pero ngayon, parang siyang high-end na pang harabas (But now, it is considered as high-end thrashing).

M: So you know, us being from different sub-cultures, me being from street art and you being from dance, my partner Shawn being from hip-hop, do you think that given that people are getting into this kind of fashion, what can you tell us about the growth of the streetwear scene here in the Philippines? Before the scene here was very small, now people are getting into this culture.

P: It's super in now. Like if you go to La Salle, almost everyone is wearing parang (Like) Supreme (she describes the normal outfit of her fellow students). Even before like nung na uso yung clothing, na uso din yung shoes (when clothing was famous, shoes were also famous). Everyone is doing now.

M: So, what kinda made you get into streetwear? Just dance?

P: Not really hindi ko siya style eh (It's not really my style). But when I do it, it's normally for my convenience and comfort.

M: It's more of a function over fashion thing for you?

P: Yeah.

M: Given the "boom" of streetwear here in the Philippines, or urban culture in general, did any prominent personalities get you into streetwear?

P: Not really.

M: Do you think there is certain discrimination with Young Filipinas getting into streetwear fashion? Given that men and queers alike get backlash for wearing women's clothing and high fashion in particular, would you say women getting into streetwear is the same?

P: Siguro (Maybe) for younger women. Like nung (when) we were in grade school to early high school, if you would wear something na (like) (describes men's clothing) kind of style, medyo (slightly) you'd be judged by others. Like (they would call you) Tibo (boyish). Hangang ngayon, ganon pa din (Even now, it still happens). Now that I've gotten older, hindi naman masyado (not so much). But then again, there's this stigma that if you wear streetwear, like if you are going to Shang (EDSA Shangri-La), Manila Peninsula or Rockwell, like your mom will tell you, "Ano ba yan! Mag bihis ka nga!" (What are you thinking! Dress up, will you!).

Shawn: Yeah actually that is true (agrees).

M: Just to get deeper and for you to elaborate what you've just said, La Salle students are really getting into streetwear fashion, do you feel that your (girl) friends get backlash from the boys as well?

P: No naman (really). It's more of praise from them like, Uy! Saan mo nabili yan? (Hey! Where did you get that from?)

M: Just to veer away from the questions for a minute, as a young Filipina, does wearing men's clothes still make you feminine in a way? Or does it give you more of a masculine approach or look to it? Given that you're into dance?

P: When I wear men's clothes, usually ipapartner ko siya (I pair it with) a more feminine piece of clothing. Like kunwari (example) when I wear windbreakers, may ilalagay ako sa ilalim noon. Parang naka brow-let ka (you usually put something underneath. It's like you're wearing a brow-let). Some people (women) find the balance for it and it's really up to your discretion on what makes you feel comfortable.

M: Last question, how do you see Filipinas getting into streetwear 5 years from now?

P: Ewan ko, kasi nag boom na siya right now eh (I can't say. It's because it just boomed right now). Before the people into streetwear are normally in the dance community, for me. I'm not sure, I guess it might be short lived.

M: How short lived?

P: Probably 3 years from now, kasi depende sa uso (depends on the trend). But then again, trends die fast and for most people lang (only), I'm not sure if its going to stick, pero (but) I'm sure, it's still going to be around more or less but not with women.

M: You think it's for men than women?

P: Yeah. I think it's a fad lang (only). I could be wrong (laughs). Depende eh (It depends), we'll never know.

#video