Why is bakya our national footwear?

Bakya became much sought after souvenirs in late 40s and 50 and were particularly prized by the US personnel posted to the Philippines. The shoes were ubiquitous until the 70s when their popularity began to wain as cheaper rubber slippers replaced them.

What is the national footwear of the Philippines?

– Bakya or wooden clogs footwear is made from local light wood like santol and laniti. It is cut to the desired foot size before being shaven until smooth. The side of the bakya is thick enough to be carved with floral, geometric or landscape designs.

Where did bakya originated from?

The manufacturer of the wooden bakya (wooden clogs) actually originated from the town of Paete, Laguna which blossomed into an artform.

Why do you think Bakya is significant to Philippine culture?

The Bakyâ or wooden clogs were once the most commonly used footwear in the Philippines before the introduction of rubber sandals. A bill in the Philippine Congress described the bakyâ as having ‘reference to the Filipinos’ humble beginnings’. It has been proposed as the National Slipper of the Philippines since 2014.

Do men wear Bakya?

Bakya from Paete… The Bakyâ or wooden clogs were once the most commonly used footwear by men and women in Longos and nearby town before the introduction of rubber sandals. This footwear is made from local light wood like santol and laniti. It is cut to the desired foot size before being shaven until smooth.

Why do Filipinos wear sandals?

Because it is very comfortable to wear. The PH is a very hot and humid country. So for the most part we wear slippers made mostly from rubber. It was introduced during the 1960,s by a Filipino company.

Who created Bakya culture?

In the ’70s, the esteemed screenwriter Pete Lacaba tried to define the concept of bakya, drawing inspiration from Susan Sontag’s classic essay “Notes on Camp” and Dwight Macdonald’s writings on masscult and midcult (“Notes on Bakya: Being an Apologia of Sorts for Filipino Masscult,” Philippines Free Press, January 31.

How can you tell if someone is Filipino?

You know you’re Filipino if you have an uncle or aunt whose name is Boy or Baby. …if your cupboard is full of corned beef, Vienna sausage, SPAM and canned tuna… And you eat rice for breakfast! You know you’re Filipino if you make ‘mano’ to your elderly to show respect.