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IN the early to mid-2000s, bracelets bearing slogans made from a wide variety of colors and materials became highly popular among the hip and trendy set. Beginning with the yellow “Livestrong” wristband popularized started by cycling icon Lance Armstrong to support cancer research, silicone or gel-based bands have been used by many people to display their allegiance to certain charities and causes. For example, pink was the color of choice for breast cancer, red for AIDS, white for “Make Poverty History”, among others. Other wrist wear has been sported to flaunt religious beliefs, such as Buddhist wrist beads and the red Kabbalah thread. A highly active and idealistic group of young Pinoys decided to do something about the lack of pride and nationalism in the country by using this simple ornament. Taking a page from the “awareness bracelets” of the West, they decided to adopt, transform and make this accessory their own. Thus the abaca-made, Yabang Pinoy wristband was born. Inherently Filipino, it represents what we are and is meant to reflect that, despite political, economic and social setbacks, we are still standing and proud of being Filipino. The Yabang Pinoy organization was created in 2005 as a project of the Children’s Environmental Awareness and Action Foundation (CEAAF), which advocates environmental education in the country. One of Yabang Pinoy’s projects is the Yabang Pinoy Filipino pride campaign, which aims to raise nationalism and cultural identity. The proponents explain that despite our numerous problems – such as rampant corruption, debilitating poverty, and colonial mentality – the Filipino has survived and continues to live the best possible life regardless of the problems facing him. “The Philippines has faced numerous crises like more than four centuries of western domination, natural catastrophes, political misfortunes, and the likes. But through all these difficulties, the Filipino people has survived,” says Mica Ferrer, Yabang Pinoy volunteer told Planet Philippines. Yabang Pinoy uses abaca fiber to exemplify and celebrate that resiliency visually and fashionably. Known worldwide as Manila hemp, abaca is considered the toughest natural fiber. Indigenous to the Philippines, it is used in everything from rope, meat and sausage wrappers to tea bags, furniture and clothing fabric, and even money. Along with sugar and tobacco, abaca used to be one of the country’s top exports. “Since abaca is the considered the strongest natural fiber and is quite a unique Pinoy product, it aims to constantly remind Filipinos that we are tough, resilient and exceptional,” says Maricris Sarino, also an advocate and volunteer. The primary makers of the Yabang Pinoy bracelet are the men and women from Barangay Ilaya, a lakeside community in Muntinlupa City. The bands have become an additional source of income for the residents. Yabang Pinoy espouses the belief that locally-made products should be patronized by Filipinos, many of whom, sadly, prefer foreign-made goods. “We are 80 million Filipinos,” says Sarino. “Imagine a country that supports Filipino products, ideas and its own way of thinking!” Despite the band’s growing profile, with many top-tier celebrities sporting it as a stylish accessory in magazine pictorials and television appearances, the founders themselves choose to remain anonymous. They believe that the “Yabang Pinoy movement” belongs to each and every Filipino and no single individual or group should take credit for its success. Ferrer stresses that there are no formal positions or titles within the group. “In Yabang Pinoy, everyone involved is a volunteer/advocate.” Yabang Pinoy has sold more than 20,000 bands worldwide. Organizers hope the wearers would become active advocates and volunteers for the cause. Sarino says the group gets numerous inquiries from first and second generation Filipinos in the United States and Canada interested in tracing their roots. Besides wristbands, Yabang Pinoy has now expanded its product line to include bags made from native materials, such as pandan. Profits from these products go to non-profit organizations that promote national pride, such as those that produce, sell or put up Filipino-centric books, exhibits and symposia. The organizers realize that there will be people who will remain skeptical of the group’s goals and methods and will find the wearing of the bracelet as a shallow or empty gesture. Indeed, how can a fashion accessory change people’s negative view of themselves and their nation? Ferrer reasons out that the wearing of the bracelet is meant as a minor start, or jumping-off point, to something significant and far-reaching. “Yabang Pinoy products are called ‘objects of conversations,’” she says. “These are used by Yabang Pinoy advocates and volunteers to talk about the Yabang Pinoy movement. We believe it’s a good strategy to discuss the importance of nationalism ... being a Filipino sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa.” By raising the Filipinos’ consciousness of our national identity and culture through the bracelets, it is hoped that more people will be inspired to eventually do more to be worthy of what the band symbolizes. “Yabang Pinoy realizes that real progress of the Philippines will start once each and every Filipino takes pride in being a Filipino,” Ferrer adds. “We believe that we need to have a balance between popularity and substance. In 2005, Yabang Pinoy advocates and volunteers used Yabang Pinoy's objects of conversations to get more people interested and involved in the Yabang Pinoy movement ... then Yabang Pinoy advocates and volunteers understand the importance of the ‘Yabang Pinoy movement’ .. then more Filipino pride projects and events were developed.” These projects include Yamang Isip, which donates storybooks and art supplies to farm children and rural community libraries; FRANKahan na'to!, a concert to benefit the victims of Typhoon Frank; Pilpinas Pinasport, a travel-themed excursion to showcase the beauty of different places in the country; and fun-filled sporting events such “Patintero Tayo.” The campaign hopes to reach more Filipinos, the long-term goal of which is to attain increased awareness of and involvement to Yabang Pinoy movement. Says Ferrer of Yabang Pinoy’s aspirations: “Filipinos believing in being a Filipino ... believing in Filipino ideas, concepts, products and services ... more Filipino entrepreneurs, artists, designers, product developers developing global brands and supported by the Filipino people.” (For more information on Yabang Pinoy, visit www.yabangpinoy.com) If you have any feedback, reaction or comment about the article, please email buzzwordmedia@yahoo.com.
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