There is a type of traditional clothing for men in the Philippines called a "Barong Tagalog". It is a shirt with some elaborate embroidery. I'm an American, but my Filipina wife has been encouraging me to wear one. So I finally gave in and bought one and wore it to church.
Americans talk a lot about "cultural appropriation", so I was concerned that people would say, "Why are you wearing that? You're not a Filipino". But in fact the reaction was exactly the opposite. We got to church a little early so there were only about a dozen people there. When I walked in wearing the Barong, everyone turned to look at me and they all oohed and aahed. Several people complimented me on the shirt. No one said anything even mildly critical. One person said that by wearing the fancy shirt I elevated the service. The pastor asked if I had worn it for my wedding. (I hadn't. I didn't buy it until over a year after I was married.)
Absolutely no one indicated they were offended. Exactly the opposite. Several commmented that I was honoring their country by wearing their traditional clothing. Everyone saw it as a gesture of respect. One person said, "You are a real Filipino now".
My wife was especially pleased that I wore it. It's considered pretty formal, so she commented several times that I "looked like a senator" or some variation. Once she commented that she should get -- I'm not sure of the name -- some traditional woman's outfit to "pair" with it.
I'll have to wear it somewhere other than church and see what reaction I get.
© 2026 by Jay Johansen
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