Where tradition meets innovation, Pampanga takes the spotlight.
From July 11 to 14, the Katutubo Pop-Up Market, a monthly initiative powered by Bench, creates a vibrant hub of heritage, fashion, and local pride.
With 60 clothing, apparel, jewelry, and accessory merchants plus 9 curated food stalls, the event is a celebration of Filipino craftsmanship, with a strong Kapampangan pulse running through its core.
At the heart of it all are notable Kapampangan designers, whose works tell stories of lineage, landscape, and legacy. Among them is Philip Torres, whose garments are lauded for their bold construction and deep cultural roots.
“We are honored to be here, to promote our local pride and share the wearable art of Pidayit,” said Torres.
Pidayit is a testament to the evolving artistry of Kapampangan fashion, known for its bold reinvention of local textiles and inventive layering of patterns, textures, and handwork.
At its core is a deep commitment to storytelling through fabric: repurposing retazos, weaving symbolism into every stitch, and transforming what is often overlooked into statement pieces rich in meaning.
Each creation is a canvas of cultural pride, inviting wearers to embody tradition with a fearless, modern flair.
Also in the spotlight is Joan Bitagcol, designer of Bitagcol, a brand that grew from a book project into a distinct fashion label. What started as a tribute to photography and fashion evolved into silk scarves printed with purpose—pieces that carry not only images but intention.
Now, Bitagcol’s work includes garments that adapt to life’s stages: elegant yet grounded, functional yet steeped in personal and cultural meaning.
Adding depth to the roster is Ryan Roberto, creative director of Camisa Amana. A proud native of Floridablanca, Pampanga, Roberto infuses Filipiniana and casual wear with native fabrics, creating accessible yet rooted designs. His work speaks to a new wave of everyday nationalism—proud, wearable, and unmistakably Filipino.
Whether you’re hunting for handcrafted jewelry, savoring regional delicacies, or exploring the bold narratives of local fashion, the Katutubo Pop-Up Market offers more than shopping—it’s a cultural immersion.
Catch it from 10 AM to 8 PM, today until Sunday, at Bench Tower Basement, BGC.
Support local. Wear local. Live the story.
