Rocaya Asymmetrical Dress

The Rocaya Asymmetrical dress blends the timeless elegance of Filipiniana with a modern twist. The asymmetrical design features half sleeveless and half butterfly sleeves, paired with a sophisticated pencil cut, all beautifully adorned with the intricate "Layagan"  or "Alimango" Inaul design—a symbol of hope and connection.

This piece honors the legacy of Rocaya Datua, an Iranun weaver from Sultan Kudarat, whose life was marked by both artistry and courage. Our paths first crossed at the Sharrif Kabunsuan Festival in Cotabato in 2022, where an instant bond was formed over a shared love for tradition and storytelling. Over the months, our friendship deepened, with Friday morning phone calls filled with laughter, wisdom, and heartfelt exchanges. Rocaya’s spirit, both fierce and graceful, echoed in every thread she wove into her textiles.

After a brave battle with cancer, Rocaya passed away in February 2025, leaving behind a legacy of artistry. This dress, created with ethically sourced Inaul fabric, was inspired by the Alimango motif Rocaya and I both cherished. With other interpretations looking like a flower of hope crawling through me conceived after the passing of my own father, Florante, as a way to channel grief into creativity and connect with my ancestral roots.

With each stitch, this dress carries a powerful message of love, healing and hope. It is a wearable tribute to both Rocaya’s enduring spirit and my own journey of healing. Wear it as a celebration of strength, and the unbreakable bond of shared stories and memories.