ON JUNE 10, I had the privilege of witnessing the grand coronation night of Lin-ay sang Silay at the Natalio Velez Sports and Cultural Center.
Why a privilege?
Because Lin-ay sang Silay is not your typical beauty pageant. While the competition still revolves around beauty, poise, grace, and wit, one segment sets it apart from other pageants in the country: the parade of Trajes de Silay.
What makes this segment so special?
Classy Dresses with a Legacy
Since the 1960s, Trajes de Silay has been recognized as elegant garments traditionally worn by the wives and daughters of sugar barons (hacienderos) in Silay City, Negros Occidental. These dresses symbolized affluence and were closely associated with the elite families of Silay.
But beyond being a fashion statement, the Trajes de Silay hold historical significance. According to my readings, they reflect the opulence brought about by the sugar boom in Negros Occidental — the very industry that earned the province the title “Sugar Bowl of the Philippines.”
At the height of this prosperity, many hacienderos resided in Silay. Thus, Trajes de Silay became woven into the city’s cultural and historical tapestry.
From Spanish Roots to Silay’s Signature
Historically, the Trajes de Silay trace their roots to the Trajes de Mestiza, popularized during the Spanish colonial era, particularly in the early 1500s.
The Traje de Mestiza gained widespread recognition thanks to Maria Clara, the iconic love interest of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
Over time, the design evolved. Wealthy Silaynons and local couturiers added unique touches — from intricately embroidered pañuelos (lace-like neck scarves) to ornate beadwork and exclusive cuts. These design enhancements gave birth to the Trajes de Silay we see today: elegant, distinguished, and unmistakably Silaynon.
They are, without a doubt, standouts in any gathering — timeless testaments to artistry and sophistication.
Pitoy Moreno’s Muse
When the late and legendary Filipino designer Pitoy Moreno was still alive, he often visited Silay to admire the evolving designs of Trajes de Silay crafted by local couturiers. These garments inspired him in creating masterpieces for his elite clientele in Manila and beyond.
More than six decades later, Trajes de Silay continue to be celebrated as cultural treasures — stunning embodiments of Silaynon identity. And every June 10, during the Lin-ay sang Silay pageant, they are proudly showcased as the candidates’ equivalent of evening gowns — making the event not only unique in Negros Island but across the country.
This tradition was institutionalized by former Silay First Lady Maida Jison, who served from 1988 to 1992. She was the driving force behind integrating Trajes de Silay into the pageant — a move that elevated the competition to a celebration of heritage and high fashion.
A Regenerative Heritage
Ver Pacete, retired Silay tourism officer and one of the visionaries behind Lin-ay sang Silay, refers to Trajes de Silay as part of the city’s “regenerative heritage” — passed on from generation to generation.
“We are so proud of this heritage,” Pacete said, “that all our mayors — past and present — have continued the tradition of presenting Trajes de Silay on stage for the youth to appreciate and internalize, even in this digital age.”
Once reserved for Silay’s buena familias, these dresses are now embraced as cultural treasures that transcend class lines. Today, they connect Silaynons — rich and poor — to their past, present, and future.
“In fact,” Pacete added, “we want our younger generation to embrace this classy yet invigorating heritage that makes us truly proud.”
From Tradition to Contemporary Art
For Solomon Locsin, chair of the Negros Occidental Historical Council, Inc. (NOHCI) and a true-blooded Silaynon, the Trajes de Silay are not just fashion relics — they are visual chronicles of history.
“These dresses often appear in old photographs and portraits of Silay’s women. They are reminders of our rich history and cultural roots,” Locsin said.
Through the creativity of local designers, Trajes de Silay have evolved from traditional formalwear into contemporary works of art. Onstage or off, they remain reflections of timeless beauty — perfectly in step with Silay’s reputation as the “Little Paris” or “Artsy City” of Negros Occidental.
Preserving such heritage is more than symbolic. It forges a deeper understanding of the past and strengthens the foundation for a more meaningful future.
Beyond the Era of Spaghetti Straps
Trajes de Silay are tangible reminders of how fortunate Silaynons are to possess historical and cultural awareness — and the passion to preserve it.
This reminds me of a quote from Jamaican political activist Marcus Garvey:
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”
Indeed, Trajes de Silay may not conform to the skimpy styles or spaghetti straps of modern fashion. But the way Silay continues to present them — particularly through events like Lin-ay sang Silay — is a brilliant strategy to keep the heritage alive in the hearts of Millennials and Gen Z.
Silaynons — young and old — are not only proud but also deeply grateful to all those who have contributed to the preservation of this elegant tradition.
Because, truly, Trajes de Silay are drop-dead gorgeous. Hence!/PN
