Preserving Filipino culture and heritage, one salakot at a time

Mark Ong, a language educator, carries with him a unique collection of salakot. For him, something simple as a hat can carry the weight of a nation's past and the beauty of its traditions.

Mark Ong, a language educator, carries with him a unique collection of 'salakot' the traditional native hat of the Philippines.

Key Points

• The salakot, a traditional hat commonly worn by Filipinos across different provinces, serves as both a shield against the scorching sun and the pouring rain. Crafted from materials like palm, bamboo, rattan, and various plant fibers indigenous to different regions, each salakot bears the distinct imprint of its locale.
• Historically rooted in the influences of Malay culture, the Filipino tradition of wearing headgear, or "gora," as protection from the elements dates back centuries. However, it was during the Spanish colonial period that the adornment of the salakot evolved into a symbol of social status.
• For Mark Ong, the act of collecting salakot is more than just a hobby; it's a passionate advocacy to preserve and honor the rich heritage of Filipino culture.

Mark Ong loves hats. But not just any hats—specifically, the traditional Filipino ones called "salakot."

Each of these traditional Filipino hats, gathered from various corners of the archipelago, holds not just diverse shapes and materials but also a rich tapestry of stories.

Mark Ong wearing a 'Saruk', a native hat from the Yakan ethnic group in Basilan.

Salakot is widely recognised and used throughout the Philippines. This broad-brimmed hat is typically made from a variety of materials, including bamboo, rattan, and nipa palm. The salakot is known for its distinctive conical shape, providing excellent protection from the sun and rain.

Teofilo Garcia was conferred with the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure Award) in 2012 in recognition of his excellence and dedication in making the kattukong or gourd hat. Photo by: Silverbackpacker

The "kattukong" or "tabúngaw" is a unique and functional piece of traditional Ilocano headgear, ingeniously crafted from the hollowed and dried calabash gourd, known locally as tabúngaw in Ilocano or upo in Tagalog. This versatile hat is also referred to as the bottle gourd or white pumpkin, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. Its construction involves a combination of natural materials like anahaw, nipa, bamboo, and rattan, making it both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

The kattukong's craftsmanship is embodied by Teofilo Garcia of Abra, recognised as a National Living Treasure (Manlilikha ng Bayan) for his mastery.

Ponciana, a sarok maker from the Municipality of Consolacion in Cebu, Philippines. Photo by: Tony McGregor, Living Asia Channel

Another notable native Filipino hat is the "sarok," a pointed hat made from dried banana leaves and bamboo strips. It is commonly used by locals in Cebu, to protect themselves from the sun while farming. The art of sarok making is the main livelihood in the Municipality of Consolacion where the Sarok Festival is being held, showcasing the community's craftsmanship and reliance on natural materials.

These traditional hats represent the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines and also embody the traditional artistry and ingenuity of Filipino artisans.