Piña’t Kilanlan reflects on how the pineapple, through its transformation into piña fabric, has shaped Filipino identity,not just in clothing, but in how society navigates class, culture, and belonging.

At the center of the piece, a blooming vine emerges from the heart of the pineapple, symbolizing how this once-humble crop evolved into one of the most revered materials in Philippine textile history. Traditionally used in garments such as the barong tagalog and terno, piña fabric was historically reserved for the elite, yet its influence eventually touched all levels of Filipino life.

The upper pair stand beneath a sky of embroidered stars, elevated and adorned, while the lower two figures stand grounded, their feet touching the earth. This intentional spatial arrangement highlights the historical social divide, where access to material privilege and formal garments signified one’s position within the colonial hierarchy.

The embroidered fan, stars, and floral patterns nod to the delicate tradition of calado embroidery, celebrating Filipino craftsmanship while also tracing the cultural evolution of identity through dressing.

Piña’t Kilanlan is both a visual archive and a quiet reminder that what we wear carries the threads of shared history, collective memory, and a unified sense of who we are.