Netizens started debating on the University of the Philippines’ Sablay after Filipino-American sportswriter Pablo Torre was seen wearing a sablay on the red carpet of the Gold Gala event in Los Angeles, USA. His outfit of the Sablay worn over a black tux drew some flak among some Filipinos since it doesn’t conform to the guidelines that UP has on the use of the Sablay. So when is it appropriate to wear the Sablay?

What is the Sablay?

The Sablay is the official academic regalia of the University of the Philippines. It was first used in 1990 and officially adopted in 2000, replacing the traditional graduation cap and toga.

Symbolizing “our nationalism and the importance we put upon our indigenous culture”, the Sablay is a loose garment that features ukkil, geometric elements, and the University’s acronym “UP” written as a symbol based on the baybayin for U and P.

When can you wear the Sablay?

According to UP’s Office of the University Registrar, the Sablay should only be worn “only during academic functions and activities” like recognition programs, commencement exercises, official photo taking, and other academic activities requiring the academic regalia.

Grateful for the sunny weather that shone light to every Isko and Iska today. And also that I got to experience this Sablay moment again. #justgraduated 🎓 pic.twitter.com/w6OHsfNqKu

— John Eiman (@johneim) July 31, 2022

What can you wear with the Sablay?

To give due respect to the Sablay as the official academic dress and “preserve the solemnity and dignity” of academic events, the University Registrar’s office also provided a suggested dress code that graduates can follow.

Males are suggested to wear barong, while females can wear dresses, both of which are suggested in ecru, beige, or cream. Formal shoes are also recommended, with minimal jewelry. It is also prohibited to wear the Sablay with a hat.

Who can wear the Sablay?

As the official academic dress of UP, the Sablay is worn by graduates of the university. While there is no specific law that prohibits non-graduates from wearing the Sablay, many frown upon any perceived misuse of the regalia, as seen by the reactions to Torre’s photo.

Netizens’ reaction to Torre’s wearing of the Sablay

Pinoy netizens have been divided on whether it was appropriate for the sportswriter to wear the Sablay or not. When the photo first circulated on the internet, after Torre shared the photo on Twitter, some were happy UP was being represented in an international event, while others were disappointed with his use of the regalia.

On Instagram, Torre also shared that the Sablay he was wearing was actually his father’s. “I didn’t go to UP. But both of my parents, and both of their fathers, did. So shoutout to my dad for letting me borrow his Sablay for one night, so I could pay tribute to all of them,” his caption read.

In the post’s comment section, some of his followers praised how he paid tribute to his parents. “As an alumnus of UP, I’m honored that one of my favorite sports journalists is wearing the sablay,” wrote former basketball coach Bien Carayag.

However, other netizens on social media platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook were not happy about Torre wearing the Sablay to a non-academic event, dubbing the act “tokenistic.”

Like yes to reconnecting with and honoring your cultural heritage—but that also entails taking the time to learn the proper contexts; otherwise, it’s just tokenistic

— Philip Jamilla (@pmjamilla) May 9, 2023

this could discredit legit Pinoy precolonialists who actually want to revive our lost / forgotten precolonial lowland clothing—the sablay was part of it in many places like Tagalog, Kapampangan regions &c.

eto, not the best example, but should give a idea: pic.twitter.com/LhjgeC5z5i

— mike.artophone (@artophone) May 10, 2023

What are your thoughts on the use of the Sablay here? Comment down below!

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