A member of the Philippine Arnis delegation proudly wore Igorot’s traditional clothing while competing in the Southeast Asian Games.
ChriSamuel Delfin, a native garment of Igorot tribe, performed his combat skills to the tune of ethnic instruments.
Senator Miguel Zubiri, president of the Philippine Eskimo Kali Arnis Federation, told ABS-CBN News that Delfin did not want to wear any undergarments under his bahag.
“He is a proud Igorot and he is proud of his lineage. We had some problems because he wanted to wear his bahag without any brief,” said Zubiri.
“(Delfin) didn’t want because he said as an Igorot, it is an insult to wear a brief or something under [the bahag].”
Technical officials denied his request at first, explaining that the competition could not risk a wardrobe malfunction during a live broadcast.
“Our coach said, ‘It is better to disqualify him than to deny him of his heritage,” said Zubiri.
Delfin eventually obliged to wear thong under his bag.
He eventually won the gold medal in the men’s arnis anyo category.
