A shortened skirt, the butterfly sleeves, the plaid 
textile, the low cut bodice, came together in the 1930s in 
the costume called Balintawak. It was worn during picnics and 
other jaunts into the countryside. Balintawak as "look" was 
deeply associated with Antipolo, a favorite summer destination 
for Manila dwellers. This costume was to epitomize Filipina 
gaiety, light-heartedness and her costuming sense of rural roots. 
Even when it was absorbed into the domain of haute couture, 
the balintawak continued to signal song, dance, and festivity.