Ben Farrales - The Dean of Philippine Fashion
Ben Farrales, or “Mang Ben” as he is commonly called, is considered a living legend in the Philippine fashion industry.
Born in Cotabato City on 01 July 1932, he is the youngest child of Salvador and Paulina Farrales. He finished his early education at the San Beda College and acquired his degree in Fine Arts at the University of Sto. Tomas, under the tutelage of such legends as Manansala and Agoncillo.
Farrales first worked at Aurelia’s, a prominent fashion boutique in 1950s Manila.
What was it like to grow up in an era when being gay was not as accepted then as it is now? “My father did not make me conscious that I am gay. It was never an issue in the family. In turn, I took it upon myself to make sure that I uphold the values that were taught to us by our parents” Farrales recalls “I am typically a sweet, regular person. I have never been the screaming, scandalous and mahadera type” His advice to the gay generation now is in sync with the same principles. “Accept what God gave you. Behave. Ilagay sa lugar ang sarili. Magsalita, kumilos at mag-trabaho in such a way that people will respect you. Make your parents proud of you. Be productive.” At his age, one can say that Farrales has indeed practiced what he preaches.
"Fashion can be very challenging especially if you have very good taste"
So is this his secret to success?
“Everything is acquired through hard work. Maraming bigas ang kakainin he adds. There are no short-cuts, remember that”
While Ben Farrales is known for his Filipiniana designs, it is in the classy execution and tasteful craftsmanship of Muslim-inspired creations, that he made the Farrales trademark. His use of native materials infused with tribal components remains unmatched. “Fashion is challenging especially if you have very good taste. Every day you would learn many things. The challenge is to be able to execute properly and tastefully while making sure that the challenge is worth the effort.” Farrales comments.
Instrumental to the development of his style was his eldest sister, Aida. Aida was married to Senator Salipada Pendatun of Cotabato and it was she who encouraged the young Farrales to design and make clothes for her, which she would wear to various social and political functions. As his works were undeniably elegant, the rest, as they say, is history.
"At this age and stage, everything is a bonus"
Farrales eventually opened his own boutique along Mabini Street, Malate in partnership with Zorro David. Later on, he moved his atelier to Adriatico Street, also in the Malate District.
Farrales holds the distinction of a number of firsts. He was the first Filipino designer to launch a fashion show at the Manila Hotel (1959) and the first Filipino to have a show at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC (1984).
Mang Ben says he will completely retire at the age of 80. His atelier will be donated to the Congregacion del Santisimo Nombre del Niño Jesus, of which he is the founding Chairman.
“At this age and stage, everything is a bonus. I have nothing more to prove. I have made my mark and people will remember my work” says this eminent designer whose contribution to the Filipino society is as supreme as it is memorable.
at 4:33 pm
Just burnt my chicken on the BBQ…gotta stick to boiling eggs…lol
at 10:57 am
interesting! this is the only write-up i have read about Mang Ben wherein which he discusses his being gay. this grand old man is a pillar of the industry and i salute him!
at 1:44 am
Mang Ben is one of the Best Designers in the Country! Good Job! Hope to see you soon mang ben so i can do a crash course with you!=)
at 5:57 am
Ben Farrales is one designer that has left his mark. Farrales is better than most since his designs do not make the wearer look stiff. Very fluid, very elegant. His Filipiniana creations are fantastic!
at 5:15 pm
Agree! I super love Mang Ben! He won’t settle for anything less than the best.
at 12:35 am
Great artist indeed!
)
I hope to meet him someday. Inspiring!
I remember my friends, those who are in styling and fashion photography. I hope that we’ll meet him and inspire us in fashion.
And his statement about gays’ behavior is really true! That must be the ideal gay in this generation.
at 6:53 am
Fantabulous article for a fantabulous Designer!
at 5:36 pm
after reading this article i wanna know more about ben farrales. very inspiring!=)
at 6:00 pm
I salute Mang BEN for his hard-worked. And its a very insipiring story. He really made his life worth living. Just keep up the good deeds..
at 6:02 pm
true man, true talents henyo sana makapagpagawa din ako sa kanya hehe omy gas 25k
at 6:55 pm
I wish to have a Barong tagalog made by Mang Ben….great Filipino designer, i can say that every Filipino designer nowadays should follow his foot steps…
at 8:44 pm
Mang Ben… I heard so many things about him and lil stories from people na nakatrabaho na nya… Sana makapag patahi din ako sa kanya… Mang Ben is really an artist at his best.
at 9:00 pm
Lets support philippine fashions and filipino fashion designer as well some of them are making their names here and abroad..god is so good in giving us full innate talent that can’t be bought by money or any material things in this world…
at 3:26 am
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at 7:29 am
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at 5:50 pm
i hope that he builds a school of fashion where he could share his knowledge about dressmaking and the techniques on how to make world class gowns and suits…
at 11:29 pm
Being a fashion enthusiast, I look up to Mr. Ben Farrales when it comes to design and creativity. His timeless creations were worn by the richest of the rich but it’s so inspiring to know that a person who achieved so much and in his stature kept himself grounded and humble.
We all see the fashion industry as evil, vicious and cut-throat. In some ways, yes, that is true. But it should not change who you are as a person. Just like Mr. Farrales, he didn’t compromise his principles to get to where he is right now. Afterall, good things happen to good people. It just takes time and a lot of effort – and of course, a little bit of luck.
I’m looking forward to seeing his designs on the runway once again. A lot of people are seeing the renaissance of Philippine fashion and it’s good to see designs that reminds us where we started, for us to know where we are heading.
at 11:55 pm
very talented and hard working