Frederick Berches scores with stylish Pinoy-themed face masks

Face masks have become an emblem of the Filipinos in the fight against COVID-19 as they head for the new norm.

And no matter how they look, you should be wearing face masks during situations whenever social distancing may prove difficult. But you might as well wear this must-have accessory of the moment with some style.

Be reminded that surgical masks and N-95 respirators are reserved for health workers. And so it's worth finding a protective face mask that would accentuate your outfits.

Popular Filipino fashion designer Frederick Berches has come up with chic designs for these newly essential accessories that's close to the heart of Pinoys.

"Naisip ko na ang face mask ang isa sa mga pangunahing pangangailangan ng mga tao ngayon. Gusto kong gumawa ng face mask na makabayan and fashionable," said Berches, who is now based in Laguna, during an online chat.

Berches, 43, admitted that the pandemic has affected his Barong Tagalog business, his original forte in fashion. He was really down during the crisis so he thought of something that would continue to generate income not only for himself but for his workers as well.

"Since wala kaming client ngayon for Barong Tagalog, naisip ko ang all-Pinoy face mask theme para patuloy ang income and patuloy ako makatulong sa mga empleyado ko kung saan sa Barong Avenue lang umaasa," he said.

On busy days, his workers of up to 60 people could produce 100 to 150 pieces of Barong Tagalog every day.

"Sobrang affected kami dahil ang daming client ang nag-cancel ng wedding at saka events. Pati mga mga mall kung saan kami nagsu-supply cancel lahat ang order," he said.

But there's no stopping Berches! So on June 8, he started his love affair with face masks. "Trial and error muna iyon. But now I discovered the perfect fit and craftmanship."

These elegant and versatile face masks are comfortable and safe, he said. "I use cotton chambre, U.S. cotton and organic jusi which is used in making Barong Tagalog and piña cocoon."

His team also accepts custom-made face masks. "If they have any designs in mind, puwede rin namin gawin. Salamat sa Diyos at maganda naman ang feedback. Marami ang nag-o-order at marami ang gustong mag-seller." Check out his Facebook and Instagram accounts for images of these affordable designer's face masks.

Berches became popular in the fashion industry after he customized some of the terno gowns of Ms. Venezuela Mariam Habach during the staging of  2017 Miss Universe beauty pageant in Manila. The Venezuelan beauty won the best terno gown. He also designed the Sampaguita-inspired gown worn by Bb. Pilipinas Globe Nelda Ibe and the waling-waling inspired gown. Since then, Berches has dressed-up celebrities and ambassadors.

Born on Dec. 26 in Minalin, Pampanga but lived in Baguio City, Berches graduated BS Management at University of Baguio. He later married  Lovelyn Añonuevo and eventually they settled in Lumban, Laguna. 

It was his mother-in-law who introduced Barong Tagalog business to them as their starting business. Berches has inner fashion and devotion into the business which later became a success.

Berches  innovated traditional design into modern creation as he still carries the trademark of Burdang Lumban.This resilient designer is behind Barong Avenue Embroidery. To widen his knowledge in fashion, he enrolled at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. He is also a member of the Fashion Association of the Philippines.

In 2019, Berches made a mark when he contributed to the Barong uniforms of the Filipino athletes who participated at the Southeast Asian Games. - Robert R. Requintina