Freeway honors yet another unforgettable Filipino artist with the newest National Artist Collectors’ Series.
In the past, Freeway has released collections inspired by the works of Nick Joaquin, Ang Kiukok, Jose Garcia Villa, Ramon Valera, F. Sionil Jose and Vicente Manansala. The brand has been instrumental in helping younger generations discover great Filipino talents.
For this new collection, Freeway turned to a yet untapped field of art—music. They chose Filipino composer and lyricist Levi Celerio who has written more than 4,000 Filipino folk, Christmas and love songs. His numerous songs include “Saan Ka Man Naroroon?,” “Kahit Konting Pagtingin,” “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal,” “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” and “Ako Ay May Singsing.”
“Levi Celerio is top of mind in this field because of his many contributions and popular works. He is also famous for playing music with leaves,” said Sheree Gotuaco, chief executive officer of Elite Garments, the company behind the brands Freeway, Solo, Ensembles and Twenty-two BC.
His leaf-playing is an achievement that has earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the only man who can make music with a leaf.
Sheree says the Freeway team enjoyed learning more about Levi, who was declared a National Artist in 1997. “It amazed me that he was able to compose timeless songs such as Ang Pipit, Waray-Waray and Ang Pasko ay Sumapit among others, all of which have very catchy melodies that one will never tire of.”
The resulting collection, which was unveiled at The Row in Glorietta 5 last June 4, is a celebration of Levi’s lifelong passion for music and timeless lyrics. Pieces include graphic tees, woven tops, printed knit mini dresses and accessories printed with words from some of Levi’s most popular songs. Sheree’s favorites are the sublimation tees and tailored dresses. “I like the vibrant colors and strong images of the sublimation tees. The tailored dresses are great for work or for making an impression at meetings.”
Levi passed away in 2002 but his brilliance lives on in his beautiful songs that people continue to sing and in this loving tribute from Freeway.
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