Filippo Summer/Spring 2025 Menswear Collection-Fashion Designer Phillip Rodriguez Stays on Top of the Game

by Jing Ramos | photography David and Cherry | shot on location in Hong Kong and Macau | model Sharuen Hafeel

Presently, Phillip Rodriguez is almost without peer when it comes to conveying an atmosphere and mood of understated luxury. His recent capsule collection of menswear defines a relatable and modern silhouette in luxurious fabrics. Think bomber jackets and Nehru suits made with binakol fabric from Ilocos, piña for the barong Tagalog, linen for suits with dress shirts embroidered in Lumban, and hand-loomed Inabel for crisp white dinner jackets.

“My inspiration has always been updated classics with a great respect for our cultural heritage,” Phillip Rodriguez sums up his design ethos.

Binakol bomber jacket matched with knitted t-shirt, accented with ethnic scarf.

The success behind the designer’s wide-ranging portfolio lies in its alignment with the luxury market—and a clear balance between business sense and creative spirit.

Pinya rengue and calladoed barong.

Abel white dinner jacket

“I make sure to adapt to change, keep an open mind to trends, and yet remain consistent with my core branding,” Rodriguez says, illustrating how he has managed to stay on top of the fashion game for four decades.

Chiquitilla barong in pinya

But what makes the designer especially vital and relevant to the community is his advocacy: the revitalization of the ramie industry culture. It’s a perfect sustainable alternative to linen—lighter, breathable, and less prone to wrinkles. The current stagnation of the industry is largely due to the pollution caused by degumming and the low competitiveness of ramie textiles in the global market.

Binakol Emilio Aguinaldo inspired jacket. With knitted shirt under.

“My objective is to establish a degumming station and milling facility in the capital region, with the goal of blending ramie with other fibers like cotton or piña to create a new fabric called Lino Sugbo,” he shares.

“This isn’t just to promote the local craft industry, but also to champion sustainable fashion using an organic fabric with rich cultural heritage and a fascinating history,” Phillip Rodriguez concludes.

Fashion designer Phillip Rodriguez