Bayo

Cuts from the same exquisite cloth To pull out from their wardrobe an unlimited supply of garments made from the finest cloth might as well be a lovely fantasy for little girls. Today, girls are lucky enough to find such whimsy a reality as two entrepreneurial fairies from Bacolod have just fulfilled their fancy. In 1992, sisters Lynn Agustin and Corcor Bitong, together with their husbands, founded Bayo out of their love for fashion. Apparently not just catering to female kids, Bayo, an Ilonggo term which means dress, is one of today’s sought-after clothing brands, achieving success in incorporating the stylish whims of women in its venture to showcase the new glamour of the modern Filipina. Starting out as a small made-to-measure shop in Makati, Bayo set out on relocating Filipina fashion on the global ramp, so to speak. Despite the tough competition in the industry, Agustin and Bitong pursued the overwhelming demands of the local and international markets, focusing on producing good quality products at very affordable prices, which were still very much attuned to the lifestyle of Filipinas. “This is what set the brand apart, its devotion to staying true to its roots as a Filipino brand,” said Agustin. “It has no pretensions on what the brand image is all about and rather keeps in tune with the brand's origin, which is still Filipino.” From its Makati office, Bayo transferred to Greenhills, later on launching its ready-to-wear line and first mall branch in Robinson’s Galleria. It has kept its tradition of reflecting a clean, classic image for women who embody the laid-back, casual lifestyle in all its 44 operational branches nationwide, all located in major malls. In addition to the product line’s progress, Bayo has acquired two iconic rockers as its main endorsers: Kitchie Nadal and Barbie Almalbis. “Bayo aims to create a lifestyle for women by providing them with a diverse range of products,” Bitong said. “This we see as a way to empower them by building up their confidence through the clothes we urge them to wear.” After the establishment of its first franchise outlet in Iloilo in 2001, Bayo has been a regular in major franchise trade shows locally and internationally, which were mostly organized by the Philippine Franchise Association. On July 13, Agustin and Bitong will each be recognized by President Arroyo and Presidential Consultant for Entrepreneurship Jose Concepcion III as an Inspiring Bacolod Entrepreneur, an award given by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship as part of the Go Negosyo sa Bacolod slated at the La Salle Bacolod Coliseum. Go Negosyo sa Bacolod is part of PCE’s latest campaign, the Go Negosyo Caravan, which aims to bring Go Negosyo forums and expositions in key cities outside Metro Manila. Go Negosyo sa Bacolod is supported by the Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Bacolod City Economic and Business Council through the representation of Bobby Montelibano (President) and Bro. Rolly Dizon (Chairman), respectively. Go Negosyo sa Bacolod is presented by Philippine Airlines, PAGCOR, Globe, Hyundai, PLDT, Smart, Islands Souvenirs, DTI-OTOP and RFM Corporation. Other partners of the event include SM Supermalls and La Salle Bacolod, The Philippine Star, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Bulletin, GMA Network Inc., RPN9, NBN4, Aspac-Law, Ideal Minds Corporation, and Full Circle Communications.