14 Fun Buwan ng Wika Costume Ideas for Busy Parents

August is just around the corner, which means Buwan ng Wika is here. Now’s the time to celebrate all things Filipino, from promoting the local language to encouraging Pinoy pride. For parents, this also entails a time-crunched search for Buwan ng Wika costumes that meet the requirements of creativity, budget, and convenience.

Fear not. If you’ve found that your son’s camisa no longer fits or your daughter’s terno has seen one too many Buwan ng Wikas already, read the costume suggestions below. They’re guaranteed to impress and won't break the bank. 

1. Traditional Filipino Wear

Before shopping or making anything complicated, check your child’s wardrobe. You might be able to pull some amazing Buwan ng Wika costumes.

National costumes are always reliable and wearing traditional Filipino garb is a default in most schools. But before you launch your favorite shopping app to buy a new kimona, check your child’s wardrobe first. Add a scarf or even a frilly tablecloth around an existing dress or shirt and you have a modern-day Melchora Aquino. 

2. Bahay Kubo

A classic, like Baro’t Saya or Barong Tagalog, is always sweet, but costumes involving places and things are guaranteed to make jaws drop. Get an old cardboard box that fits your child just right. Paint it brown, complete with door and window details. Cut a hole on top to make just enough room for your child’s head. The box has to rest on their shoulders.

Then, get a sheet of cardboard and fold it in the middle. This will serve as the roof. Paint it in the same brown shade and position it on your child’s head like a hat. Fasten it with clips or a garter.

3. Katipunero

Cosplaying a Katipunero is a classic Buwan ng Wika move. All you need is a white long-sleeved shirt (if you don’t have a camisa de chino handy), red pajama bottoms, and a red scarf or bandana around your neck. Straw hat, optional. Add a cardboard bolo and you have an instant Andres Bonifacio.

4. “Bahay Kubo”

Cardboard boxes are a great start to any Buwan ng Wika costume.

If your inner architect isn’t quite up to creating a cardboard house, then use the song for inspiration instead. Let your child wear a green and brown outfit. Print out the fruits and vegetables mentioned in the song and attach them to your child’s clothing. Easy-peasy!

5. Malakas and Maganda

Everyone loves a good origin story. Take your cue from Malakas and Maganda for a look that’s simple, witty, and impactful. Start with a beige pajama set. Pin some vines from the garden and paper leaves around the collar, shoulders, or waistband to symbolize the bamboo forest where the first Filipinos were born.

If you have more time, add a cardboard sun or flower crown for Maganda and a mini shield or stick “spear” for Malakas to reflect their strength and grace. This costume doesn’t just celebrate Filipino 

6. Fiesta 

Let your child carry the fun and festivity of Philippine festivals to their classroom. Cut out some colorful construction paper and string them together to create banderitas. Wrap these streamers around your child, and voila! Happy Fiesta!

7. Magsasaka (Farmer)

Celebrate the heart of Filipino agriculture with a costume that honors the country’s hardworking farmers. Start with a checkered or plain long-sleeved shirt, rolled-up pants, and a wide-brimmed hat or DIY salakot made from cardboard or woven material.

Add a bayong or small sack filled with toy vegetables or palay. You can even make a mini araro or rake from recycled materials! This costume may be simple, but it fittingly pays tribute to the people who keep Filipinos fed—rain or shine.

8. Mangingisda (Fisherfolk)

Dressing in today’s modern-day heroes, such as farmers and fisherfolk, is easy to do and deeply meaningful

Bring coastal life to school with a look inspired by the Filipino fisherfolk. A basic tank top or old T-shirt paired with rolled-up shorts or worn jeans creates a humble but authentic base.

Accessorize with a net (an old laundry net will do!), a basket or kala filled with plastic or paper fish, and a DIY paddle or fishing rod. You can also draw “scales” on a sash or pin small sea creatures made of felt or paper.

9. Dalagang Bukid (Farm Maiden)

Emphasize your child’s classic Filipina beauty with a costume inspired by the Dalagang Bukid—graceful, modest, and proud of her roots. Dress your child in a floral blouse or Baro’t Saya-inspired top, paired with a soft skirt and tapis (a wrap-around cloth or apron). Add a silk flower behind the ear and a small woven basket with fruits or flowers.

You can even pin a tiny copy of “Bituing Marikit” as a sweet nod to the original song and film. This timeless look pays tribute to the elegance and quiet strength of Filipinas from rural towns.

10. Arnis Fighter

If your child strong, focused, and agile? Highlight all those virtues with this costume that celebrates Arnis, the Philippines’ national martial art. Dress in all black or a fitted tee and joggers. Craft two safe “sticks” from cardboard tubes or pool noodles, and tie a red sash around the waist or head. Bonus: Let your child learn a few basic Arnis poses to complete the look! This is perfect for active kids who want to show off Filipino fighting spirit and discipline in a respectful and empowering way.

11. Coconut (Niyog)

Native fruits are a fun and creative way to dress for Buwan ng Wika. Think coconut, pineapple, banana, mango, and more!

A fun, round twist on Filipino nature! Cut a large circle out of cardboard or recycled boxes, paint it brown with a white trim to mimic a halved coconut, and strap it onto your child like a sandwich board. Add green leaves on a headband for a “tree top” look, or turn a brown hoodie into a “coconut shell” by gluing on fiber or paper tufts. It’s a quirky nod to one of the most iconic tropical fruits—and one that Pinoys use from husk to juice!

12. Pineapple (Piña)

Make your child the sweetest in class with a pineapple costume! Use a yellow shirt or dress, and draw or glue “diamond” patterns to mimic the fruit’s skin. Craft a leafy crown out of green felt or cardboard for the headpiece. You can even stick a “Proudly Davao-grown” label as a witty touch. This costume is great for preschoolers and adds a fun, fruity vibe to any celebration.

13. Street Food Vendor

Here’s another subtle but impactful way to capture local culture via the charm of Filipino street eats! Dress your child in pambahay-style clothes and DIY a pole and two buckets to look like a taho vessel. Or, fashion some cardboard to look like a takatak boy’s box. 

14. Bangus (Milkfish)

There’s no cuter way to dress for Buwan ng Wika than the national fish of the Philippines. Turn your little one into a swimming symbol of Filipino waters! Use gray or silver fabric or cardboard to make fish fins and a tail, and add shiny scales using cut-out foil or paper circles. Wear it over a simple black or white shirt and pants. Bonus if you make the costume look like a bangus from Dagupan (label optional!). It’s a great way to talk about aquaculture and local livelihood with kids.

Are you excited for Buwan ng Wika or are you stressed out over all the costume-making? Whether you glued something by hand or bought something from Shopee or Lazada, remember that you’re doing your best.

Visit ParenTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group for more parenting tips, from costume ideas to coping with the demands of child-rearing!