Disney princesses are icons for children the world over, and boast ethnicities that span North America, Europe, West Asia, East Asia and Polynesia.

A Filipino artist, recognizing their impact, thought to give the likes of Pocahontas, Princess Jasmine and Belle a local touch.

“I chose to make them Pinoy because I feel like our people are greatly underrepresented, especially in the Disney movies, as we Pinoys now have a much bigger role worldwide,” Edward Neibart III related to ABS-CBN News.

To celebrate Buwan ng Wika, Neibart shared the renditions in August.

Older princesses were garbed in traditional Filipiniana, like Snow White, Princess Aurora, Ariel (with dark hair), and Cinderella.



Prince Philip—now Felipe—looked dashing in a barong.





Mulan donned a gender-bent outfit as a Katipunero:

Princess Jasmine looked perfect in a turquoise hijab with a matching gown:



Princess Tiana was decked in colorful T’boli fabric to represent the Southern Mindanao group:

Pocahontas was recreated as an Ifugao from Northern Luzon with beads and a tattoo:

A commenter politely mentioned that the depiction of the Ifugao was inaccurate, stating that their jewelry is usually colorful, blue isn’t used in their patterns, and Ifugaos rarely had tattoos.

In a friendly exchange, the artist shared that his references were from the Internet, to which the commenter pointed out that different tribes tended to be mixed up because of lack of information.

Most comments were if not positive, constructive, and raised discussions on cultural representation. Another commenter also pointed out that Filipino culture already has several historical and fictional women to be celebrated.

Neibart agreed, and expressed that he would still like to see a Filipina Disney princess, such as the mythical Maria Makiling. JB

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