Filipino Wedding Glossary › Biyatawi
Biyatawi
Pronunciation: BEE-yah-TAH-wee
Origin: Tausug formal blouse, worn under the badju lapi or as a stand-alone piece
A Tausug formal blouse, embroidered and fitted, paired with a long skirt or trousers for ceremonial wear.
The biyatawi is the formal blouse paired with Tausug bridal and ceremonial wear. It is fitted, embroidered, and often layered under a badju lapi.
Weights and embellishments vary by occasion and family. Wedding biyatawi tends to be heavier with metallic thread, sequin work, and beaded embroidery; daily-formal versions are lighter.
Like the badju lapi, biyatawi is Tausug-specific and not interchangeable with the formalwear of other Moro groups (Maranao, Maguindanao, Sama, Yakan).