I caught up with Bong Abad of Gawakoto Clothing the last time he was in London and what was a general catch up turned into an interview-type session. You can be privy to that conversation below.
BNSTR: So, bro, how did Gawakoto Clothing started? I remember reading something about a virtual studio...
BA: Haha, yes it did start as a virtual studio. In 2005, my daughter, Lana, who was then 2 1/2 years old, did a book about a toddler's typical line of thought. It was so good that we decided to have it published. As we wanted to just print a small number of copies, I thought, "Why can't we just print it ourselves?" So, in that year, Gawakoto was born.
Lana's book
BNSTR: Why the name "Gawakoto"? Is it to identify the company as Filipino? (Gawakoto or "Gawa ko 'to" means "I made this" in Filipino Tagalog dialect).
BA: Actually, it is a homage to Chris Carter, who created the X-Files. I was a huge fan of that show and his production is called "Ten Thirteen". At the end of every episode, after the credits have rolled out, Ten Thirteen would come up and you'll hear a young boy's voice saying, "I made this."
Chris Carter's 1013 Productions
BNSTR: I, too, am a fan of the X-Files. Actually, I like most things with "X" in it -- X-Files, X-Men, X-Force, X-Guard, triple X... lol
Ahem, but seriously, although Gawakoto is Tagalog and pronounced as such, some people mispronounce it and think it is a Japanese company. What are your thoughts on that?
Ahem, but seriously, although Gawakoto is Tagalog and pronounced as such, some people mispronounce it and think it is a Japanese company. What are your thoughts on that?
BA: That's perfectly fine. Truth be told, I did think that some people might mistake it for a Japanese company, but because I like Japanese stuff, as well, maybe it was a subconscious decision on my part to go with the name. What kept it Filipino is the Baybayin characters (ancient Filipino alphabet) on its logo.
BNSTR: So, how did a virtual publishing studio that made children's books turn into one of the highly sought out companies that provided fresh designs for the MMA/BJJ world?
BA: You're too kind, bro. I am not that highly sought out... Anyways, in 2010, I started doing Kali under Gary Hortroff. I offered to do a club shirt for the group for an event called "Warriors' Circle". I thought that Kali, being a traditional Filipino Martial Art, having Lapu-Lapu, the first Filipino hero, as the main character of the design would best epitomise the warrior spirit that I wanted to portray. Fortunately, they liked it and the design remained as my best-selling work.
Around late that year, I ventured into submission grappling, initially under Gary who trained under Erik Paulson and in 2011. I started training at the Tokon Academy under David Webb, who is affiliated with Nicolas Gregoriades' The Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood Academy, currently as a two-stripe white belt. Another opportunity came up again, and I was able to design our academy's rash guard.
As I became immersed in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and its lifestyle, I started to look for fight wear/lifestyle wear that would suit my views on the contemporary martial art. Skull and bones seemed so 90's and I wanted a fresh take on things. With my background in comic and animation, I decided that I wanted to contribute on taking the MMA/BJJ fightwear in another direction.
BNSTR: Scramble appeared to be doing that then...
BA: Precisely. that's why I hooked up with Matt Benyon (Scramble head honcho) thru facebook. To me, Scramble had the freshest ideas at the time, and I was glad I had the opportunity to be part of it.
BNSTR: Oh, yeah, I remember the comic strip Scrambleman. That was your first,
wasn't it?
wasn't it?
Published in Fighters Only
BA: Yep. Scramble was my first client and Scrambleman was my first commissioned work. Afterwards, I did Bone Crusher when the company sponsored UFC fighter Darren Uyenoyama.
Did you know that Scrambleman was meant to be t-shirt design?
BNSTR: Really?! I guess having the comic strip on an established MMA magazine was better in terms of advertising the brand rather than just a shirt...
BNSTR: You have a full-time job and a young family to boot. How do you fit everything in your schedule?
BA: It is a challenge, really. From work, after spending some time with Jan and the kids, I then go to my small studio (AKA sofa & macbook) and work on the commissions. I'd hardly sleep earlier than 3 AM, most times.
BNSTR: I can't say I envy your work, my friend... Speaking of commissioned work, can you tell me how the process goes?
BA: Sure. Usually, a potential client sends me an email to signify the possibility of doing a commissioned work or a collaboration work with them. I would then reply to them to ask for specific criteria that they want for the design. Some clients have got a more definite idea of what they want, but generally, most would paint broad brush strokes of what they want and they will give me free rein in the design process.
I would then do quick pencil sketches and send it to them with annotations of details. Once they approve, I would then start doing clean pencils then inking. I would then send the final draft for approval. Cumulatively, it takes around 12 hours from the time I open the email to the finished product.
BNSTR: 12 hours?! That's quick. I would probably spend 12 hours just conceptualising a design, if ever, and not even start putting pencil into paper...
BA: Haha. It has become easier for me because my mind is now used to working around those parameters. You'll get used to it eventually.
BNSTR: Any new commissioned work, Bong?
BA: There are a couple, yes, but I can't divulge them yet. Top secret (smiles). All I can say is I'm very excited about these.
BNSTR: Well, hopefully, I can get some sneak peeks at some point, haha. So, what's next for Gawakoto? Which direction are you planning to take the company?
BA: I would love for Gawakoto to be known outside the MMA/BJJ world. I hope that eventually I could branch out to becoming a street wear brand whilst maintaining roots as a fight wear brand. It would be nice to be able to open a retail shop, as well.
BNSTR: Well, best of luck to you, brother. You can rest assured that your fans will support you and Gawakoto in your endeavours.
