BRUSSELS’ most famous fountain figure Manneken Pis has taken on a distinctly Filipino look.
On July 7, the iconic boy statue was dressed in a Cordilleran attire to celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Belgium.
Filipino community leaders from across the European country joined the Philippine Embassy, City of Brussels officials, and the Ordre des Amis de Manneken Pis in unveiling the outfit-a landmark event that blended tradition with diplomacy.
Ambassador Jaime Victor Ledda formally turned over the costume.
In his speech, Ledda said, ‘Allow me to express my deepest appreciation to the City of Brussels for this distinct privilege of showcasing Philippine culture and heritage through the costume donation and dressing of Manneken Pis.’
Cordilleran native Amy Balbawang-a resident of Tongeren, Limburg- designed and created the ‘wardrobe.’ Her work has been donated to the GardeRobe Manneken Pis museum, where it has become the statue’s 1,205th official costume.
Unlike the usual pants, shirt, shorts, and shoes ensembles worn by the statue, the Cordilleran attire features feathers-originally intended to be eagle feathers, but used chicken plumes instead for practical reasons.
The design, according to the embassy, reflects the rich heritage of the Ifugao people, adding a cultural layer to Brussels’ most photographed landmark.
Manneken Pis is a 17th-century bronze fountain statue of a boy urinating, sculpted in 1619 by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder. Standing just 55 centimeters tall, it has become one of Brussels’ most recognizable symbols, embodying the city’s humor and rebellious spirit.
Tradition dictates that the statue is regularly dressed in costumes for festivals, diplomatic occasions, and cultural events. Since 2017, its wardrobes have been displayed at the GardeRobe MannekenPis museum.
Over the centuries, countries and organizations worldwide have donated costumes that have turned Manneken Pis into a symbol of international friendship.
France, Spain, Italy, Peru, Japan, Bulgaria, the United States and many others have all contributed outfits, each reflecting their national heritage.
With more than 1,200 costumes, Manneken Pis is considered one of the most ‘dressed’ statues in the world.
For the Filipino community in Belgium, the moment was more than ceremonial: It symbolized recognition of their heritage in the heart of Europe, while underscoring the enduring ties between Manila and Brussels.