FEATURE
Every day, thousands of tourists gather in the heart of Brussels to see a tiny bronze boy doing something unexpected—urinating into a fountain.
Known around the world as the Manneken Pis, or the "Little Pissing Man," the 55.5-centimeter statue has amused visitors for more than 400 years and has become one of Belgium's most recognizable cultural icons.
This July, however, the centuries-old landmark captured attention for an entirely different reason.
Instead of its usual appearance, the famous little boy proudly wore an Ifugao-inspired costume, bringing the colors, craftsmanship, and traditions of the Cordilleras in the Philippines to one of Europe's most visited landmarks.
A global stage for Cordilleran heritage
The unveiling of the traditional attire on July 7, 2026, formed part of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Belgium.
The ceremony gathered Belgian officials, members of the Filipino community, diplomats, and tourists from around the world, turning one of Belgium's busiest tourist attractions into a showcase of Filipino culture.
For many visitors, it was their first glimpse of the rich weaving traditions and indigenous artistry of the Cordillera.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Ifugao attire became the 1,205th official costume worn by the Manneken Pis since records began in the 17th century.
The famous statue has long been known for wearing costumes from different countries and cultures as symbols of friendship, goodwill, and international cooperation.
To have a Cordilleran-inspired outfit join that prestigious collection is considered a remarkable cultural milestone.
Behind the handcrafted attire is Amy Balbawang, a Belgian-Filipino and proud Cordilleran cultural advocate, who designed the costume with the hope of sharing a piece of her heritage with the world.
For Balbawang, seeing one of Europe's most recognizable landmarks dressed in Ifugao attire was both a personal achievement and a celebration of Filipino identity.
"As a Belgian-Filipino and a proud Cordilleran cultural advocate, it is truly an honor to represent the Philippines through my creation and to share a piece of our rich heritage, craftsmanship, and identity here in the heart of Belgium," she said.
She explained that the project represents much more than clothing placed on a famous statue.
"This project is more than just a costume. It is a symbol of friendship, culture, and pride—celebrating the strong relationship between the Philippines and Belgium, especially on the occasion of the 80 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries," Balbawang added.
A tiny statue with a giant cultural impact
Created in 1619 by sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder, the Manneken Pis has survived wars, thefts, and centuries of change while becoming a symbol of Brussels' humor, resilience, and independent spirit.
Standing at the corner of Rue de l'Étuve and Rue du Chêne, the tiny fountain attracts millions of visitors every year and remains one of Belgium's most photographed landmarks.
Now, among the hundreds of costumes preserved in its famous wardrobe is one inspired by the culture of the Cordilleras.
For the people of Ifugao and the rest of the Cordillera, the moment represents more than international recognition.
It is proof that indigenous traditions, woven by skilled hands and shaped by generations of history, can find a place on the world stage.
Thousands of kilometers from the rice terraces of Northern Luzon, the world's famous "Little Pissing Man" now proudly wears a story of Cordilleran identity—introducing countless visitors to a culture whose beauty extends far beyond the mountains where it was born.
.png)
