Welcome to the World of Urban Patriots.
The FrancisM Clothing Company, or FMCC as it is fondly called by its loyal customers, all started as a dream. Composed of four young men, with varied specialties, this brand has flourished and continues to trail blaze a path few would dare to tread. Filipino musician and youth icon Francis Magalona, creative designer and graphic artist Carlo Maniquiz, businessmen Itoy Villajin andWilly Velasquez, have banded together to put a product that sought to “Filipinize” the whole world. Initially aiming its market to an impoverished Filipino youth hungry for an identity, the demographic of their market gas grown. Started as a challenge in 2005, the business officially started in 2006, and at present has created a social epidemic of gargantuan proportions.
History
In 2005, Francis Magalona and Carlo Maniquiz decided to make a Filipino brand worthy to be recognized in the world stage. They were both working for a foreign clothing brand for the past five years and their collaboration with the label produced innovative design creations and, music-wise, saw the release of an award winning rap compilation album. The pair decided to resign in order to focus on a local company they started geared with only their dreams and fresh ideas in hand.
Later that year the two were joined by Francis’ former colleagues from the dance industry, Itoy Villajin and Willy Velasquez. They sought to embark on an ambitious project that espoused the ideals of Francis’ music. In a career spanning more than two decades in cinema, radio, and television, his music has won numerous awards from the music industry. Their themes were socially relevant, and its nationalistic fervor is most evident in his first monster anthem, Mga Kababayan in 1990.
Mission
Fast forward to the latter part of 2006 when he served as a judge on the very first Philippine Idol, the group produced their first 100 t-shirts and this was their baptism of fire. By February of 2008, they had opened their first store, 3 Stars & a Sun – named after a cult favorite Francis wrote a decade earlier. Before the year ended, it saw the opening of two more stores. Presently, there are retail stores all over the Philippines, and the capability to ship to any location worldwide is now made possible through the online store. They also continue to supply to distributors from across the country and abroad. Filipino pride is most evident in their creations, with a coolness factor that’s mixed with street smart savvy. To top it off, its products are made in the Philippines, which validates their belief that the Philippine product can compete globally.
To create worthy products for the urban patriot, the balikbayans, and the local market. To mix “cool” with subliminal social commentary, and to create awarenesstowards issues that the Filipino faces in this new millennium. To put it simply, our goal is to Filipinize the whole world.
Design/Style
Designs are personal creations of artist Carlo Maniquiz, with personal collaborations with Francis himself. Iconic images of his image and tattoos have served as the logo icons that the public has grown to love. Coined phrases, song lyrics, and current events are the staple of their creations as well. Francis, Jr. has also joined the design team of FMCC.