Fil-Am Converse Designer Builds Filipino Streetwear Legacy
In the heart of streetwear culture, where skateboarding, hip-hop, and Filipino pride converge, stands Raibyn Cabiling, a trailblazer who left his Art Director role at Converse to build something uniquely Filipino-American. As the founder of Illa Manila, a streetwear brand that embraces Filipino culture while staying rooted in California’s skate scene, Raibyn’s story isn’t just about fashion—it’s about connecting communities, preserving heritage, and breaking boundaries in the global streetwear market.
From Converse to Filipino Streetwear: Raibyn Cabiling’s Story
Raibyn Cabiling’s career began with a passion for skate culture and graphic design. Growing up in California, he was heavily influenced by skateboarding and urban art. His creative journey took a significant leap when he became an Art Director for Vans, contributing to the brand's revival in the skateboarding scene after the 1980s.
Raibyn’s talent earned him a position at Converse, one of the most iconic sneaker brands in the world. At Converse, he was responsible for their skateboarding creative team, pushing boundaries and helping the brand make a successful return to the skateboarding community. His work played a pivotal role in the brand’s resurgence in the market.
However, despite the success, Raibyn faced a difficult decision when Converse offered him an opportunity that required relocating to Boston. Rather than leaving his California lifestyle behind, Raibyn chose to quit his job and pursue his passion for creating something closer to his heart—Filipino streetwear.
Building a Brand Inspired by Filipino-American Culture
Illa Manila: Born from a Gap in the Market
After leaving Converse, Raibyn Cabiling saw an opportunity to create a streetwear brand that reflected his identity as a Filipino-American. He realized there was a gap in the market—there wasn’t a prominent brand that represented Filipino culture, especially for Fil-Ams in the United States. Thus, Illa Manila was born.
“Illa Manila started because we saw something missing in the market,” Raibyn shared. “There wasn’t a streetwear lifestyle brand inspired by Filipino-American culture.”
The brand combines California’s street culture with Filipino heritage, blending skateboarding, hip-hop, and graffiti influences with the richness of Filipino traditions. The result is a unique brand that resonates with Fil-Am youth who want to express both their cultural roots and their modern, urban lifestyle.
Skateboarding, Hip-Hop, and Graffiti: The Foundations of Illa Manila
Raibyn’s love for skateboarding has always been central to his life and career, and it’s no surprise that Illa Manila’s designs heavily feature skate culture. Skateboarding is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle, and Raibyn wanted Illa Manila to reflect that. He infused the brand with imagery from the skate parks, graffiti art, and the underground hip-hop scene that he grew up around.
The designs often feature bold graphics, street art-inspired elements, and iconic Filipino symbols like the three stars and the sun from the Philippine flag. Each piece tells a story, blending California cool with Filipino pride. From graphic tees to accessories, Illa Manila’s collections are deeply personal and cultural, making them a hit not just in the U.S., but also in the Philippines and beyond.
Filipino Pride: Connecting Fil-Am Youth to Their Roots
A Brand with a Mission
More than just a streetwear label, Illa Manila serves a greater purpose—it seeks to connect Fil-Am youth with their Filipino heritage. For many second- and third-generation Filipino-Americans, there can often be a disconnect between the culture of their parents and the culture they grew up with in the United States. Illa Manila helps bridge that gap by creating apparel that speaks to both identities.
Raibyn hopes Illa Manila will inspire Filipino-Americans to embrace their roots. “Having been born in the USA and growing up with only a few Filipinos around, I’ve come to believe all Filipinos need to visit the homeland,” Raibyn shared. The brand promotes not only Filipino pride but also the importance of reconnecting with one’s heritage, encouraging Fil-Ams to take pride in where they come from.
Growing Community Support
Since its inception, Illa Manila has garnered tremendous support from the Fil-Am community, both in the U.S. and the Philippines. The brand has become a symbol of pride, a way for Filipinos to express their cultural identity through fashion. Whether it’s wearing a tee emblazoned with “Rice is Life” or a jacket featuring the iconic Barongorak, fans of Illa Manila see the brand as a way to proudly display their Filipino heritage.
The community that Illa Manila has cultivated isn’t just about wearing cool clothes—it’s about celebrating Filipino culture, supporting one another, and staying connected to home, even when living thousands of miles away. Raibyn believes that “our culture is an asset, and our community is proud to support us.”
The Future of Filipino Streetwear: What’s Next for Illa Manila?
Expanding the Brand’s Reach
As Illa Manila continues to grow, Raibyn Cabiling has big plans for the future. The brand has already expanded beyond apparel, collaborating with musicians, artists, and creators from various industries to create a lifestyle brand that represents Filipino culture. Raibyn envisions Illa Manila becoming a global streetwear brand, recognized not just by Fil-Ams, but by streetwear enthusiasts worldwide.
Collaborations with up-and-coming musicians, particularly in the hip-hop scene, have been a significant part of Illa Manila’s strategy to reach a broader audience. One of its major projects includes a collaboration with rapper Rocky G called “Young Gifted and Brown,” which merges music and fashion while celebrating Filipino talent.
Teaching the Next Generation of Fil-Am Entrepreneurs
For Raibyn, Illa Manila is also about teaching the next generation of Filipino entrepreneurs that they can succeed by being themselves. “You can become successful for being who you are, not what people want you to be,” Raibyn says, quoting one of his early career mentors. He hopes to inspire more Filipino business owners to embrace their heritage and see the value in creating brands that are authentic to their culture.
Through Illa Manila, Raibyn is not just creating a clothing brand—he’s building a legacy. One that encourages others to take pride in their Filipino identity and reminds the world that Filipino culture is rich, vibrant, and deserving of recognition.
Follow Illa Manila:
For more on Illa Manila and to shop their latest collections, visit @illamanila on Instagram or head to their website at bit.ly/shopillamanila70.