It’s from local designer brand Proudrace, and here’s how you can cop one for yourself!

What’s the best way to say “I love you?” If you ask Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, it’s always better to show than tell—and they’ve got the perfect statement shirt to do just that.

For our May 2024 cover story, we brought out Alden’s inner fitness junkie through stylish athleisure looks. In one layout, he wore a two-tone Wales Bonner tracksuit over a statement tee from Proudrace emblazoned with the words “Mahal Kita.” A star piece from the brand’s Tokyo-released collection in 2018, the vintage-inspired shirt had a pearl embroidery lining the brand’s logo printed up-front.

KARL KING AGUÑA

Fun fact: Back in 2019, Kathryn wore an oversized version of the piece for a concert performance in Pechanga, California. The actress’ version had a simpler design and came in a classic red, white, and blue colorway. In case the design looks familiar, then you’ve probably passed by (or maybe even have checked in) the Mahal Kita Drive Inn and Restaurant in Pasay City. The free WiFi’s definitely a plus!

INSTAGRAM/BERNARDOMIN

INSTAGRAM/BERNARDOMIN

The Story Behind the Proudrace “Mahal Kita” T-Shirt

The shirt’s rather romantic motif was an idea Rik Rasos, the designer behind Proudrace, had upon rummaging through his dad’s things. “The design is lifted from an old vintage printed advertisement. From that, I tweaked the design to make a re-imagination of what imaginary merchandise from the iconic drive-in would look like. We produced the first print of it in 2014,” he told Preview.

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How to Buy the Exact Proudrace “Mahal Kita” T-Shirt

Every season, Proudrace churns out different versions of the endearing t-shirt. They’ve since made iterations stitched out of patchwork fabric, rendered in different colors or styles. The price of the tee varies on the design, with the most straightforward version starting at P1,000. The exact one Alden wore, embellished with pearls, would set one back P1,600.

The brand does monthly sample sales, occasionally including the “Mahal Kita” design through various pieces. “It’s like an easter egg with every drop,” Rik adds.

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