Hello everyone and hope you had a great day! A few weeks ago, we celebrated the bi-annual Manila FAME and I was so thrilled to see many new designs created by our local talents. I felt that each season, there is always something new, and it feeds my creative side. This is also my 2nd season working together with CITEM as one of their online media partners. Yey!
I am a huge advocate of creative women, so for the last season, I’ve met these 6 creative Filipino women. Their stories are so inspiring that sometimes they make me speechless. And I am thankful that I met them here at Manila FAME.
Liza’s Palm Strips Handicrafts
Established in the south at Agusan Del Sur, this humble team had touched my heart. They won the Editor’s Choice Award (sponsored by moi) for being so talented and dedicated to their crafts and for their artisans. Headed by the local designer Ms. Gina Catuburan-Bagasbas, she helped to lift up the spirit of the artisans and patiently taught them how to create with the utmost quality. Source hereHere are some of their designs. Take a moment to observe how intricate and clean these basket-making patterns are.
The owner of Liza’s Palm Strips Handicrafts, Ms. Gina (the designer), and your belle!
Ms. Gina Catuburan-Bagasbas, designer for Liza’s Palm Strips Handicrafts
I translate her designs just like the untouched beauty of a Filipina: classic and timeless. Each weave expresses strength, loyalty, and resilience - characters that make us more proud of our culture.
H.G.Q Handicrafts
Owned by the humble Momma from Nabua Camarines Sur, the owner and lead designer Ms. Hunny G. Quiano made me wow by her adorable and nature-loving designs, created with love, passion, and dream.
Her weaved baskets are made up of abaca, raffia, and mainly bangkuan. Bangkuan (scirpus grossus) is one of the coarsest sedges in the Philippines. It is a large, erect, aquatic, or marshy herb seagrass found in freshwater swamps and in newly-opened rice fields at low altitudes. Ms. Hunny has created jobs to enable poor rural people to overcome poverty.
TWWA – Tagolwanen Women Weavers Association, Inc.
TWWA is a non-stock, non-profit organization that aims to revive the vanishing weaving tradition of the Tagoloanen, and to ensure that the mat-making tradition is transmitted to the next generation.
The organization envisions the promotion of indigenous arts to help the Tagolwanen women weavers achieve economic independence and contribute to the assertion of their right to self-determination.
The native mats are made by the women weavers from the tribe of Bukidnon-Tagolwanen in Malybalay Bukidnon in the Philippines. These women weavers (called maglalala) mostly weave during nighttime or whenever it is cool or during rainy days for the materials are not brittle. The materials used for mat making are called sodsod which are endemic in the province of Bukidnon.
The tribe believes that their designs are God-given fair share from the creation. Mat-making is not only part of the livelihood of the women of the Bukidnon-Togolwanen tribe, it is also their way of keeping their tradition as each detailed design found in each mat reflects tribal values and beliefs.
I’ve learned that these Tagolwanen weavers (called maglalala) take 2 to 3 weeks to finish one huge mat and transport it downhill on foot to sell their mats to nearby towns. They are selling these mats ranging from Php2000 to Php5,000 depending on the size and intricacy of the designs. If you ever find these women, please don’t haggle. This is not all about the money – they are passing on a piece of their tradition and culture to you.
Myrtha’s Pictis Sac Weaved & Handpainted Bayong
Since last year, some luxury brands have made our local market basket (locally known as bayong) become part of the luxury items, and are being sold with hefty-priced tags however most of us Asians are not crazy to lure that fad.
If you are a smart shopper, you will opt to get this plastic-made bayong and artistic decors from the local artisan. This local company managed by Ms. Jelai accepts made-to-order designs, and these bags won’t break your husband’s bank account.
Tatak Pitak Native Bags
Owned and managed by Ms. Yovita, these weaved native bags are all sourced from Camarines Sur. These gorgeous bags would scream summer and would love to accompany you on your next vacation. No lady would say no to these handbags. They accept made-to-order as well and deliver anywhere.
Your belle together with Ms. Jelai of Myrtha Weaved Bayong, and Ms. Yovita of Tatak Pitak
Lally Dizon Design Concepts
When I saw these handbags, I could imagine Beyonce wearing them. I mean, these bags are so gorgeous and fierce AF, it’s oozing with hotness and I love the intricate designs of the pattern. No wonder because these are made up of crocodile and snakeskin from South America. No patterns are alike, and it is quite heavy. No kidding, but you can make this your weapon, metaphorically and figuratively.
Do check her latest collection at www.lallydizon.com
Truly, being partnered with Manila FAME allows me to learn more about our local crafts and artisans. Those can’t be bought by anything.
If you want to meet more amazing Filipino designers, visit Manila FAME this October season!
Register now, here.
Wow! That's seems to be an ideal local expo, those craft are truly world class hopefully we continue to promote and patronage.
ReplyDeleteI agree! It was like visiting an open candy store with lots of gorgeous options!
DeleteAll of the items here look so cute! I love seeing women creating and inspiring other women!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jessi! And most of them are single Mommas!
DeleteSo neat! I am impressed by these women. I need one of those straw purses now. How creative.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! They ship anywhere you are :D
DeleteI loved this, because it's not the type of post I come across often. I particularly enjoy how each group is also working toward a larger goal, whether it's an economic cause, eco-friendliness, etc.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kaylyn! It is our advocacy to share the creativeness of our local women, to inspire other women (and men) across the country to discover their own creative side, and use them to improve their lives.
DeleteI love cultural art. I noticed at the Holidays our Costco had some great bowls and tapestry's from parts of the world
ReplyDeleteThat's cool! Costco knows how to source local items.
DeleteThere are so many pretty things displayed. The Minnie Mouse bag is so cute!
ReplyDeleteI agree! I can't stopped smiling seeing Minnie Mouse.
DeleteI like the bayong. I think it would totally be stylish for me to use those for grocery bags. lol
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think these are better than the Louis Vuitton version.
DeleteAmazing handicrafts. Those bags are osum.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful post and great list you have. Those craft are really unique and awesome.
ReplyDeleteThank you Emma :D
DeleteThese are some cool products you have explained here. Going to benefit a lot of us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting! All natural :D
DeleteI love supporting women who handcraft such beautiful objects! I especially like those native bags!
ReplyDeleteThey are so adorable and surprisingly affordable.
DeleteWow, the next level hand craft product. YOu guys should put this online and I'm sure it will be a hit.
ReplyDeleteYeah they are starting to put these online for exposure. They also export these bags to customers in US, Japan, and Europe.
DeleteEverything here looks so lovely. The bags are truly beautiful. It seems like a wonderful company to be affiliated with.
ReplyDeleteThey are very humble and micro entrepreneurs that are worth supporting.
DeleteSuch a lovely exhibition with so many talented women and beautiful craft! You must have had a blast!
ReplyDeleteI did and also bought some pieces as well.
DeleteSupporting local business and especially women in business is so important! Good for these amazing ladies who are sharing their talents with the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I learned so much from them from how to manage their artisans, designing process, the struggles, etc. They are creative and resilient Mommas.
DeleteWhat a fabulous place to see so much talent and creative work. I am loving all the bags and the colours as well.
ReplyDeleteWow! What an inspirational post, as it's so refreshing to see how good people can really make a difference in the lives of many. Thanks for sharing this, as these baskets are really fantastic and very adorable too lol! Always a positive to see the real power and positive influence of women for cultural good :)
ReplyDeleteTiffany, thank you! As part of the CITEM team, we helped many local women to promote their products both online and offline, and make our local community alleviate poverty, and enhance the livelihood.
DeleteThese straw bags are so lovely and trendy. Great to learn about the women behind them. xo, Natalie http://nataliastyleblog.com
ReplyDeleteThey are expert recyclers too!
DeleteI am in bag heaven. So many pretty and creative and cultural designed bags!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kiwi!
DeleteWhat a great post and amazing things. They look so unique...and with fantastic colors.
ReplyDeleteAll natural and locally made :D
DeleteThese women has such an amazing skill and talent. Their patience in creating these one of a kind pieces is tremendous.
ReplyDeleteWomen can do everything! Imagine they can carry a new life inside their womb for 9-months, and they can also build an enterprise.
DeleteOh those cane weaved baskets are extremely popular in the North Eastern states of India. I am sure there must be some connection of those with the ones in Manila. Moreover, they are some very inspirational women and their products look world class.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sidhu. I would love to see native products too made in India. Does anyone also organized an event like this in India?
DeleteWow, these products are incredible. These are very talented women and what a special gift in each product they create.
ReplyDeleteI agree. And they are mostly single Moms!
DeleteOmg these bags are beyond amazing! I love anything straw especially for the summer! They make such a statement.
ReplyDeleteAnd always instyle!
DeleteI love how niche your blog post is, so fascinating, Was a good read!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you Chloe! I was evolved to become a niche combining all my interests in style, travel, lifestyle and culture.
Deletekabayan! worldclass talga ang gawang Pinoy. everytime nagtatravel ako, lagi ako bumibili ng bag with native materials.galing!
ReplyDeleteThat is cool! I just wonder why many known in media rarely flaunt or truly use, or brag about it.
DeleteI have many native bags at home!
Hhhhmmmmm....wow, I'm very proud of them all. Please send them a big hi 5 and hug from me!
ReplyDeleteYes I will! They are so happy reading your comments.
DeleteWhat a great post. I love the sound of all these brands. I will check them out some more.
ReplyDeleteThank you Stella!
DeleteAll of these products look like they are well made and you can tell they were made with love, thanks for sharing all of them!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you as well for visiting and for appreciating their work of art!
DeleteHow beautiful, intricate, and detailed these products are. Thanks for sharing. I absolutely loved them!
ReplyDeleteYou are always welcome here Jane!
DeleteLove supporting local businesses and I love the straw products for the season
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Some of these bags are made of those wild water lilies.
DeleteGreat bags! So nice of you to promote local artisans. Makes me proud to be Filipino! :)
ReplyDelete- Caly M (calymonreal.com)
Thank you Caly!
DeleteBeautiful designs!The circle weaved baskets have been really popular this summer.
ReplyDeleteYEY! That is true and do you know that those famous native summer bags are mostly sourced here in the Philippines and Bali?
DeleteI always love reading about strong women and these women are amazing! Those woven mats are absolutely stunning.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much!
DeleteNice! Those were really wonderful handicrafts/ products. My mom would love it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I also bought my Mom two weaved bags :D
DeleteThese women and their crafts are amazing
ReplyDeleteThey are also extraordinary.
DeleteBeautiful handcrafted purses, love them.
ReplyDeleteThank you Evelyn!
DeleteSo impressive everything was handmade!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah!
DeleteThis is such an inspirational post. Hardworking, creative women inspire me. These bags are just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for visiting my blog :D
DeleteI love how unique each bag looks. They are so cute!
ReplyDeleteThank you Serena :D
DeleteI'm such a handicraft buff too! Love all the indian artisan crafts and hanndlooms you're supporting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting babes.
DeleteThose handbags are SO GORGEOUS! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love these types of things. There is so much culture and beautiful stories behind the artistry.
ReplyDeleteThank you loving them!
DeleteWow, these are amazing woman who do amazing things! I love each craft your talked about, especially those colorful woven mats and those handbags. I want one of each to be shipped to Japan.
ReplyDeleteThey do ship to Japan!
DeleteWow they look so nice. I love the Minnie Mouse one for sure lol. Keep going they are beautiful designs.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear!
DeleteIt's great to know that your are interested in empowering women by exposing their local businesses through your blog, I wish you the best in all your endeavours.
ReplyDeleteBy the way the bag look pretty.
Thank you babe! I love helping to empower women :D
DeleteWooow. Great and lovely work here .very creatve, innovative and inspiring work.
ReplyDeletehttps://rawlingsunday.wordpress.com/2018/03/28/8-reasons-you-have-too-much-expenses/
Those bags are amazing! I personally love the one with the flowers and succulents!
ReplyDeleteYeah very nature-themed!
DeleteMore power to the ladies. I love the weaving designs and the creative bags.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pujarni. Does your city also have this kind of program for women?
DeleteOMG! All these palm baskets are so gorgeous. I'd be happy to sport one. its a fashion statement plus you get to support a local craft!
ReplyDeleteMy current diaper bag is actually a basket like this!
Using sustainable bags are always cool!
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