Wondrous Weaves

By: Aly Dela Peña

 

Long-observed in the Filipino history of weaving is the use of prominent materials in various provinces across the country. For these FAME exhibitors, working with abundant raw materials keeps the Philippines’ weaving tradition alive while generating a sustainable livelihood opportunity for their communities of artisans.

Check out three raw materials and how Filipino homegrown brands creatively manipulate them to create decorative and functional homeware pieces.

 

ABACA

 

 

Aptly called Stalactite, the vivid rug resembles the pointed frozen icicles hanging from caves. Abaca, which is a native raw material from the banana tree family, is widely sourced from the Bicol Region. The sturdy material, also called ‘Manila hemp’, is known for its versatility and is used for all kinds of home products.

For Weavemanila, the use of Abaca is rooted in showcasing timeless artistry of patterns and techniques with their carpets and rugs. One of their products, the ZZ Runner was included in the 2022 Maison et Objet “Best of MOM (Maison et Objet and More)” fair in Paris, France. It was made in collaboration with designers Rita Nazareno and Gabby Lichauco of Nazareno/Lichauco.

 

RAFFIA

 

 

For the striped crocheted bag by Orient Meadow, interchanging bold colors with neutral hues makes for a striking tote. The bag has an inner lining and leather straps, and its body is made of the natural fiber Raffia from the indigenous Buri palm tree. Raffia is a distinguished material used in a variety of local products for its durability and malleability.

Orient Meadow has been a consistent Manila FAME exhibitor since 1991 and an exporter since the 1980s. The brand offers bags, baskets, hats, placemats, and home decor.

Read next: Raw Potential

 

RATTAN

 

 

Cebu-based brand 33 Point 3 Exports uses the hapao technique in their Scallop Basket, creating a contrast of lighter and darker shades of rattan. The lightweight and resilient rattan comes from a naturally renewable palm that grows in tropical regions in Asia. Oftentimes confused with bamboo, the sustainable raw material is more flexible, allowing for it to be bent and shaped into various furniture and home decor.

33 Point 3 Exports was one of the 40 enterprises that represented the country in the recently held Ambiente trade fair in January 2024 at Frankfurt, Germany. The brand has been in the export business for over three decades.

Learn more about the Philippines’ different weaving techniques by checking out stories from the FAME+ website. Explore the catalog of Philippine brands at fameplus.com.