Photographed by Kim Santos
Discover how Cebu Pacific celebrates the art and communities that keep Filipino the Filipino weaving tradition alive
Across the Philippines, abundant natural resources like cotton, abaca, bamboo, and pineapple are skillfully transformed into threads and meticulously woven into a diverse range of practical items. Through weaving these natural fibers, the centuries-old craft connects communities to their history, culture, and way of life.
Located in Barangay Baraclayan in Miagao, Iloilo, the Baraclayan Weavers Association, made up of 24 weavers, is known for the handwoven textile hablon, Hiligaynon for habol meaning “to weave.” Using abaca, piña, and cotton, these natural fibers are transformed into shawls, blankets, formal wear, and patadyong, a tube-shaped wraparound skirt and a blouse.
Before the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century, the region of Iloilo had been a big supplier of cotton and textiles. A resurgence of the practice in the 21st century has led to the revival of traditional handloom techniques like the “pick-up sticks” and “four-pedal” methods with sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives.
To create a flat hablon textile through pick-up sticks, the Baraclayan weavers use stick shuttles with rounded ends with the threads going up and under. For machine or wooden looms, the weavers select and arrange the threads on wooden boards and bamboo pedals and poles lifted and pulled by hand. Each yarn is spooled onto a shuttle in longitudinal and lateral threads featuring tight and intricate designs.
The Ilonggo association, primarily led by women, doesn’t just preserve these skills, it also provides livelihood opportunities for its thriving community. From the Mangyans of Mindoro to the sacred T’nalak of the T’boli tribe in Cotabato, the “weaver’s gene” in Antique to geometric patterns of the Yakan, weaving techniques vary by region, yet all share a common thread: preserving heritage.
Cebu Pacific highlights the rich weaving culture of the country and celebrates this cultural legacy by partnering with indigenous weavers to showcase their artistry and history.
Embracing the spirit of exploration, the airline invites young travelers to #DiscoverJuanByJuan the diverse weaving communities and their unique crafts, all just an affordable flight away. Each journey celebrates the heart of Filipino culture because #LetsFlyEveryJuan is more than travel, it’s honoring our heritage.
Learn more about Iloilo’s Hablon weave on the Cebu Pacific website. Visit their Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more.
Photography by Kim Santos. Art Direction by Andie Quintos. Project Implemented by Ian Urmaza.
