THREAD
Some of our readers may not know this, but weaving
is a long-standing craft and tradition of the Ilocos
region. What makes a weave undeniably Ilocano?
You can tell a lot about the abel by the pattern it has
and how it’s made. The pattern will tell you where it
was weaved.
giving equal opportunity to locally made products
and services. Young Filipinos are also beginning to
recognize the sustainability of small, independent
businesses. We believe in small but good work.
For the young who dabbles, how can they pitch
in to keep the craft sustainable for everyone,
especially the local communities where the craft
originates and where materials are sourced?
The Department of Trade and Industry can work
with local government units to revive workshops for the
youth, so they can learn the crafts of their parents and
grandparents. We must keep the the youth engaged.
Show them the loop and how this industry, and the
creative industry in general, has huge potential to sustain
and realize one’s lifestyle aspirations.
As a brand, how does Locano reflect the culture and
traditions of Ilocos?
By creating love stories and taking part in new
chapters in life, passing on the craft as an heritance,
exemplifying hard work, sparking conversations and
connections. Whenever I would talk about Locano to
my friends or strangers at bazaars, they would always
relish the references to the abel with a close relative, their
stay in Vigan or the person they got it from. Locano
creates a feeling of nostalgia for someone or something.
What are your thoughts on indigenous/
traditional crafts being adapted by mainstream
brands? When is it appreciation, and when is it
appropriation?
Culture is our fingerprint. It’s what we are made of, and
is key to appreciating the present and creating the future.
From leather-crafting to woodwork, there has been
a growing preference for handmade among young
Filipinos, whether as hobbyists, as consumers or as
entrepreneurs. What do you think is driving this?
There has been a raised awareness and consciousness on
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