The story behind the good old bayong

In my home and perhaps in most Filipino households, the bayong we could say is a basic item. It is not only durable but also dependable. Through the years, the bayong has gone from household use to the fashion industry, making it a unique accessory.

As time passed by, the Filipino has also enabled the simple bayong to become a form of livelihood and profitable business.

But what strikes me most about the bayong is the story behind the weave.

There are different types of bayong typical of different places in the Philippines, attributing many styles in assorted colors, shapes and sizes.

The bayong in my mind consists of a code belonging to the “technology of the old” carried through the years.

This “invisible side,” as I’d like to call it, is what particularly interests me because this is what provides the foundation for every completed work.

Bayong weavers must have spent the day sharing stories or talking about community concerns that could have served as inspiration to color selection or weave pattern for every finished product passed from one generation to the next.

I admit I enjoy paying attention to such details as finding out some fun facts or historical tidbits make huge connections with large significance.

The bayong therefore may be a basic household item with many uses, but every piece definitely has an interesting story to tell.

It’s all in the weave.