Artisan crafts from the communities to Kultura
After more than 20 years, 28 stops and hundreds of amazing artisan products, “My City, My SM, My Crafts” has let more Filipinos know about the richness and diversity of our local crafts.
It has highlighted crafts as culture by giving mall goers a rare glimpse of the work of our indigenous groups from the Cordilleras, as well as the Bagobos, the Panay-Bukidnon, the Mandaya and the T’boli. The events also honored the Manlilika ng Bayan or National Living Treasures of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts: Salita Monon of Davao, Federico Caballero of the Panay Bukidnon Community and T’boli dream weaver Lang Dulay.
It also showed how artisans all over the country have transformed indigenous materials and what we would consider waste by- products into ecofriendly crafts that have found their way into the national and international markets.
More than that, it has showcased creative community-based crafts that have become a source of livelihood for many Filipinos. These are crafts that not only celebrate Philippine artistry, skills and ingenuity, but also the bayanihan spirit we have been known for. And the program’s partners are delighted.
“A large number of the SMEs involved in the undertaking have called the experience both inspirational and educational,” says DTI Bureau of Domestic Trade’s Rhodora Leaño. “These local manufacturers have not only found an additional avenue to promote their products, but have also benefited from being able to interact with interested buyers.”
CITEM director Arturo Cruz Dimaano of the Creative Communications
Tree ornaments made of re-purposed magazine papers by the Sto. Rosario Multipurpose Cooperative from Baliwag
and Services Department adds: “My Crafts upholds traditions in various regions, encourages creativity and resourcefulness, supports a community and advances the livelihood of micro, small-and-medium industries.”
And some of these products have found their way to mainstream markets like Kultura. These include those from the North Wing Export Corporation in Marilao, Narda’s Handwoven Arts and Crafts in Baguio, Chilonia Fabrica in Clark and the Santo Rosario Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Baliwag. Others like Marietta’s Embroideries from Parañaque have long showcased their products in the store.
North Wing is one of the top manufacturers and exporters of home décor and Christmas gift items. Capiz, tin, glass, resin and indigenous materials are combined to create decorative accessories. A regular participant in prestigious exhibits abroad and CITEM’s Manila Fame show, North Wing presents designs and artisan-quality craftsmanship that are original and unique, showcasing the metal works and finishing skills of Bulakeños.
Butterfly frame made of capiz by Chilonia Fabrica from Clark
Narda’s Handwoven Arts and Crafts highlights ikat, a very old Cordillera tradition of tying and dyeing segments of thread before these are woven. The woman behind it, Narda Capuyon, continues to proudly showcase her wonderful weaves on the global stage and has won numerous awards like the Ernst & Young Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013.
Chilonia Fabrica manufactures many products using capiz shells including photo frames, Christmas decorations, fridge magnets, sun catchers and candleholders. Trade shows attended
Partition tray made of wood with capiz by North Wing from Marilao
by the company in Tokyo, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Frankfurt and Birmingham, as well as the Manila Fame, have given the company world-class status.
The Sto. Rosario Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Baliwag helps housewives supplement their income by turning recycled paper from old magazines, newspapers and cartons, and other repurposed waste products into colorful paper bead treasures.
For the past 40 years, Marietta’s Embroideries in Parañaque has been known for its exquisite home decors and accessories. These items are now are sold in major department stores and exported to and carried by name brands in several countries including the US, Germany, Belgium, Japan and the Middle East.
A celebration of traditional arts and
Round wood tray with green capiz by North Wing from Marilao
modern Philippine design, “My City, My SM, My Crafts” is a partnership between SM, the Bureau of Domestic Trade under the Department of Trade and Industry, and The Philippine STAR with support from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
It is a take off from the previous My City, My SM campaign, which promotes tourism, and “My City, My SM, My Cuisine,” which highlights the culinary specialties of the regions where SM has malls.