%5B58021014%5D.jpg) |
| Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda R. Marcos (2nd district, Ilocos Norte), visit the Ilocos Norte pavilion. (Alaric A. Yanos) |
.jpg) |
| The Ilocos Norte pavilion is surrounded by the exhibits of well known designers such as Kenneth Cobonpue (at center) among others. (Alaric A. Yanos) |
By Alyanna Yvenice T. Miguel
PGIN-CMO
With a
unique and vibrant repertoire of the finest home-grown materials, Charito
Carriaga, Redemptor Bitantes, Marietta Bonador and other Ilocano artisans showcased
Ilocos Norte’s first class products ranging from Abel Iloco, ceramics and wood
furniture reflecting the province’s rich heritage and world class creativity.
Through the
years, Ilocos Norte has made a name for itself with its myriad of traditional
crafts and age-old disciplines that transform natural materials into unique
handcrafted creations.
This
deeply-rooted tradition is once again brought to the forefront through live
demonstrations of traditional Ilocano crafts at the 60th edition of Manila F.A.M.E. (Furnishings
and Apparel Manufacturers' Exchange) International, October 16-19 at the SMX Convention
Center, Manila.
Each edition
of Manila FAME features various programs aiming to position the Philippines as
an ideal sourcing hub of finely crafted products for the local and global
market. Among the event highlights this October are the works of
skillful generations of Ilocanos known for their expertise in weaving,
wood-carving and pottery.
Abel Iloco
Traditionally used for blankets, mosquito net, pillowcases, linens and other
household garments, the Abel Iloco is one of the unique Ilocano crafts that
showcase the greatness of Ilocano tradition throughout generations. It has
served as one of the top
exports during the Spanish era because it has been admired for its superior
quality in terms of durability and design.
The
Ilocano weaver employs a variety of techniques ranging from kinurkuros (plaid), pinilian (brocade), sinan-bulong (palm leaf).
The
renowned Charito Carriaga, head and founder of the Nagbacalan Loomweavers
Multipurpose Cooperative continues to develop the loom-weaving industry as she
considers this a bridge to history and continuously enriching the Ilocano
tradition.
Ceramics
Reflecting the Ilocano resilience and genuine artistry, the Ilocos jars are
considered as relics of a dignified and centuries-old tradition, much
sought-after by foreign and local visitors for their own simple and functional
designs. These decorative pieces are molded by a potter’s skillful hands with
the use of pottery wheel and kiln in a high temperature to ensure its toughness
and durability.
Wood
Handcrafted from harvested narra, tanggili, acacia and molave trees, Ilocos
Norte’s antique native wood furniture remain unique for their authenticity,
exceptional quality, award-winning design and enduring value.
With 23
years of experience of creating wood products, multi-awarded designer Redemptor
Bitantes helped cultivate the image of the Philippines as the premier design
hub of Asia. Another Ilocano craftsman is Marietta Bonador, who gains pride in
her work through the idea of innovation by upcycling natural hard wood waste
into functional modern designs.
“Gusto kong ipakita sa pamamagitan ng mga
gawa ko na mapapahalagahan pa rin ang mga bagay na karaniwan ay itinatapon na.
Para sa akin, ito ang Ilokano-matipid at makakalikasan,” (I want to show
through my works that we can still put importance to things that are usually
thrown away. For me, it’s about being frugal and sustainable in the Ilocano
sense) Ms. Bonador said.
Comments
Post a Comment