Fashion Revolution for Francis Ian Chua

Fashion Designer Francis Ian Chua

One of the very few local designers who has taken an ancient art form and put it in the hands of the masses in a way that is revolutionary is Francis Ian Chua. A native of Tanza, Iloilo City, Chua is among the local fashion industry’s most game-changing designers.

A featured designer in one of the mall shows way in 2003, Chua’s involvement in the 2012 Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair was an overwhelming moment for him to bring forth the unique workmanship of local weavers from Barangay Salngan in Oton, Iloilo through his designs. He embodied his eclectic style combining street grunge with metallic elements using hablon. His fusion line had a distinct blend of futuristic art and culture and was eager to present his amazing work for the Ilonggos to see.

Chua will once again showcase his collections in Hablon Moda for the 8^th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair on August 26 (Wednesday) at 5 p.m., SM City Event Center. HIs design philosophy for this year’s show is to transform hablon pieces into clothes that are flexible, comfortable and wearable. This year, he favoured bright colored hablon fabrics with fine thin checkered outline in gold and silver rotex. The same weavers from Barangay Salngan, Oton has created the fabrics. The designer wanted to make something that brings together the best from the past, adapt it to the present and create a dream for the future.

The Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair is annually observed since 2008 to generate awareness about the importance of our handloom industry which is part of Iloilo’s rich heritage and culture. The industry is a source of livelihood to large sections of rural population particularly women, in addition to being a part of our rich cultural heritage and traditions.

Currently working fulltime as the Banquet Supervisor for Amigo Terrace Hotel, the designer graduated with a degree in Broadcast Communication and Management at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas. Started designing in High School of the same University, his first clients were his classmates.

Chua suggested that to boost the growth of handloom fabrics, there is a need to popularise handlooms among the youth.  And that the annual celebration of the fiber fair would generate awareness about the importance of handloom industry as a part of our rich heritage and culture, promote handloom products and lead to increase in income of weavers as well as enhance their confidence and pride.

The month of August will highlight the 8^th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair on August 24-28 at the Event Center of SM City Iloilo. in celebration of the handloom month, daily shows beginning August 24 (Monday) will showcase Miagao LGU at 4 p.m. and ANYAG featuring Ram Silva at 5p.m.; August 25 (Tuesday) will feature HABOL ANINIPAY with Jose Marcial Luigi Escullar at 5 p.m.; August 26 (Wednesday) opens HABLON MODA featuring Francis Ian Chua at 5 p.m.; August 27 (Thursday) will highlight John Montinola in HABOL ILONGGO at 5 p.m.; August 28 (Friday) will have PRECIOSA with Sidney Eculla to close the event show at 5 p.m.

The 8th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair is brought to you by the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of the Iloilo Provincial Government and SM City Iloilo. It is also brought to you by Iloilo Science and Technology University, Department of Trade and Industry, Iloilo Models Guild (IMG), John Montinola and The Daily Guardian.

Weaving Heritage into Modern Fashion

hablon and patadyong short dresses by Ian Jorda

Our country's unique fashions have relied so much on our local textiles, its cloth, patterns and colors, as much as garment type, styles and looks. A wide variety of local textiles have all contributed to the definition of modern Filipino fashion.

The designs and fabrications of our local textiles have changed from culture to culture, artist to artist, expressing history and experiences throughout generations.   

hablon dress by Jun-g Candelario,
photo by Drae Pilarta

Major Filipino fashion designers had helped put Indigenous textiles on the map. They worked with local weavers and their handlooms to come up with fabrics to produce fashion garments. The focus on Indigenous textiles by local designers was reinforced by local and international trade fairs and exhibitions thus expanding indigenous cultural production, including fabric clothing and accessories. Many continued their connections with several weaving communities.

With very few local designers trying to help handloom weavers in their own way, there is still a great for local government agencies and local government units to promote our handlooms especially to work on innovation. The role that designers play is to bridge the gap between the weaver and its end user.

red hablon cocktail by Ian Jorda

Applauding the creation of an Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair to throw the limelight on a dying craft, the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of the Iloilo Provincial Government was motivated and dedicated a week for handlooms. The event hoped for handlooms marketability not only in Iloilo but also all over the country and around the world. The event will be a moment of celebration for handloom workers, designers as well as weavers who spent tireless hours in their looms to create beautiful fabrics.

Started in 2008, the annual indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair co-organized by SM City Iloilo is an event where Ilonggo weaving grandmothers, mothers and daughters exhibit their handloom fabrics. The fair and exhibit is something they all look forward to every year allowing them to develop their art that sustains, supports and promotes their cultural heritage and improves the lifestyle of their community members.

polyabaca dress by Jun-g Candelario,
photo by Drae Pilarta

The intention of the event is to jump over the stereotypical handloom fabrics of patadyong, polyabaca and hablon to a product that would fully interface with the professional commercial world yet not losing the essence of its cultural identity and integrity. Local fashion designers are involved where they prepare suitable fashion garments through a fashion show.

The annual celebration hope to further accelerate the growth of handlooms and motivate many young generations from the weaving community to pursue this art and widen their interest in not only producing them but also in enhancing the handloom brand value amongst fashion consumers across all age groups.

pink hablon gown by Ian Jorda

The 8th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair will open on August 24-28 with a trade fair and weaving exhibition featuring the weaving communities of Miagao, Oton, Duenas and Badiangan at the Food Court area and series of daily shows starting August 24 (Monday) showcasing Miagao LGU at 4 p.m. and ANYAG featuring designer Ram Silva at 5p.m.; August 25 (Tuesday) will feature HABOL ANINIPAY with Jose Marcial Luigi Escullar at 5 p.m.; August 26 (Wednesday) opens with the youth of Duenas in an accessory fashion show at 4 p.m. and HABLON MODA with designer Francis Ian Chua at 5 p.m.; August 27 (Thursday) will have the Iloilo Tourism Officers on Centerstage at 4 p.m. and highlights designer John Montinola in HABOL ILONGGO at 5 p.m.; August 28 (Friday) will have the students of Apparel and Textile Technology Department of the ISAT University at 4 p.m. and PRECIOSA with designer Sidney Eculla at 5 p.m.

Hablon gown by Jun-g Candelario

The event is brought to you by the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of the Iloilo Provincial Government and SM City Iloilo in partnership with the Iloilo Science and Technology University, Department of Trade and Industry, Iloilo Models Guild (IMG), John Montinola and The Daily Guardian.

Simplicity that is Sidney

photo by Paelo Pedrajas

Iloilo has a dynamic economy that is thriving with creative spirits and there is a growing pool of talent waiting to be discovered. Along with its active fashion industry are a rising number of designers slowly changing public perceptions on local fashion.

While many local designers have not yet achieved mainstream success in comparison to more established Ilonggo figures such as Eric delos Santos, PJ Aranador, Nono Palmos, Jaki Penalosa, Angelette Ragus, Don Protasio and Bo Parcon, it is worth keeping them on your radar because many of them have already presented their collections in shows here and elsewhere in the country.

photo by Paelo Pedrajas

There is no better way to celebrate Ilonggo fashion than to discover one of these home-grown fashion designers, SIDNEY ECULLA is a name that you should start familiarizing yourself with.

the designer...Sidney Eculla

A face that is fast-gaining prominence in the local fashion industry, self-trained designer Sidney already had his hablon and silk cocoon collections presented in a show at the Philippine Center in 5th Avenue, New York in 2009 and had been joining local shows and was featured during the previous Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair.

photo by Paulo Pedrajas

According to him, growing up, fashion and the arts were something that was considered a relevant career choice, and he hope that his work will inspire aspiring designers to be a bit more open-minded and creative.

Having collaborated with Manila designer Edgar Allan, the designer sees his success as a trigger for local designers, and he has not forgotten his own birthplace. The designer is the primary promoter of polyabaca handwoven in Igbaras. His hablon and polyabaca collections were hand-woven by IKWA (Igbaras Knotters and Weavers Association) in Barangay Sta. Barbara in Igbaras.

Though handloom weaving had been long practiced in the town, the production of abaca was only introduced sometime in 2009 when the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) assisted Barangay Sta. Barbara on weaving abaca. Presently, IKWA is producing pure abaca fiber and polyabaca (abaca fiber blended with cotton or polyester) said to be three times stronger than cotton and silk fibers.

photo by Paelo Pedrajas

The simplicity of his character spills over into collections where he brings his passions and his own roots to his designs. Eculla is well-known for his predominantly white colour palette, minimalism and distinctively feminine flair.

To know more about designs, catch the closing fashion show for the 8^th Indigneous Fiber Fashion Fair featuring Sidney Eculla for Preciosa at 5 p.m., Event Center of SM City Iloilo .For inquiries please contact the designer at 09176233262 or visit his atelier in Iloilo at #568 Quezon Street or email at sidneyeculla@gmail.com.

The 8th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair is brought to you by the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of the Iloilo Provincial Government and SM City Iloilo. It is also brought to you by Iloilo Science and Technology University, Department of Trade and Industry, Iloilo Models Guild (IMG), John Montinola and The Daily Guardian.

8th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair

The annual Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair represent many women from low-income families who have joined together to establish self-sufficiency and find markets for their work.  Our local fabrics of Patadyong, Polyabaca and Hablon will be given life through modern designs presented on the catwalk by local designers on August 24-28, 2015 at the Event Center of SM City Iloilo.

August 24 (Monday) will showcase Miagao LGU at 4 p.m. and ANYAG featuring Ram Silva at 5p.m.; August 25 (Tuesday) will feature HABOL ANINIPAY with Jose Marcial Luigi Escullar at 5 p.m.; August 26 (Wednesday) opens with the youth of Duenas in an accessory fashion show at 4 p.m. and HABLON MODA with Francis Ian Chua at 5 p.m.; August 27 (Thursday) will highlight John Montinola in HABOL ILONGGO at 5 p.m.; August 28 (Friday) will have PRECIOSA with Sidney Eculla to close the event show at 5 p.m.

Textiles remain an important aspect of Filipino culture. The designs woven into the cloth, and the forms of dress differ from region to region in the Philippines. The wearing of traditional dress using indigenous textiles is a sign of pride and solidarity.

Textiles were of great importance especially in the past. They were a form of wealth, and designated status. The making of cloth was a state concern, and the best weavers from among the many in the area were made to weave exclusively for the elite in the community.

In recent years, our local fabrics had been the object of many designers. The supply of old textiles in the local markets has been depleted and at the same time, interest in these textiles has also engendered a renewed interest in handloom weaving. This has led to the reintroduction of weaving in places where the traditions had been abandoned.

Today, in Iloilo, the towns of Miagao, Oton, Badiangan, Igbaras and Duenas continue to weave. The local textiles such as the patadyong, polyabaca and hablon remain at the center of the economic life of many women in the community. These towns are trusted by all for expertise in handloom-weaving known for their traditional designs and skilled craftsmanship. The details of pattern and color carry a symbolic meaning that identifies the locality, the function and the gender of the user.

Most weaving communities have gradually grown and established in the field of traditional handloom-weaving, with the favorable support from the local government and other agencies.

  

In an initiative to promote handloom weaving and its products; and lead to increase in income of weavers, the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of the Iloilo Provincial Government with SM City Iloilo holds the Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair. The first event was launched in 2008.

The annual celebration generates awareness about the importance of handloom industry as a part of our rich heritage and culture of the Ilonggos. The Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair is expected to improve livelihoods of rural women while offering customers quality and fairly traded products. Their earnings will substantially improve their livelihoods and give them a level of financial security they could not gain otherwise.  The capacity to earn good income also increases the women’s confidence and status in their communities and contributes to improving gender equality. Over 100 women are engaged in handloom weaving and allied activities in Iloilo as per the last handloom census.

The 8th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair is brought to you by the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of the Iloilo Provincial Government and SM City Iloilo. It is also brought to you by The Daily Guardian, Iloilo Models Guild (IMG), John Montinola and DTI.

7th Lechon Festival in Balasan

photo by Bombette G. Marin

Take one friendly town, combine with an enviable food culture, mix in passionate local producers and an array of exciting attractions and what do you get – Balasan’s Lechon Festival of course!

When it comes to lechon, there is no place in Iloilo that takes it as seriously as the folks in Balasan. Lechon Festival is a celebration of food, culture and community, making it truly one of Iloilo's most unique festivals. For the last seven years, the festival has fostered cooperation between the barangay officials and the residents.

As a kick-off to their Religious Fiesta celebration in honor of their patron Sta. Ana, every 24th of July, residents of this town gather on the main street fronting the municipal hall to share a sumptuous feast, the culinary centerpiece is the most revered of all Filipino food, the mouth-watering and flavourful lechon or roast suckling pig.

The lechons are prepared authentically Balasan by cooks who grew up roasting and eating it on this town. As early as 3 a.m. the cooks are already preparing the lechon. The pig is placed on a spit, innards removed, on a large stick and cooking it in a roasting pit filled with charcoal. It is roasted while continuously wiping its skin with brush made of banana leaves with oil and milk. This procedure makes the skin crispy, and repeatedly roasting it over the heat for at least 5 hours until they turn a crispy, red-golden brown.

The entire day creates an aromatic atmosphere that hangs over the festival, leaving a taste you will never forget.

The highlight of this theme-based festival is a mischievous merriment through a no-holds-barred boodle fight open to everybody. By the time the boodle fight starts at noon, the skin will be crispy, with some fat and super tender roast meat. The sumptuous buffet features a whole pig on display. People just sidle up to the table and pluck off whatever they want. When lunch is over, there is nothing but a few bones. Boodle feast bring the community even closer together.

Lechon is an all-time favourite Filipino fiesta staple especially during celebrations. It is a popular cuisine in Spanish speaking countries. It is said to have originated from Spain where it is prepared throughout the year for any special occasion, during festivals, and the holidays.

Aside from lechon, Balasan is also known for its Bibingka, a native Philippine delicacy made of rice flour, eggs, grated coconut and sugar. The RCJ Special Bibingka made in Balasan is known by many to be the best ever in Iloilo.

The people of Balasan, headed by their ever-supportive tourism oriented Municipal Mayor, Hon. Filomeno V. Ganzon is inviting everyone to come and take part as they celebrate their 7th Lechon Festival.

Balasan is a fourth class municipality in the province of Iloilo 134 kilometers north-east from Iloilo City. It is politically subdivided into 23 barangays distributed to its 4,100 hectare land area.

To get there is a two-hour and a half bus or van trip from Northern Iloilo Public Transport Terminal in Barangay Tagbak, Jaro, Iloilo City.

Bulabog Puti-an National Park: Iloilo’s Largest Breathing Space

photo by Bombette G. Marin

Bulabog Puti-an National Park in barangay Moroboro, Dingle, Iloilo is the only National Park in Panay. Measuring 847.33 hectares, the park covers the barangays of Lincud, Moroboro, Camambugan, Caguyuman, Tulatula-an in Dingle and the barangays of Lip-ac, Palje, Compo, Rumagayray in San Enrique. It was designated as a National Park in June 14, 1961 through Congressional Bill No. 1651 and such is considered a "nationally significant area.”

The park is an area of protected countryside that everyone can visit, explore, enjoy the landscape and learn about the wildlife in the area. The centerpiece is the Bulabog Putian mountains with its Puti-an Peak measuring 322 meters, the highest in central Iloilo. It was named as such for its most distinguishing feature, its white stone wall that is still visible even when one is in neighboring Passi City.

photo by Bombette G. Marin

There is no question about it. It is no stroll through the park. Its rainforest trail is a pure sensory overload, thrilling and enlightening. For the adventurous in spirit who are willing to work for it, the real magic lie in its 33 caves, although only six are recommended for exploration to visitors in the park. It will certainly be a classic bucket list adventure when in Iloilo.

photo by Bombette G. Marin

Being unprepared can have disastrous results. However, when have the right gear and know what to expect, it can be one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of your life. Currently, the park is managed by DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) headed by a Protected Area Superintendent, Forester Abordo with five (5) DOT trained and accredited cave guides.

photo by Bombette G. Marin

Along the trail of coral rocks, visitors will take in mesmerizing scenery as they pass through century old trees of narra and molave that towers above you on both sides. The centrepiece is the 130 year-old Dao tree, a native tree that reaches 40 meters high and 90 centimeters in diameter at breast height. Dao trees occur primarily in forest at low altitude in areas with high rainfall. Its wood is used in light construction like bancas, rafters, and furniture.

The trail will lead one to its most prominent cave, the Maestranza where an amazing heritage experience awaits every visitor. A Spanish word for Garrison, Maestranza is famous for its coral rock with Spanish inscription believed to have been written by a guerrilla during the Spanish-American War. The Spanish inscription translated in English reads, “The Republicans were to die before surrendering. Local history would tell us that during the revolution against Spain, Dingle staged the first armed uprising in the Province of Iloilo in Barrio Lincud on October 28, 1898 with local hero Adriano Hernandez as its brigadier general.

photo by Bombette G. Marin

The park also plays a crucial role in the survival of many plants and animal species, and supports large numbers of bats.

Following the rules and regulations inside the park is a small effort for every visitor with a big result for this protected landscape. Visitors are expected to log in at the receiving area where they are oriented about the do’s and don’ts inside the park. Visitors must wear comfortable clothes, preferably t-shirts and jogging pants. One must wear rubber shoes. Be sure to have a face towel. Before the trek, apply insect repellants. During rainy season the trail gets slippery that might cause accidents. It is advisable to carry a long and sturdy stick for support. A minimal entrance fee of P15.00 is charged for local visitors, while foreign guests pay for P100.00. Helmets are required when exploring the cave with a rental fee of P10.00. Visitors are required to have a guide for a fee of P200.00. By observing these guidelines, we make sure that the future generations will enjoy the same beautiful scenery we can today.

photo by Bombette G. Marin

The municipality of Dingle is 37 kilometers away from Iloilo City. It is bounded in the northeast by Anilao; northwest by San Enrique; southeast by Pototan and Barotac Nuevo; and southwest by Duenas. It is subdivided by 33 barangays distributed around its 7,750 hectare land area.

To get to the town, a jeepney or van is available at the Northern Central Iloilo Transport Terminal, Inc. in Barangay Tagbak, Jaro, Iloilo City. For more information, please contact, Forester Abordo, Protected Area Superintendent at 09173536864 or Mr. Dane Dizon – Municipal Tourism Officer at 09477424341.

Tangyan Festival: Celebration and Recreation in Igbaras

photo courtesy of Igbaras Tourism Office

Igbaras, Iloilo comes alive with the annual celebration of Tangyan Festival highlighted by the street-dancing and tribe competition on May 15 (Friday) at 2 p.m. The theme explores the role of the river as a recreational treasure in Igbaras, an inspiration for art, habitat for wildlife, and as a major supplier of water for drinking and industry.

Aside from folk history and religious beliefs, performers take the issue of the environment on stage using highly expressive movements and prop that vividly lamented on the most dangerous threat to the Mother Earth. Interspersed with dialogues and monologues, the dance is visually stimulating and compelling as it reveals day to day “attacks” on the environment by people who appear completely oblivious of the consequences of their actions.

photo courtesy of Igbaras Tourism Office

The festival has been running since 2006, this year's festival will mark the 11th time the festival has been observed. The festival is celebrated to honor Tangyan, its contribution to history and economy and has been held on the 2nd week of May every year. Each year the festival provides a major boost for the local economy, bringing not only local people but people visiting Igbaras. In additional to the local economy, Tangyan Festival provides a major boost to its resorts and accommodation establishments.

The name Tangyan, with reference to the river, was based on local folk history. Orang Tangyan, father of Maniwangtiwang, the wife of Marikudo, the Ati Chieftain in Panay, once lived in the plains of Igtalongon, a settlement at the foot of Mount Napulak along the river. The river was named after him.

photo courtesy of Igbaras Tourism Office

Tangyan Festival provides the community with exciting opportunities to celebrate the many ways its river enrich their lives. This waterway provides irrigation, potable water, fish stocks and cheap transportation, supporting livelihoods in the area.  Its water is a basic natural resource, essential for various human activities. Tangyan is flooded with information especially when one is looking for stories, places to go in Igbaras.

Tangyan River traverses from the tipmost part up to the bottom area of the municipality and delineates into three major areas covering almost all of its barangays.

Tangyan is considered the major watershed area being the source of water for puroposes of domestic, agricultural and commercial activities. It is also a suitable site for encampment. Igabaras had hosted the Boys and Girls Scouts in several areas along the river in Barangays Jovellar, Igtalongon, Poblacion and Barasan. Temporary military camps and other religious encampments are also located along the river in the barangays of Pinaopawan, Poblacion and Passi. 

The river also play host to the Panihud sa Suba Tangyan, Obra Dum-ok sa Suba observed in the month of January and the Bungkag Dum-ok sa Suba (the local’s way of entrapping the area with nets to collect fresh water fish, crabs and shrimps) enjoyed during Lenten season. The annual Biray sa Suba Tangyan is celebrated every 24th day of June in honor of St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the Igbaras parochial community.

photo courtesy of Igbaras Tourism Office

Igbaras is 40 kilometers away from the city. Politically subdivided into 46 barangays over a land area of 15,243 hectares, it is bordered in the north by the Municipality of San Remegio of  Antique Province; in the east by the Tubungan, Iloilo ; in the west by the Miagao, Iloilo; and the south by Guimbal, Iloilo. Napulak Mountain separates the province of Antique from Igbaras,

To get to the town, one can take a jeepney at the Don Benito Q. Acap Sr. Southern Iloilo Perimeter Boundary Terminal in Barangay Mohon, Oton, Iloilo. Metered taxis are also available at the terminal. For more information, please contact Engr. Wilfredo “Boy” Delgado-Municipal Tourism Officer at (033) local 104- 5184022 or at 09209643404.