By PR | 02:34 PM June 23, 2024
The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) – Bohol hosted a runway show on June 21 in Tagbilaran City, showcasing the versatility of the local ‘Saguran’ or Raffia weave into world-class fashion statements.
In celebration of the annual Pride Month celebration, the show is part of NMP-Bohol’s initiatives to promote local heritage and elevate the call for inclusivity by showcasing Raffia weaving as a non-gender conforming livelihood.
Enriched by the melodies of the Loboc Children’s Choir, the runway featured fashion collections from Boholano designers, including Shanon Pamaong, EJ Relampagos, Christian Relator, Christian Bustrillos, Noel Bompat Estopito, and Christian Kent Paglinawan.
Arvin Manuel Villalon, National Commissioner for Culture and Arts and Director of Mindanao National Museums graced the event and gave a message.
“I hope Bohol continues to reclaim its knowledge and crafts with fashion, bringing it further to celebrate and take pride,” Villalon said.
Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, in her message, underscored Raffia as “not just a product” but a symbol of “resilience and creativity” that showcases Boholano’s ability to use natural resources sustainably.
“By continuing to support and promote the weaving of Saguran, we continue our weaving dreams. We preserve a significant aspect of our cultural identity,” she emphasized, citing support initiatives to the livelihood as a former regional director at the Department of Trade and Industry.
Moreover, lawyer Ma. Cecilia Tirol, Director of Visayas National Museums, welcomed guests, while Hon. Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap, Tagbilaran City Mayor, also shared a message of support.
Maria Margarita Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board, extended support through a recorded video message.
The runway show, hosted by Raul Gatal, concluded the four-day event entitled “Weaving With Pride: Culture. Creativity. Pride.” which started on June 18 with a press conference attended by national and local media, including Vogue Philippines.
On June 19, the event continued with a GeoTour and Documentation, and a series of lectures and workshops in the museum on June 20, which featured various resource persons on topics of Saguran weaving as a tradition, knowledge of its ethnobotany, its use in architecture, design, and fashion, and a workshop in Raffia weaving locally known as “Paghabol.”
The Provincial Government of Bohol, through the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office and Center for Culture and Arts Development, is one of the event partners, aimed to uphold weaving as an inclusive industry that promotes gender equality as aligned with Gov. Aris Aumentado’s Strategic Change Agenda.
It also aimed to promote the tradition of weaving as a sustainable and eco-friendly enterprise in the first and only UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines and its potential beyond the global market.
The City Government of Tagbilaran, through its City Events, Culture, and Arts Office, also co-organized the activity with active partners, including Tubigon Raffia Gallery, Tubigon Loomweavers Multipurpose Cooperative, The Bellevue Resort, GO Panglao Travel and Tours, and JCI Boholana Kisses. (PiMO/JSS)
