Manila FAME features Ilocano Abel, ceramics, wood crafts

Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda R. Marcos (2^nd district, Ilocos Norte), visit the Ilocos Norte pavilion. (Alaric A. Yanos)

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 60^th 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.