Latest news with #Mangyan
Tatler Asia
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Tatler Asia
An ode to weavers: Ditta Sandico on the communities that inspire her
As a teenager, Sandico's interest in fashion design was sparked by her mother's involvement in the rag trade. 'She [my mother] was once the vice president for merchandising at Manila COD, one of the most prestigious department stores of its time. I would sit and watch her work, absorbing every detail—how she conducted fittings, made slight adjustments and gave suggestions to suppliers. Sometimes, I even modelled garments when she needed a fitting model.' Sandico's father, on the other hand, immersed her in a different yet equally significant world: the Mangyan communities. These communities inspired her lifelong passion for advocating for indigenous fabrics and craftsmanship. 'That early exposure shaped my journey, blending fashion with cultural heritage,' she says. Her respect and admiration for these cultural minorities have profoundly impacted her works. Through her collaboration with their craftswomen, she enriched her designs and gained a deeper understanding of their way of life. More from Tatler: Fashion designer Yoya Gueco-Verdier celebrates the art of contrasts Above Ditta Sandico's interest in fashion was piqued by her mother 'Seeing how their artistry sustains their families has given me a greater appreciation for the value of indigenous craftsmanship,' says Sandico. 'Through our sharing and collaboration, I have gained invaluable wisdom—one that continues to shape my creative journey and reinforce my commitment to preserving and celebrating our local crafts.' For Sandico, fashion goes beyond self-serving motives and preservation. She argues that clothing and design also represent the culture that shapes it. 'Fashion is the art of embodying cultural heritage. It doesn't necessarily mean following established trends of brands; rather, it's about finding your voice and using your style to project who you are and the community you represent for both your honour.' In her 40-year stint, Sandico has learnt the value of celebrating victories for herself and the local communities whose shoulders she stood on. 'I have travelled the world with immense pride in the works of the weavers I have collaborated with. I have been committed to showing their artistry from the beginning,' she says. Above It was easy for the naysayers to doubt Ditta Sandico's vision of incorporating Filipino textiles into high-end fashion. Such scepticism is a curse that consistently plagues those who challenge the status quo. Religion as a Catalyst Anyone who appreciates local fashion and arts knows that spirituality is at the heart of Sandico's work. In fact, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, she created Metta Morphe, an exhibit inspired by 17 local goddesses, including Bangan (goddess of love), Mayari (goddess of beauty) and Makiling (guardian of Mount Makiling in Laguna). It is important to note that Sandico's fashion design journey began with the Abel Iloco weavers of Santiago, Ilocos Sur, whose intricate patterns 'reflect the resilience and craftsmanship' of the Ilocano people. She then worked with Bulaqueña weavers, led by Elisa Reyes, whose delicate handwoven fabrics 'carry generations of tradition'. In Baras, Catanduanes, the Tupang Baras weavers, headed by Rejoice Apanti, introduced her to a unique weaving tradition, which she now incorporates into her latest pieces. Finally, Sandico's collaboration with the Hanunuo Mangyan weavers opened her eyes to the Filipino people's deep connection with the spiritual realm. 'Through these partnerships, I was able to raise our flag, sharing with the world the extraordinary stories embedded in each weave—stories of identity, resilience and cultural pride,' she says. 'The Filipino indigenous communities have shown me their deep regard for spirituality through embroidery. Our mutual sharing has helped me gain valuable wisdom, one that continues to shape my creative journey and reinforce my commitment to celebrating our local crafts,' she adds. Related: At BYS Fashion Week, Rajo Laurel invents a new language for menswear Nonconformist It was easy for the naysayers to doubt Sandico's vision of incorporating Filipino textiles into high-end fashion. Such scepticism is a curse that consistently plagues those who challenge the status quo. Their distrust and reservations were valid at the time, especially since fibre production was 'virtually nonexistent.' Sandico says that at the early stages of her career, one major hurdle was the lack of access to spinning mills. 'I had to navigate the entire process—from spinning to dyeing to weaving and finally producing garments for further production,' she says. The designer also shares her hardship in making the market more appreciative of homegrown garments. 'Many Filipinos harboured a colonial mentality, believing that only imported goods were of the highest quality,' she says. 'This deeply ingrained perception created a sense of inferiority, making it difficult for locally crafted designs to gain the recognition and respect they deserve.' David Barradas, a longtime mentor and friend of Sandico, gave her the courage to pursue her design career during her lowest moments. 'I was on the verge of giving up, but David guided me toward better days and helped me see the possibilities ahead,' she says. Finally, in 1985, she launched Cache Apparel in The Landmark Makati and eventually used her name when she collaborated with Rustan's in 1990. '[When] I gained a loyal following and built confidence in my work, I decided to embrace my identity and rebrand. Eventually, I took an even bigger step by creating the 'DITTA' logo, which marked a defining moment for my brand. It was more than just a name; it reflected my vision and artistic essence.' Challenges and Triumphs Even as her peers and loved ones fawn over her work and her 40 years in the business are no small potatoes, Sandico remains humble and refuses to accept honour and credit for herself. She stresses that 'success is not measured in numbers but in the transformation of lives'. As of this writing, Sandico avers that her goal is to see women she has worked with build better futures for themselves and their families. 'When a community is thriving—filled with creativity, passion and a renewed sense of purpose—financial security naturally follows,' she says. Although the impact of her designs has been amply recognised, Sandico says her mission is far from over. On her anniversary this May, she continues to forge ahead, starting with a fashion show at Manila House, where the proceeds will go to the Mangyan communities, and a book she will release detailing the depths of her journey. 'True impact goes beyond immediate financial gain; it's about creating a lasting ripple effect that uplifts the artisans and future generations. When these women take pride in their work, pass down their skills and inspire others to do the same, I know I have achieved my goal.' NOW READ Andrea Tetangco makes a statement with her first ready-to-wear collection Criselda Lontok lives on in her Cruise Holiday 2024 collection Cebu City welcomes Givenchy, Kenzo, Loewe and Versace brought by luxury retail SSI Group
Filipino Times
22-04-2025
- Filipino Times
Discover Filipino weaves and destinations with Cebu Pacific's QR Flight Codes
Picture this: vibrant, intricate patterns and rich colors woven together to represent the daily life, nature, and beliefs of Filipino communities. Each thread is not just a design — it's a story of the Philippines' rich cultural heritage, painstakingly crafted by skilled local artisans. From the north to the south, the Philippines boasts a colorful tapestry of traditional weaves that reflect the soul of every region. Now, Cebu Pacific is offering travelers the chance to explore not only the stunning destinations of the Philippines but also the cultural stories behind these iconic fabrics. All it takes is a simple scan of a QR code, patterned on these weaves, found on billboards, select travel magazines, or at the airport. For Filipinos in the UAE, take pride in spotting it at Deira City Centre Metro station! Through its 'Discover PH: QR Flight Codes' campaign, Cebu Pacific bridges modern technology and age-old traditions. In just one scan, travelers gain access to more than just travel guides — they're invited into the heart of Filipino culture. Here are the five traditional weaves featured in Cebu Pacific's campaign — and the destinations where you can experience these cultural masterpieces in person: 1. Binakol of Ilocos Norte (via Laoag) Binakol is known for its pattern crafted with straight lines, designed to give the illusion of curves and three-dimensionality. The design mimics movement — representing both protection and harmony with nature. Explore Ilocos Norte: Visit the iconic Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its Baroque architecture Marvel at the Bangui Windmills, the first power-generating windmill farm in Southeast Asia Enjoy local favorites like empanada and bagnet 2. Ramit of Mindoro (via San Jose) Woven by the Mangyan community, Ramit features deep colors and striped patterns that symbolize identity and tradition. It's often worn during rituals and special occasions. Explore Mindoro: Dive into Apo Reef, a UNESCO-protected marine park Visit Mangyan heritage villages for cultural immersion Explore the nature through Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park 3. Patadyong of Antique (via Caticlan) Bold and plaid, the Patadyong is a functional everyday fabric and a symbol of life in the province of Antique. It is often worn by women as a wraparound skirt or shawl. Explore Antique: Bathe in the kawa hot baths of Tibiao Enjoy river tubing in the Bugang River Discover hidden waterfalls and natural springs 4. Hablon of Iloilo Once considered fabric for royalty, Hablon boasts a mix of cotton and silk threads woven into bright, elegant patterns. It's a symbol of Ilonggo pride and resilience. Explore Iloilo: Attend the vibrant Dinagyang Festival held every January Visit the UNESCO-protected Miag-ao Church Savor Ilonggo cuisine like batchoy and pancit molo 5. Tennun of Basilan (via Zamboanga) The Tennun, often associated with Yakan weavers, features vivid colors and complex patterns representing daily life and local folklore. Each design tells a unique story. Explore Zamboanga: Visit the Yakan Weaving Village Take a boat to the pink sands of Sta. Cruz Island Discover Fort Pilar and the colorful vintas Scan, Learn, Fly Running until April 25, 2025, Cebu Pacific has partnered with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) to bring attention to these incredible textile traditions. The airline was even recognized at the National Textile Convention (TelaCon) for its efforts in turning these weaving patterns into functional QR codes — offering a digital window into the cultural significance and stories behind the textiles. More than promoting flights, Cebu Pacific's campaign champions a movement: supporting regional culture, celebrating Filipino identity, and encouraging pride in one's roots. So the next time you're stuck in traffic and spot a colorful Cebu Pacific ad, don't just scroll past it. Scan the code. Book a flight. Discover the Philippines — and the weaves that make us who we are.
