HoliCOW, MaGNA brings TATSULOK designers’ collections to Cebu

The tradition and culture of different communities and indigenous people took centerstage during the TATSULOK sa Cebu: A Lifestyle Popup over the weekend.

The much-anticipated event that featured the designs did not disappoint.

The Filipino products that HoliCOW showcased include the beautiful silk scarves and other embroidered pieces from Balay Ni Atong by Al Valenciano, the contemporary Filipiniana outfits and bags from Filip+Inna by Lenora Luisa Cabili, and the exquisite heirloom and antique jewelry of Natalia Lagdameo.


Organized by The Holistic Coalition of the Willing (HoliCOW PH) and MaGNA CMGN Solutions Inc., the event aimed to feature products inspired by the craftsmanship of different communities and indigenous people.

“Our relationship with them (TATSULOK designers) has been since 2018 when we hosted their first popup. We’re delighted to host them back with us again. Every time they come to Cebu, they bring pieces curated for the Cebu crowd. Individually, their designs are known to celebrate and uplift the work of Filipino artisans from all over the Philippines,” said Kae Batiquin of HoliCOW.

Ms. Batiquin said the designs displayed in the popup represent communities from all over the Philippines.

“Our values and advocacies genuinely aligned, which is why it is a very organic fit to have them here with us,” she added— HoliCOW sustainability, authenticity, and identity in products.

“HoliCOW will always be there for some of our advocacies, which are plenty. But most importantly, sustainability and authenticity. Our designers authentically design the products here,” furniture designer and HoliCOW co-founder Debbie Palao said.

Valenciano’s designs include beautiful soft silk scarves and hard silk fabrics using natural dyes and traditionally designed bags.

“They are traditional but what we do is we make them more current by transforming them into reusable products,” explained Valenciano, whose venture into the design business was accidental.

He recalled researching traditional textiles for museums, so he worked with the communities in the Ilocos region to learn how these are woven. He then sold the finished products to friends, providing additional income for the communities.

When he informed the communities that the research had indeed, they asked him how they could sell their products. He realized that he was bridging the market to the community.

Al then decided to professionalize the production, giving the community the direction on colors with designs based on tradition. Ang Balay ni Atong does exports but only supplies specialty and boutique shops that handle one-of-a-kind items since their designs are handmade and slow art.

“More than doing a business out of it, we make sure that tradition is kept alive,” Al stressed. He works with 12 to 13 communities, each with 10 to 15 workers doing embroidery, beading, sewing, and weaving.

He has gained recognition for his innovations in preserving traditions like sustainable silkworm culture to produce very fine, wonderful silk fiber.

Valenciano also advised HoliCOW PH and its partner Argao Habloneras for various projects that aim to revitalize and document Cebu’s unique weaving traditions. In addition, he is an advocate for the documentation and archiving of Filipino traditional arts and crafts, according to Ms. Mayen Angbetic Tan of HoliCOW.

Filip+Inna founder and designer Lenora Luisa Cabili works with 18 to 21 indigenous people, mainly in Mindanao, and traditional groups in the Philippines.

The IP and traditional groups include:

• The Sama, Tausug, Yakan, Manobo, Bagobo, Maranao, T’boli, Manobos-Surigao and two groups of Bilaan in Mindanao.
• Piňa weavers in the Visayas.
• Mangyan in Mindoro
• Embroiderers of Lemery and Taal in Batangas
• Lumban in Laguna
• The Gaddang in northern Luzon
• and the piňa weavers of Abra.

“We are targeting the tradition within the indigenous or traditional culture and trying to incorporate it into more contemporary clothing,” said Ms. Cabili. She once danced with the Bayanihan Dance Company.

She added that her stint with the dance company exposed her to the rest of the country. “It was a fun way of learning about our culture. And combined with my love for fashion, I wanted to create something different.”

Ms. Cabili also stressed the need to preserve Filipino culture. “Our culture is our fingerprint. It is what defines us as people. And if we are not aware of our traditions and what our culture is all about, then we don’t preserve it, and it’s a disservice to those who have gone before us,” she stressed.

Filip+Inna designs are usually Filipina basics focusing on Philippine culture and tradition and pieces in embroidery such as the kimona, Camisa, terno, tapis, and saya. In addition, Ms. Cabili has established a weaving center in Lake Cebu.

Meanwhile, Natalia Lagdameo started her jewelry business by having a personal collection of heirloom pieces.


“I’ve been collecting the heirloom pieces (such as) colonials, tambourines, and creollas.” Ms. Lagdameo said. “Those acquired in good condition, we restore them to their original format. While the pieces are no longer whole, I redesign them into new pieces of jewelry using antique components,” she said.

Her jewelry is inspired by antique and heirloom Filipino designs, made of brass embellished with precious to semi-precious stones.

Nlagdameo’s best-selling creation is the Giniling bangles, thin gold-plated brass bangles worn layered on the forearm by the indigenous group of the Cordillera region. Each one represents an important date in a woman’s life.

“Most of my communities are based in Cordillera up north in Luzon. So we work with modern pieces. I design them. We manufacture them in the traditional way of sand cast and box cast for the brass items. And I work with them for the Giniling bangles,” she explained.

Ms. Lagdameo works with three main communities that are not full-time players. They are farmers who take care of rice paddies. They do the jewelry after the planting and before the harvest season.

“I’m hoping to be able to keep the craft going so that the younger generations can learn,” she said, adding that they have some apprentices.

NLagdameo’s work has appeared on runways all over the world. She also does meticulous restoration of genuine antiques.