Filipino culture and artistry comes to life in Sibol Collection by Rurungan Collective

by Althea Kalalo / December 2, 2020

Filipino culture is rich with traditions and practices that have been passed down from one generation to another, and among these is the art of weaving. To keep this tradition alive, non-profit organization Rurungan sa Tubod Foundation (RSTF) has been teaching piña weaving technology to women in rural areas of Palawan.

RSTF creates an alternative livelihood for poverty-stricken women and also provides the physical and financial infrastructure for these women to engage in this sustainable art form. This also helps them continue innovating with unique looms and weaving methods that are used in Palawan.

RSTF has been fostering several brands to create the Rurungan Collective, namely Ancestral Crafts, Astella, Bin’Al Kay, Kalakal, Tepiña Fabric. Two brands from this collective, Tepiña and Bin’Al Kay, have recently released a collaborative collection called Sibol that strongly symbolizes the Filipino Culture.

Sibol, meaning “growth,” marks a new beginning during an unprecedented time. The collection showcases a mix of piña, cotton, and abaca fibers that were masterfully handwoven by the women weavers of Palawan during the first months of the pandemic. Each garment is created from scratch, with highly skilled artisans dyeing, weaving, and sewing from the safety of their own homes. This creates unique pieces that get more comfortable with each wear.

When asked about the new collection, Rosal Lim, the foundation’s Community Development Director said, “Woven in the safe havens of our homes, we reconnect with the slowness of life, the presence of our families, and the rhythm of our looms. Sibol marks a new beginning in unchartered territories – one that we will navigate together as a creative community in Palawan while we continue to create safer spaces for livelihood and form connections with the rest of the world.”

The juxtaposition between the unhurried traditional processes of weaving, and the fast-moving retail world, creates a striking difference when it comes to pace. At a time where everything in the world is fast-paced, the craft of weaving takes time to tell the story of passed down tradition with every warp and weft.

Sibol also symbolizes the new growth that RSTF has experienced despite the lockdowns in the region — its digitization, a new collection, and introducing the craft to a new wave of youth that have been inspired by their parents’ work. This collection is a step toward helping local artisans adapt to the rapidly changing modern world and grow despite adversities and showing the world Filipino Culture.

For inquiries about the Sibol collection, send a message to the Rurungan collective via rurungancollective@gmail.com. You may also visit their website and connect with them through their social media accounts.

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