One of the highlights of the Abrenian Kawayan Festival, on the occasion of the province’s 98th Foundation Day is the provincial trade fair that saw many small and medium enterprises exhibiting including agricultural products by the different municipalities.
It’s quite an interesting trade exhibit as I got to see, especially the handicrafts made from bamboo which the province has promoted since the start of the festival, an abundant resource. These products ranged from traditional house wares that are meticulously made like baskets and dining/kitchen utensils, to engineered bamboo used as finishing and furniture.
Other than bamboo, there are also made from different materials locally available in the province like rattan. Foodstuff were also present like natural honey from the mountains and forests, processed food and sweets for pasalubong.
But I think one of the highly anticipated products are the handcrafted woven materials like loom woven abel Iloko, which, by the way, the province also supplies not only the local market but also traders to as far as Cebu.
What really caught my interest though are the traditional garb and weaving by the Illaud sub tribe of Itneg. There were really interesting traditional and functional cloth that were handed down from one generation to the next as well as antique textiles used in rituals being displayed (and sold).
I did buy a traditional baag, loincloth in natural indigo dye and worn for special occasions. Other than these, there were also traditional, antique and modern beadwork like necklaces and wrist bands available.
And finally, found tabungaw (gourd) hats made by a declared National Living Artist, Teofilo Garcia! I would say that I’ve been looking for this kind of hat and finally found it here in Abra!
Abra offers several handicrafts from different enterprises and if you’re interested, do contact the provincial DTI branch, contact number below.
Thanx to Vice Governor Chari Bersamin for the invitation to witness this important provincial event.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Abra
Ground Floor King David Palace Hotel
Capitulacion Street, Zone II
Bangued, Abra
+63 74 7528414
Abra Trade Fair, a showcase of what the province has to offer: Bamboo products in different forms
One of the h… http://t.co/gXq18Spxvl
Hi! I would like to know if abra also make bamboo fabrics like hand towels?
I’d appreciate your answer the most. Thank you!
Hello Cristina, that I’m not really sure. Haven’t seen these sa fair as most were woodstuff and decors.
Hi Estan,
My search for bamboo handicrafts landed me on your blog. Would you know any manufacturer or vendor of kawayan crafts such as baskets, trays, chimes, home decor, etc? Any information on how to contact them would be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Mimi, please check this post: http://langyaw.com/2015/04/06/teofilo-garcia-national-living-treasure-from-abra/, there’s a contact number for DTI Bangued but not sure if it is working.
Sir ask ko lang if my mga cebu local products po kaya n made of sea shells n alam .salamat and God bless
meron naman pero di ko lang alam saan. you might want to check with DTI or look for showrooms online?