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Cebu Pacific Highlights Zamboanga's Yakan Weave

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<p style="text-align:left">The Philippines is known for its rich cultural heritage seen through its different landscapes, cuisine, and indigenous fabrics. At the heart of it is the art of textile weaving, an indigenous tradition interlinked with the story of the people. This is the narrative of the weaves that Cebu Pacific has envisioned for the country through this initiative.</p><p style="text-align:left">This is the intricate narrative woven by <strong>Cebu Pacific</strong>, <em>a narrative of dreams and journeys</em>, as our editor-in-chief,<strong> Geolette Esguerra</strong>, has coined. </p><blockquote><p style="text-align:left">&quot;Imagine each destination as a strand from which the new travel narrative is formed. Each strand, when woven together, creates a new tapestry for local and regional travel. Cebu Pacific brings attention to destinations hinged on heritage and tradition, and told through the creations of the weavers of each city,&quot; she says. </p></blockquote><p style="text-align:left">Such a commendable initiative took several months of planning and plenty of flown air miles and hours of travel across different cities for Cebu Pacific, the Philippines&#x27; leading low-cost airline. But this experiment and advocacy is well worth the wait (and the travel).</p><p style="text-align:left">By collaborating with weavers from all over the country, Cebu Pacific linked each destination with a special weave: The Hablon from <strong>Iloilo</strong>, the Patadyong from <strong>Antique</strong>, the Inabel from <strong>Ilocos</strong>, the Ramit from <strong>Mindoro</strong>, and finally, as seen in Metro&#x27;s special cover, the <strong>Tennun</strong> or <strong>Yakan weave from Zamboanga.</strong></p><p>The QR Flight Codes were made in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Textile Research Institute and underscore Cebu Pacific&#x27;s commitment to enhancing domestic tourism while shining a light on the artistry and cultural heritage of these Filipino weaving communities. In turn, this makes use of Cebu Pacific&#x27;s business as a platform for inclusive and sustainable growth. <strong></strong><br/></p><p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong>Because these are collaborations with the weavers, the final designs blend traditional native motifs with the brand colors of Cebu Pacific while including graphic elements like the eagle head. Woven as well is the Cebu Pacific QR code which is elegantly combined and mixed with the design. As each weave is completed, so is the story that ties all of this together.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:959px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1736327721138Metro CebPac Cover Final.jpg" style="width:1080px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photography by Dookie Ducay</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Weaving community</strong></div><p>But before you get to fully appreciate the final Tennun or Yakan weave as produced by the weaving community called <strong>Oriental Weaves,</strong> a group supported by <strong>Mariano Marcos State University—</strong>you have to take into account the story of the Yakan people and how this is linked to their weave. The Yakan are revered and respected as weavers in the country. </p><p style="text-align:left">&quot;The Yakan of Basilan are known to be among the finest weavers in Southern Philippines,&quot; according to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) <a href="https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/gamaba/ambalang-ausalin/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">article on National Living Treasure Ambalang Ausalin</a>. &quot;They create eye-catching and colorful textiles with tiny motifs, and possess techniques wielded only by seasoned weavers accomplishing designs restricted for utilization within a certain weaving category only.&quot;</p><p style="text-align:left">The strict attention to detail reflects the importance of weaving to the Yakan community. It was said that all Yakan women in the past were trained in weaving. </p><p style="text-align:left">&quot;Long ago, a common practice among the Yakan was that, when a female was born, the pandey, a traditional midwife, would cut the umbilical cord using a wooden bar called bayre. The bar was used for &#x27;beating-in&#x27; the weft of the loom. By thus severing of the umbilical cord, it was believed that the infant would grow up to become an accomplished weaver,&quot; <a href="https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/gamaba/ambalang-ausalin/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">explains the article by Earl Francis Pasilan</a>. </p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1736235497972METRO CEBUPAC20133 copy.jpg" style="width:1080px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:1080px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1736235561234METRO CEBUPAC20164 copy.jpg" style="width:1080px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Patterned kaftan jacket and sleeveless dress both by Bayo Atelier</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>There are several elements you can discern from this particular Yakan weave shown in the Metro cover, as worn by model and beauty queen <strong>Isabel Galeria.</strong></p><p><strong></strong>There is the repetitive pattern of the diamond along with triangular elements that connect and form a symmetry. From afar, they can take on the appearance of both flora and fauna, perhaps gentle insects or intricate flowers. </p><p><strong></strong>&quot;In Yakan weaving, most of the animal and plant motifs are realistically represented in textiles. The Yakan value nature as the mother of art and in their weaving, record the pure beauty of nature.&quot;<strong> </strong></p><p>These also symbolize the natural elements in the landscapes of the Yakan, from the palay (unhusked rice), which signals power, social status, and self-expression. Upon closer inspection, the design is intricate and compressed, and together, these are said to &quot;symbolize the Yakan&#x27;s sense of &quot;community,&quot; &quot;togetherness,&quot; or &quot;harmony.&quot; </p><div><strong></strong></div><p>In the text <a href="https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Hibla-ng-Lahing-Filipino-The-Artistry-of-Philippine-Textiles.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hibla ng Lahing Filipino: The Artistry of Filipino Textiles</a> from the National Museum, they consider the Yakan weave as one of the most demanding of all, alongside the Maranao and Tausug. &quot;Tapestry weaving is limited in its spread due to the difficulty and the intricacy of the techniques involved.&quot; Thus, the weave itself is an emblem of social rank when worn. </p><div><strong></strong></div><p>But more than the symbolism of the weave, the process of weaving in itself is a communal activity. </p><p>&quot;Just as it had been among other weaving communities, Yakan women gather together to deftly create the memories of their mothers and grandmothers into a handsome textile,&quot; according to <a href="https://fameplus.com/touchpoint/the-threads-that-bind-the-story-behind-zamboangas-yakan-fabrics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAME+ a publication of FAME under the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).</a></p><p>Yet these textiles from the Yakan indigenous group are steeped in the history of conflict. Initially, they were settled in Basilan but because of the armed conflict in Mindanao, they had to leave their ancestral homes and evacuate to Zamboanga City. </p><p>This is where Yakan Weaving Village has emerged not just as a venue for showcasing and selling the weaves, but also to share the stories of the people and their creations.</p><p>Through the years, many have resettled in Basilan and brought back their weaving tradition. Perhaps this initiative can bloom into so much more. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Styling and use of the Yakan weaves</strong></div><p>Some uses of the hand-loomed Yakan fabrics are for making traditional clothing such as the <em>Seputangan </em>or square head cover, the <em>Badju Lapi </em>which is a fitted, long-sleeve blouse, the <em>Sawal </em>which are fitted trousers, or the <em>Pinalantupan </em>skirt, which is wrapped around the Sawal.</p><p>These different facets and uses of the weave have inspired the Metro team to imagine different ways that the weave can be used to style an outfit: whether to be used as an accept on the skirt, a headpiece, or a scarf. </p><p>In this travel-inspired fashion story, the Tennun is seamlessly integrated into chic outfits by local designers and retailers, showing the versatility of the Cebu Pacific weave.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:1080px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1736235888733METRO CEBUPAC19931 copy.jpg" style="width:1080px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Patterned sleeveless top and kimono pants both by Rhett Eala. Sling shell bag by Aranaz.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:1080px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1736235912614METRO CEBUPAC20043 copy.jpg" style="width:1080px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Maxi skirts (layered) both by Kaayo</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Metro&#x27;s Muse</strong></div><p>Isabela Galeria, Metro&#x27;s cover muse, particularly found the last layout with weave worn as a headscarf most interesting. The pop of color and the beautiful weave create a sense of harmony but juxtaposed with a vividness that proclaims positivity and hope—things she wishes to espouse in the new year ahead. </p><p>This was the year she hoped to express this more through art, experimentation, and a new style mindset. </p><p>For her, the bright blue and yellow hues signal positivity and joy—and perhaps, a new start. </p><p>&quot;I&#x27;m just looking forward to what 2025 has to offer for me,&quot; she adds.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:1080px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1736236176511METRO CEBUPAC20557 copy.jpg" style="width:1080px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"> Long-sleeved with patchwork shirt by Kaayo. Layered wrap-around maxi skirt by Studio Sug.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:1080px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1736236201593METRO CEBUPAC20660 copy.jpg" style="width:1080px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Denim jacket and shorts with appliqué coordinates both by Jot Losa. Straw hat by Aranaz.</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>In this fashion story, Metro tapped local designers and retailers such as <strong>Rhett Eala</strong>, <strong>Jot Losa</strong>, Bayo&#x27;s sustainability line via <strong>Bayo Atelier,</strong> Amina Aranaz for <strong>Aranaz</strong>, Marga Nograles for <strong>Kaayo</strong>, Bea Constantino for <strong>Studio Süg</strong>, as envisioned by fashion stylist Eds Cabral and Metro&#x27;s fashion editor Randz Manucom. This combination was welcomed by Isabela, who shared her style philosophy. &quot;I support local designers because we have so much to offer and we deserve a platform worldwide to be seen,&quot; she says. </p><p>&quot;I&#x27;m so honored to share this story on the weavers and showcase their craftsmanship. We’re just so talented as a nation and I’m glad to be a part of this,&quot; says Isabela likewise shared that this was her first magazine cover, &quot;Having this opportunity is just a dream come true!,&quot; says the Bicolana lass who traveled from Bicol to Manila at 15 to study nursing, but found herself taking on the call of modeling.  </p><p>Now, as the face of Metro&#x27;s cover campaign, she hopes to likewise contribute to showcasing Filipino talent through fashion.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:1080px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1736236408273METRO CEBUPAC20827 copy.jpg" style="width:1080px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Denim jacket and shorts with appliqué coordinates both by Jot Losa. </span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>We hope these stories on the weaves will give you a fresh start and inspire you to travel and discover more beautiful locations this year. By learning more about our different cultures and regions can we begin to understand ourselves more as a nation. Perhaps through this initiative, we may know more about ourselves, and the different threads that bind us all together as a nation. </p><p><em>Discover Zamboanga and fly direct from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Tawi-Tawi with </em><a href="https://www.cebupacificair.com/en-PH/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Cebu Pacific</em></a>.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Appreciate the Yakan Weave in detail by scrolling through the photos in the gallery below:</strong></div><div><strong></strong>[[PHOTO ALBUM]]</div><div><strong></strong><br/></div><p>Photographer: <strong>Dookie Ducay</strong></p><p>Editor-in-Chief: <strong>Geolette Esguerra</strong></p><p>Creative Director: <strong>Eugene David</strong></p><p>Fashion Editor: <strong>Randz Manucom</strong></p><p>Stylist: <strong>Edlene Cabral</strong></p><p>Makeup Artist: <strong>Muriel Vega Perez</strong></p><p>Hairstylist: <strong>Rudolf Davalos</strong></p><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong><strong></strong></div><p>Special thanks to <strong>Candice Iyog</strong>, <strong>Michelle de Guzman</strong>, <strong>Tricia Tan</strong>, <strong>Geane Brioso, </strong><strong>Kyla Evangelista, </strong><strong>Krishia Palmones, </strong><strong>Kate Lacanlale, Pocoy Calvento, Greg Hernandez, Mau de Leon,</strong> and <strong>Miki Miclat</strong></p>

<p>In this cover, Cebu Pacific collaborates with Metro for a stylish exploration of culture and travel through different weaves. The star of this story is the Tennun or Yakan weave from Zamboanga, as modeled by beauty queen Isabel Galeria.</p>

In this cover, Cebu Pacific collaborates with Metro for a stylish exploration of culture and travel through different weaves. The star of this story is the Tennun or Yakan weave from Zamboanga, as modeled by beauty queen Isabel Galeria.

Woven in Dreams: Cebu Pacific's Advocacy Showcases the Beauty of Zamboanga’s Tennun or Yakan Weave

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Woven in Dreams: Cebu Pacific's Advocacy Showcases the Beauty of Zamboanga’s Tennun or Yakan Weave

Cebu Pacific

Published Jan 08, 2025 06:15 PM PHT

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Updated Jan 14, 2025 07:42 PM PHT

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