In surfing, there is an unwritten code of conduct, “Surf instructors can only teach surfing in their local spot.” This is practiced in every surf spot I know here in the Philippines, especially in Borongan, Mati and Liwa. In fact, this is one of my first lessons when I got interested in surfing 3 years ago. They call it “localism.”
Little did I know that this should be applied to my everyday life too- in my travels and in my life as a whole. This is one of my realizations after visiting the T’boli Dream Weavers of Lake Sebu last was how hard it is to craft something which you don’t know if this would be bought.
Be’ Lang Dulay. National Living Treasure Awardee, Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, 1998.
I would zero in in their local woven fabric called the T’nalak. The T’nalak fabric is a traditional cloth used by the T’boli tribe. It is made of abaca fiber and dyed with red and black.
I have learned that a 5-meter woven cloth is finished after 3-4 months of hard intricate work. The work is done by atleast 5 families (farmers, dyers, processing, designer and weavers). It’s not easy because they don’t have a standard design since they can only make this cloth after the master weaver dreams of a particular design.
“T’boli women believe that the patterns are bestowed on them through either their own dreams, those from their ancestors or ones granted specially through “Fu Dalu,” the spirit of the abaca.”
I tell you, I got goosebumps when I learned about this. I said to myself, WTH, and I can earned this money in a week. A 5-meter T’nalak cloth is sold for Php4,000 or more, depending on the design and the weaver.
I tried doing the math (yes, I love mathematicians too):
Let’s say they sold a 5-meter T’nalak cloth for Php4,000.
Php4,000 divided by 5 families = Php800
Php800 divided by 3 months = Php 266.66/month
Php 266.66/month = Earning per family.
How the heck a family would survive on that income?
Of course, T’nalak weaving is not their only source of income but I can’t justify getting Php266 after working for 3 months. Php266 is my budget for having coffee with friends.
So after the tour guide’s discussion of this, I bought a piece of T’nalak cloth and promised to go back and buy some more. This is the most expensive travel memento I bought up-to-date and I don’t mind paying more because in doing so, I support local tourism and local businesses.
And it doesn’t end there. I would go back there and document more. It is also but fitting to do a lifestyle check.
And these will be my guidelines starting today:
I WILL BUY LOCAL.
I would avoid buying imported products.
I WILL EAT LOCAL.
Local eateries, carinderias, small-scale restaurants and small food businesses. If you would invite me for lunch or dinner, please remember this. Less of fastfoods too. This also goes to my addiction to coffee. I would avoid Starbucks and CBTL and patronize kapeng barako and Arabica from Benguet and Kalinga.
I WILL ENJOY LOCAL.
This means more traveling in the country than abroad for me.
Yes, I know this is hard. But I want to effect change right now. Will you join me in starting the LOCAL TREND? I think It’s time!
That cloth she is weaving is already sold to journeyingjames. 😉
A fitting end would be a quotation from Elie Wiesel:
“The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference.”
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Localism describes a range of political philosophies which prioritize the local. Generally, localism supports local production and consumption of goods, local control of government, and promotion of local history, local culture and local identity. –Wikipedia
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This is my piece for this Month’s Pinoy Travel Blogger’s BLOG CARNIVAL entitled, “Memorable Travel Souvenirs, Objects and Mementoes,” hosted by Jun Baris of Galang Pusa. You can check the previous carnivals by clicking the logo on the right side:
naman! this is one way of showing our love for our country
yes, patriotism in its easiest form.
Thank you so much for this article. Lalo ako nagkaroon ng dahilan na tangkilikin ang sariling atin. I bought a T’nalak din when I went to Lake Sebu pero 1 meter lang ang na-afford ko. I’ll go back next time to buy more. Let’s enjoy local! 🙂
at least you bought one. thanks for supporting localism too!
Yes, I’ve been doing these for some time already. Local food always! I do tend to buy less when travelling, though, so I will have to make it a point to buy at least one locally-made memento on future trips!
that’s great! hope many will follow
well said 🙂
i mentioned the t’nalak weave as my fave in my entry as well…
let’s support PH products… proudly PINOY.
yep, i saw it nga. its really nice noh? im not a fan of buying souvenirs talaga dahil nga super tipid ko sa mga byahe ko. but now na medyo maluwag na sa budget, i try to buy form them na.
Also my most expensive piece of souvenir, pero super worth it. Especially pag nakasama na si Lang Dulay at mga dreamweavers mismo yung magkukwento ng hirap, beliefs at tagal ng prosesong pagdadaanan para makumpleto ang isang roll. In 2010, they’re selling it for Php1200 per roll and 8 meter ang per roll. Prioir to the visit, I had no plans of buying pero after seeing the intricacies, art and quality ng mga gawa, I know I want to own one.
yep, i dont have a plan of buying to until i learned how they arduously make it. respect to the dream weavers!
An impressive cause, as always James! When are you going back to Lake Sebu? I would really like to see and support their fabrics firsthand.
i think i will go there before sept ends. or early october. yes you should see for yourself
I enjoy reading your blog. This article is so encouraging. I’ve been telling myself to patronize local for a good couple of years now and I never really get to be consistent. This is an eye-opener and very inspiring. Keep on writing and God bless you in your travels! 🙂
thanks melissa! yes, i understand you that its really hard to be consistent. but atleast there is that thought at the back of your mind. together, we can!