Fabrics and Culture: Some of the best Fabrics in the Philippines

One of the best souvenirs that you may bring home from your trip to the Philippines are clothes that are locally woven and made. By bringing these home, you carry the Filipino Heritage with you. Here are some of the fabrics that you might want to check when you are in the Pearl of the Orient.

  1. Ifugao Tapis

The tapis is usually a piece of cloth that is wrapped around one’s body as clothing. The “Alampay” of the North is a kind of handwoven fabric that is used to wrap one’s waist.

Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
  1. T’boli T’nalak

This fabric from the T’Boli tribe in the southern part of the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, is a rare product, since the weavers aren’t as numerous as before.

Tboli Tnalak Flickr Constantine Agustin

  1. Jusi and Pina

These two are both from the pineapple plant, and are traditionally used to make Barong Tagalogs, or the Philippine National Costume for Males.

Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
  1. Abaca

The Abaca is one kind of Filipino Fabric that has been known worldwide for the longest time. Strong and strudy, this expensive fabric is usually made into slippers and ropes.

Photo credit: Flickr Ronald Tagra
Photo credit: Flickr Ronald Tagra
  1. Abel Iloco

Made from “sagut” or a locally grown cotton fabric, this kind is also found in the northern part of the country. This handmade fabric may be made into garments, bags, and others.

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