Legarda braves heckling to promote native wear

Undaunted by the heckling of some male senators, Sen. Loren Legarda gamely posed before cameras recording the live debates in the Senate session hall and described her outfit in detail.
“This is a T’boli belt,” she began as she moved away from the microphone stand hiding her clothes from view. “Each strand that holds a bell takes two weeks to make. Imagine the months it took before this was finished.”
“This is a Bagobo skirt and this bracelet is from the Mangyans. And I wear them with pride,” she said
Enduring the jeers of her colleagues (one even called her kleng-kleng, referring to the tiny bells attached to her belt) is just another challenge Legarda faces in her efforts to bring attention to the artistry of indigenous peoples.
Not a popular advocacy, she realizes. But Legarda noted that more than a decade ago, very few paid attention when she talked about the environment, climate change and disaster-risk reduction.
‘A good fire’
“But now these are words of mouth. There will always be challenges. Somebody has to start the fire that will become a bushfire, a wildfire, but it would always be a good fire,” she said in a recent interview.
Legarda’s latest baby is saving the production of indigenous fabrics from extinction brought about by public apathy.
One thing she laments is that indigenous culture is not a political issue, hence the lack of attention from politicians who may have the power to save it.
Before attending the Senate session, Legarda was the special guest at the launch of “Hibla: Pavilion of Textiles and Weaves of the Philippines” held in a mall an anklet’s throw from the Senate.
The exhibit highlighted different weaving traditions like the B’laan technique of mother-of-pearl beaded tribal wear and the T’boli traditional cross-stitching and art of weaving together sequins, brass bells and beadwork.
Financial support
There also was the panubok embroidery tradition of the Panay Bukidnon group from the Visayas; traditional weaving by the Ivatan, Gaddang and Hanunuo Mangyan; abaca/bariw mat-weaving from Antique; Iraya Mangyan nito basketry; Subanen pulaw weaving; Ekam Maguindanao mat-weaving; Ata Talaingod liyang weaving; T’boli tinalak weaving, and B’laan mewel weaving.
Legarda is passionate about securing government financial support for the indigenous communities.
A previous effort can still be gleaned in the National Museum, where a permanent exhibit of indigenous fabrics is showcased on the entire floor of one wing.
Indigenous People’s Month
Legarda said the mall exhibit was her way of raising the stakes. By herding together the culturati, socialites and varied types of influence peddlers, she hopes to attract more attention to aboriginal artistry, especially since October is Indigenous People’s Month.
She said the exhibit aimed to tell “the stories of indigenous communities through the intricate processes of weaving that were passed on by their ancestors.”
The exhibit “also reveals the passion for learning, creating and educating of master weaves and culture bearers of different indigenous groups,” she said.
With the help of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem), the senator took pains to bring to Manila entire families of indigenous artists.
Story of a soul, a community
At the launch were groups of grandmother-mother-aunt-daughter artisans who demonstrated their specialized skills of weaving or embroidery.
Unlike mass-produced fashion items that predictably lose their trendiness, there is a story to tell in each product touched by the hands of indigenous artists, according to Legarda, chair of the Senate committee on cultural communities.
“A blouse, a skirt, a belt, a scarf or a basket, carefully and expertly crafted, narrates an anecdote of an individual soul, a story of a community, the saga of a people, the spirit of a culture, the way of life,” she said.
Legarda sees a government program focusing on cultural tourism as a way to save the indigenous people’s craft.
Niche to explore
“Cultural tourism is a niche we can explore. Other countries have done it. We can do it. At present, it is already being done in different small ways in the country,” she said.
Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. raised a similar idea during questioning by Commission on Appointments members prior to his confirmation a few months back.
Jimenez said provinces without tourist spots could develop cultural attractions to lure novelty seekers. Or develop industries that would provide the merchandise that would make the memory of their travel experience more tangible.
“We have 110 indigenous or ethno-linguistic groups in the country. All of them have their own rituals, their own food, practices, basketry, beadwork, weaving, etcetera,” Legarda said.
“We are very rich and so just on the cultural tourism angle, on promoting the artistry and culture of indigenous peoples, that’s already cultural tourism for you,” she added.
“If there is no support from the market, if nobody will buy their products, these people will either go to Manila and look for jobs or stay in the province and be jobless,” she said.
Need for capital
She stressed: “If there’s a market for their products, such as this effort to expose them to the world market, then more of the women will do this. But first, we want to preserve their traditions, the way they are. Second, we want to provide them the capital so they are interested in continuing it.”
“Otherwise,” she said, “it’s a dying craft.”
The senator said one of the Mangyans who participated in the exhibit marveled at the sight of the cavernous exhibit hall.
Permanent showroom
“This is our first time in the big city. It is good that we are given attention,” Legarda quoted the woman as saying.
Legarda said the government could look for possible markets for the products of indigenous peoples or provide them with funds to sustain their traditions.
“We can provide market access for indigenous peoples. Then we will fund Schools of Living Traditions by giving them capital for micro enterprises,” she said.
Ultimately, a permanent showroom would be ideal.

The growing array of hotel resort accommodation, recreation and entertainment facilities, places to unwind and relax, fine dining and family restaurants, bars and pubs makes it increasing easy for tourists and visitors from Manila to spend quality time in a place of leisure in Clark, Pampanga. Clearwater Resort is generally regarded by travel agencies and frequent travelers as one of the best resorts in Pampanga.

To many visitors from Manila, a place of leisure or a good hotel or resort in Pampanga must be located in a city that is safe, clean and not so noisy. Convenience and accessibility are important considerations in choosing a holiday destination in Philippines. Clark Freeport is probably the easiest tourist destination to reach from Manila. Clark also has its own international airport with dozens of daily flights connecting Clark directly with Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Bangkok, Malaysia and South Korea. Clark is home to some of the best golf courses in Pampanga. Although golf continues to be one of the reasons why visitors from Manila travel to Pampanga, residents of Angeles City, Subic and Bulacan travel to Clark not just to play golf in one of the best golf courses in Pampanga but also to relax and unwind in the best resort in Philippines.

Hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, fine dining and family restaurants, bars and pubs, entertainment, nightlife, place of leisure, sports and recreation facilities in Clark and Angeles Pampanga are showcased for the convenience of visitors planning a getaway from Manila or a weekend out of town to relax and unwind in a clean and safe city.

Many residents of Manila, Angele City and Pampanga travel to Clark this summer for family bonding in a good resort in Pampanga. Trips and packages are offered by travel agencies for Manila residents to enjoy an out of town excursion with the whole family this summer. Family bonding in this resort in Pampanga is a memorable experience.

During holy week, Easter holidays, Christmas, New Year, Halloween and especially the Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival, Manila residents travel out of town to the north to relax and unwind at this famous resort in Pampanga. Clearwater Resort is the hotel in Clark that visitors prefer for family bonding and team building outside of Manila.

Clearwater Resort & Country Club offers several styles of accommodation from US$65 up inclusive of breakfast for two at the beautiful Breakfast Garden Restaurant overlooking the large Clearwater lake and beach. This is a good rendition of the lifestyle that the Americans left behind after they left the Clark Airbase. A good short description of this lifestyle is suburban laid-back slow-paced clean living, very suitable for tourists and guests looking for a way to unwind from the stress of living in Manila.

In a city like Manila, most residents rely on visits to spa and beauty parlor to unwind and relax. But with a short getaway to Angeles City Clark Pampanga one can de-stress by enjoying beautiful outdoor amenities of this beach resort, savoring what nature can offer.

For inquiries and bookings, Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort for inquiries and reservations now

Clearwater Resort and Country Club, Clark Pampanga
Creekside Road near Centennial Expo,
Clark Freeport, Pampanga Philippines 2023
(045) 889-5151 0917-520-4403 0922-870-5177
Joanne or Jeremy or Loydha

Getting to this lake and beach resort in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Philippines

After entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway MA Roxas, passing the stand-along wine shop called Clark Wine Center on the right, continue to bear right making no turns at all, go past Mimosa Leisure Estate on the opposite side of the road, one will hit a major intersection. Go straight and the road becomes Creekside Road. YATS Clearwater Resort and Country Club is on the right just 200m down.

Family Bonding by the famous lake of Clark Pampanga

http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay

Email: Inquiry@ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort to reserve a venue for your upcoming event now

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com

While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.YatsLeisure.com

While in Clark, one might as well add to the itinerary a visit to the famous Clark Wine Center, the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.
http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

http://www.LondonPubClark.com

http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.YatsWineCellars.com

For jobs and business investment opportunities in the Philippines please visit http://www.yilp.com

Hot Line for what’s happening in Clark: 045 889-5151 or 0927-940-2669 ask for Loydha

0915-542-6250 (Jeramie)