FOR the women of Julongan village in Kiangan, Ifugao, the weave goes beyond cultural practice. Their handloom-woven bags, clothes and modern accessories are powerful icons that represent both their heritage and their future—a craft passed through generations, creating a sustainable livelihood for their community.
Kandama, a social enterprise inspiring creative synergy among master weavers, designers and artists, has two weaving centers in Julongan supporting the livelihood of 28 Ifugao women.
Bringing the power of the weave to life, Kandama will hold the “Save The Weave: A Kandama Benefit Show” on September 27 at the Tanghalang Pasigueño.
Now on its second year, Kandama has partnered with Philippine Stagers Foundation for an event highlighting Filipino heritage and talent.
The program will feature cultural performances by indigenous peoples from Ifugao, a fashion show focusing on woven fabrics by master weavers, and a groundbreaking theater performance of Supremo Redux, who will mount a modern musical about the life of Andres Bonifacio.
A night of celebration, cultural conservation and craft empowerment awaits at Save The Weave. Tickets are on sale for P1,200 and can be purchased via Ticketworld. The show starts at 7 p.m.
Save The Weave aims to raise funds and awareness toward Kandama’s mission: to preserve the tradition of handloom weaving, provide economic opportunities to the indigenous women of Julongan and protect the watershed that sustains the rice terraces—a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or Unesco, heritage site.