Iligan City is a hidden gem in the Philippines that is brimming with natural beauty and rich culture. While many visitors come for its stunning waterfalls and picturesque landscapes, there’s another side of Iligan that often remains undiscovered – its thriving arts and crafts scene.
From traditional handicrafts to modern art pieces, Iligan City has something to offer for everyone. In this blog, we will explore the local arts and crafts stores in Iligan City and discover the unique items they offer. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this will surely help you navigate the city’s arts and crafts scene and find the perfect gift and souvenir for your loved ones. So, let’s dive right in and explore the creativity and talent of Iligan City’s artisans, a place where creativity flows like the cascading waters of Tinago Falls.
Kuri-Kuri Lokal
Owned by Iliganon artist Ms. Anna Leah Sanson, Kuri-Kuri Lokal was established as the embodiment of Iliganon heritage and creativity. Her vision, rooted in her passion for preserving and promoting the tri-people of Iligan, has blossomed into a brand that encapsulates the culture of Iligan City. Ms. Sanson discovered her true passion while immersed in cultural arts during her college years. Her passion for the arts began with crafting and selling wallets, igniting her deep love for creativity.
While in the US, she even had the honor of showcasing her work with exhibitions at New York University and St. John’s University. Her focus was on celebrating the diverse cultures of Iligan, particularly the tri-people and their traditions. It was also during her time in New York when she established Kuri-Kuri Lokal. The brand name is inspired by the Bisaya word kuri kuri, which means the act of making trinkets.
Kuri-Kuri Lokal boasts an array of products including hand-painted woven bags, fans, handwoven abaca sandals and slippers, native wallets, bags, abaca-based picnic baskets and organizers, and beautifully embellished banig bags that come in both hand-painted and crochet variations. Moreover, they also offer leis, placemats, coasters, hats, and a lot more.
What’s particularly fascinating is their “Hinayhay” collection, which features upscaled ukay-ukay or secondhand clothes adorned with hand-sewn and hand-painted tribal patterns and designs. It’s a testament to their commitment to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Iligan and its people.
Kuri-Kuri Lokal’s Hinayhay collection
Kuri-Kuri Lokal is a true testament to the passion and dedication of Ms. Sanson in preserving and promoting the cultural treasures of Iligan. Each handcrafted item is a piece of art that tells a story, connecting people to the traditions of the tri-people. Kuri-Kuri Lokal is located at Andrada Compound, Mahayahay, Iligan City. You may also contact them through their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/kurikuri.lokal.
PABAHANDI Women's Association
PABAHANDI stands for Pala-o Abaca Handicrafts Women’s Association. Established in 2010, the PABAHANDI Women’s Association aims to empower the women of Barangay Pala-o, fostering positive changes in their lives and the community as a whole. The association also collaborates with DTI Lanao del Norte to organize occasional livelihood workshops, providing valuable skills and opportunities to those who are eager to learn and grow.
PABAHANDI’s specialty lies in crafting exquisite products from Sinamay, a fabric woven from the resilient fibers of the abaca plant. Their wide-ranging offerings include bags, wallets, placemats, leis, rugs, and even the elegant Filipiniana dress. Each of these items is infused with the artistry and cultural heritage of the region. Their commitment to showcasing the beauty of Sinamay in various forms truly reflects their dedication to preserving culture and creating unique, wearable art.
As of today, the lei has taken the spotlight as PABAHANDI’s best-selling product, captivating the hearts of those who appreciate the delicate artistry it holds. Lei is used to symbolize greeting, hospitality, celebration, affection, remembrance, unity, and cultural significance in various contexts and cultures.
Handicrafts made by women show not only creativity but also grit and persistence because they are made from real materials. Truly, women’s empowerment is thriving, and their success stories prove that they can make a difference through crafts. If you’d like to learn more about the PABAHANDI Women’s Association, you can visit them at Pala-o Barangay Hall, Iligan City.
Keepsakes Iligan Souvenirs and Crafts
Keepsakes Iligan Souvenirs and Crafts, founded by Mrs. Revilla N. Carbonell-Noel in 2013, began as a small home-based handmade souvenir business and has since grown into a social enterprise specializing in souvenir items inspired by Iligan’s rich culture. They collaborate with local livelihood associations, home-based crafters, and skilled workers for their raw materials, and many of their products draw inspiration from Higaonon and Maranao designs.
Their diverse product line features an array of exquisite items, including bamboo refrigerator magnets, pure sinamay refrigerator magnets, bamboo keyholders without beads, bamboo keyholders with beads, coin purses adorned with braided abaca, charming mini bag keyholders, practical tote bags, and stylish souvenir t-shirts. Each of these products is a testament to the cultural richness of Iligan, showcasing both tradition and innovation in their craftsmanship.
Abaca stands as Iligan City’s One-Town-One-Product, and they are committed to utilizing abaca in various forms, including weaving, ropes, and raw materials, as it serves as a foundational element in their product creation. Furthermore, bamboo, whether engineered or raw, serves as their second core material, contributing to the unique craftsmanship and versatility of their offerings.
As a motto Keepsakes Iligan Souvenirs & Crafts says “At Keepsakes Iligan, we go the extra mile by providing customers with what they need, the best we could.” Keepsakes is located at OTOP Hub, Canaway Road, Iligan City. You may also contact them on their Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/KeepsakesIligan.
As we’ve delved into the arts and crafts scene of Iligan City, we’ve witnessed the extraordinary creativity and passion that goes into each handmade piece. These artists and artisans are not just crafting products; they’re weaving the fabric of our community’s identity. By choosing to support local businesses like the ones mentioned, we’re not only taking home a piece of their artistry but also becoming a part of their story. Let’s commit to nurturing and celebrating our local artists, for in doing so, we ensure the preservation of our city’s cultural richness and the sustenance of their creative spirit.
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