The One About Anthill Fabric Gallery

Our trip to Cebu was of the business-y nature but I managed to go on a quick craft sojourn while we were in the city.  I had long bookmarked Anthill Fabric Gallery as a must-see should I visit Cebu again and I was able to finally see the place last weekend.

Anthill Fabric Gallery is a creative social enterprise that supports and celebrates Filipino craftsmanship.  They carry a bevy of handwoven fabrics from Abra, Vigan, and Benguet.  I have a thing for social enterprises right now and, being there, I felt compelled to buy something.  It's also because all their fabrics are to die for!!!

The fabrics and other locally sourced materials are made into clothes, placemats, bags, clutches, wallets, organizers, and even shoes!

 Seeing this portion of the creative souk made me think about when the last time was when I slept on a banig.

 A sewing community in Cebu, meanwhile, makes these rag dolls.

There were so much to see.  Everyone involved in the Gallery really have their creative juices flowing.  It was evident in every piece that was sold in the store.  In the end, this came home with me...

It's really a bills organizer but I figured it'd work great as a clutch.

It's perfect for all my essentials:  my moolah, my phone (with visible fingerprints!  Haha!), my idea notebook, a pen or two, IDs, and cards.  And a tube of lipstick.

While I cannot really say that the handmade movement is robust in Cebu compared to Manila, Anthill Fabric Gallery very well declares that at the very least, it is alive in Cebu.  Here's to more creative enterprises in Cebu! :)

Weekend Tidbits: Cebu

Last weekend, Hon-some and I flew to the Queen City of the South.  As most of you know, I have a love affair with Cebu.  I still remember my first visit to that place.  I was 24 years old in a quarter-life crisis.  I wanted to get away and, not knowing what I was doing, agreed to a friend's offer to book me a flight to Cebu on a solo trip.  I didn't know a thing about Cebu; didn't know anyone there at the beginning.  But I knew it was the perfect place to think, think, and reassess my life.

I fell in love with Cebu in an instant.  I wanted to come back but not just for a visit.  I got my parents' blessing to try and strike it out on my own and live there.  By God's grace, I landed a job there and the rest just fell into place.

Although I only stayed there for two years, it was the best two years of my single life.  I became independent, resourceful, and responsible.  I learned to eat healthy and to budget my money.  To this day, I know some of my colleagues there wondered why I never "gimmicked."  I read my books, cooked my own food, wrote my thesis, and attended to creative projects.  They probably felt sorry for my social life.  But I knew my wallet was fatter than theirs.  Hahaha!

I also learned how to take care of myself.  The one incident when I got really sick there was super horrible that I vowed never to get sick again as much as I can help it.  That's when I became more aware of what I ate and did (I loved my evening jogs in Paradise Village).

When Hon-some and I stepped out of the airport last Saturday, it felt great to be back.  Really great. :)  Suddenly, I was reacquainted with the laidback charm that I have come to love about Cebu.  The environment is much better than Manila, the people are friendlier, and cab drivers give the change back!  While a lot has changed since I had left, it still felt like home.  Or maybe like an old friend I have reunited with after long years of losing touch.

We were in Cebu for what could be considered R&D and not necessarily R&R.  We were on our toes most of time, exploring the city and reveling in the ideas that kept on flowing.  Our trip, albeit quick, was fun and productive...and gluttonous!  I'm still on a juice cleanse today because of all the eating we did there!  Just one of the things I love about Cebu.  In fact, I will always love Cebu.  In time and with God's grace, I hope Cebu will be ready to love me back again. :)

P.S.

By some stroke of luck, the short weekend got extended!  Here are some of what we did:

1.  Went for a morning walk in UP and reminisced about my student days...

(I took the photo.)

2.  Sewed up Mr. Gingerbread Man.  That rickrack fits him eh? :)

3.  Hon-some's niece and nephew slept over so we took them for lunch at Gino's Brick Oven Pizza and Cello's Doughnuts.  Happy eaters!

My plate...and a super swiped one in the background. :)

The weekend that was.  :)