About me

I am a proud Piña artisan from Balete, Aklan, born into a lineage of pineapple fiber producers and weavers who taught me that every thread carries a story. I began learning this craft at the age of six in our humble community of Feliciano, Balete, Aklan, surrounded by my family of artisans whose quiet dedication shaped my hands and my heart. Growing up immersed in the rhythm of piña weaving and the careful practice of natural dyeing, I inherited not only the skills of my elders, but a deep sense of responsibility to honor and sustain our craft.

As I grew, my curiosity led me to explore how our environment and our work are deeply connected. I learned to work with natural fibers, plants, and traditional methods in ways that respect the land and the communities who depend on it. This has guided my journey — creating with intention, minimizing waste, and allowing sustainability to be part of every decision I make as an artisan.

This path has also inspired the creation of naug, a local brand grounded in purpose and culture. In our local dialect, naug means “garment” — a word that carries a nostalgic memory from my childhood, a core memory and a feeling, often spoken by my lola when I was a child. naug represents comfort, sustainability, and creativity. Our mission is simple and close to my heart: “To honor Philippine traditional garments through contemporary pieces.” It is finally time to embrace my curiosity and creativity through our local, sustainable materials — celebrating heritage while allowing it to evolve with grace and relevance.

Today, as Chairman of the Aklan Piña Artisans Association, Vice Chairman of the Aklan Fashion Designers Association, and a member of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, I continue to advocate for the enduring value of indigenous textiles. My practice is rooted in sustainability, cultural preservation, and community — guided by the hope that every piece created honors our artisans, our land, and the generations who came before us.

My work is not just about fabric. It is a reflection of heritage, resilience, and the quiet beauty of Filipino craftsmanship — carried forward, thread by hand.