Our Digital Officer, Chelsea Paterno, traveled to Basey for the first time to meet the famous banig weavers of Samar. Little did she know that their talent wasn't limited to weaving the intricate patterns on the mat. Read on to find out what she discovered during her trip to the province. Dancing is a form of expression that allows you to say and feel so much. I think everyone has done some impromptu dancing at least once in their life. If you haven't, you should give it a try - it is truly freeing. Life in a fast-paced environment can be quite demanding, so I let the music take me especially in trying times. Dancing allows me to pause - to let go...
By doing all these, we hope to help the communities weave a new pattern for their craft – with better market access comes more income for craftsmen and women, and with more income comes greater incentives for the young generation to take up the art of their parents.
In a community where the average age of a weaver is 50 years old, Riza stands out not just as one of the youngest craftswomen but also as the youngest leader of a weaving association in the area. When she was entrusted with the task of leading the group in the village of Bariwon, she was hesitant to step into the role.
Tarish Zamora, or Trish as her friends call her, stands in the surf looking out at the vast ocean. The water flows and crashes around her. Surfers in the line-up feel the energy in the water, anticipating the next wave to ride. Suddenly, the water swells as they start to paddle out. Tarish assumes her position, digging her feet in the sand and ready to snap the magic moments of surfers riding the waves.
The most vital thing we have learned is that when women are given a choice and given the chance to take control, they are empowered. When women are empowered, people around her feel this way as well. Because when women dream, they dream beyond themselves.
