Design for us is always a collaborative act, whether it's with artisans, the sewers, or designers. For this collection, we had the happy opportunity to work with a passionate young designer who started as an intern at the company. We'll leave it to her to tell you her story.
Meet our Ligaya Collection co-designer, Monica! In this interview, she shares about her inspirations, her Ivatan roots, and what this collection means to her.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Can you tell us about yourself?
I’m Monica Ballada Abad, 23-year-old, a Fashion Design and Merchandising student from De La Salle-College of St. Benilde. I’m proud to be part of an indigenous tribe in Batanes called Ivatan. I'm a visionary fashion student with a heart full of dreams and a deep-rooted passion exploring traditional techniques and finding ways to incorporate them into contemporary fashion, ensuring that heritage stays alive in a fresh, wearable way. Learning about new methods, materials, and innovations that can benefit my community is something I’m always excited about.
For me, fashion isn’t just about style it’s about storytelling and cultural preservation.
How did you come to co-design the Ligaya Collection?
I was searching for an internship that aligned with my love for cultural preservation and craftsmanship, and that’s how I found Woven. When they later invited me to collaborate, it felt like the perfect fit.
"For me, fashion isn’t just about style it’s about storytelling and cultural preservation."
What inspired the collection?
It’s a tribute to the joy and resilience of Filipino culture, and particularly the strength and artistry of women—past and present. We wanted to create essentials that are vibrant, practical, and meaningful for modern women. A special design element in this collection is the Sampaguita, a delicate yet powerful symbol of grace, resilience, and beauty qualities that embody the spirit of every woman.
Each piece is not just a statement of style but also a tribute to the hands that wove them and the stories of perseverance, creativity, and passion behind every thread.
What was it like working on the collection?
Conceptualizing the Ligaya collection with the team was an exciting and inspiring journey. From the very beginning, we shared a common goal to create something that celebrates both heritage and the modern woman. We spent countless hours choosing the right fabrics and materials, exploring vibrant color palettes, and discussing how we could make each piece both stylish and functional for women.
My absolute favorite memory was seeing my design sketches come to life in physical form for the first time. It’s one thing to imagine it on paper, but holding the actual piece, feeling the fabric, seeing the details, and knowing that it started as just an idea was truly surreal. That moment when the artisans unveiled the first finished piece was so rewarding. It was a beautiful blend of my vision and their craftsmanship, and it reminded me why I love what I do.
Do you have a favorite piece?
My favorite piece from the Ligaya collection is the Sampaguita Laptop Sleeve, which is primarily made from banig. I spent hours learning Adobe Illustrator just to create the patterns, pushing myself to bring my vision to life.
But what makes it even more meaningful is the Sampaguita itself. While it’s not my favorite flower, it holds a deep connection to my childhood. I used to walk the same road every day from home to school, passing by a house almost completely covered in beautifully planted Sampaguita. I would secretly pick a flower and smell it as I walked, it became such a simple yet comforting routine.
Later in high school, I learned that the Sampaguita is a species of jasmine, and the name ‘Jasmine’ took on an even more special meaning for me. My Aunt Jasmine, my mother’s brother’s wife, became one of the most important people in my life. She was kind, patient, always present at family celebrations, and had the most angelic smile. She brought so much joy to our family. Sadly, she passed away while giving birth, along with her baby. It was a devastating time for us all, especially for my uncle and their two young sons whom I now consider my younger brothers.
Even though she’s no longer with us, I feel her presence every day, watching over me as my guardian angel. The Sampaguita now represents her, her warmth, her strength, and the beauty of being a woman. When I smell it, I am reminded of how wonderful it is to be a woman, to nurture, to love, and to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Designing this laptop sleeve was my way of honoring not just my childhood memories but also the incredible women who have shaped my life.
What does being a girl mean to you and why should we celebrate girlhood?
To be a girl means to carry strength in softness, to nurture while standing firm, and to embrace both resilience and grace. Being a girl is about growing into our own power, finding our voice, and shaping the world in ways both big and small.
Girlhood deserves to be honored because it is where empowerment begins. When we celebrate it, we acknowledge the beauty of being a girl and inspire the next generation to embrace their identity with pride, knowing they are valued, capable, and unstoppable.
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The Ligaya Collection is for girls and women who honor their roots, embrace their journey, and move through the world with confidence. We hope you wear these pieces with as much pride as we felt creating them.
