Celebrate Independence with Pinoy Ingenuity

Tomorrow, the country will be celebrating its 114th Independence Day. And in line with this celebration, series of festivities will be happening all over the country starting from the flag raising ceremony in different government and private companies to commemorate this important event in our lives, to all-day partying that will highlight the greatness of our national heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Here in Makati City, where I usually spent most of my time, the celebration already started last Friday with their Make It Happen, Make It Makati celebration. There had a been series of shows that showcased Pinoy ingenuity - from variety shows to arts and crafts that I find really fascinating.

One of the many arts and crafts exhibits that really mesmerized me was the "banig" exhibit that is on display in Ayala Triangle Gardens. "Banig" or hand women mat has been a symbol of Filipinos craftsmanship, and in the latest Department of Tourism's campaign "It's More Fun in The Philippines","banig" is used as a logo - a really clever one, I believe.

It this Makati City's "banig" exhibit, you can see about a dozen of "banig" coming from the different parts of the country. To be honest, I didn't know that are these types or techniques of banig-making til I saw them on display there.

For instance, this "banig" is called Burubitu-on or star-like and Uru-antiyubos or glasses-like are Linabra techniques that have complex motifs.

Burubitu-on and Uru-antiyubos

It is said the these types of techniques are actually not recommended by weavers because the skipping makes the mat fragile or brittle.

While this next "banig" type, though may look a little like the one above, is called Binagaybay.

Binagaybay

Imbued with subtle play of pastel colors, this "banig" generates as many colors as one wishes by alternating colors of single stand.

As for this rustic colored "banig", locals called it Dinamadama. Taken from the word "dama", which is actually the local name of the game checkers.

Dinamadama

Dinamadama exhibits chessboards squares to come up with a dazzling contrast of hues and shades in various sizes of the squares and color combinations.

Next one is the most painstaking technique in "banig" making, but the most beautiful too, the Linabra.

Linabra

This "banig" style requires weaver to skip strands such that the skipped portions result in complex motifs.

Other "banig" techniques that I saw on this exhibit are as beautiful as those, but these showcase more colors and creativeness because not only they show stunning techniques but also artistic designs that will captivate not just the locals' but also foreigners' hearts.

The highlight of this whole exhibit is this giant Philippines flag which is also made from "banig."

Stunning right?

So, if you have time, feel free to visit this banig exhibit at Ayala Triangle Garden, Makati City! This exhibit is open to all and free for every Juan who wanna celebrate nationalism!

Happy Independence Day, guys!
Happy rammmpa!