Discover Fibre Filippine: Piña, Abaca, Banana and other Philippine native fibers in a Fashion Show on the 17th and a 3-day Exhibition (18,19,20 October). In the photo: Dita Sandico-Ong’s Wrap

ENFiD (European Network of Filipino Diaspora) was formed as a resolution of the D2D-Rome conference with a vision towards a continued and sustained commitment and link to the Philippines, and at the same time fully integrated with the host country. With that in mind, Fibre Filippine (Piña-Abaca-Banana) Go to Rome is an effort to make Philippine fabric be part of mainstream Italian wear and use, a continuing process of keeping alive Philippine culture among Filipinos overseas and injecting it as an aspect of Italian culture. http://enfid.org

Here you can read the invitation. Free admission http://enfid.org/fibre-filippine/

FIBRE FILIPPINE

what you will see >>

Philippine Abaca or Manila Hemp

is extracted from the stalk of the plant scientifically known as Musa Textilis Nee, specifically from the outer covering of the leaf sheath.  It is considered the strongest of natural fibers being three times stronger than cotton and two times stronger than sisal fibers. It is far more resistant to salt water decomposition making it suitable for rope and cordage manufacture. It can also substitute for wood pulp in the manufacture of a general line of paper products, a usage that could contribute immensely to the conservation of the world’s diminishing forest resources. Quality is determined by strength, cleaning, color, texture and length of the fiber.

Philippine Piña fiber

is extracted from the leaves of the pineapple plant, Ananas Comosus (Linn) Merr.  The plant, particularly the native or “Red Spanish” variety, has leaves that yield excellent fibers for hand weaving.

Pineapple fiber is considered to be more delicate in texture than any other vegetable fiber. About 60 cm long, white and creamy and lustrous as silk, it easily takes and retains dyes. It has been processed into paper of remarkable thinness, smoothness and pliability.

“Piña”, was brought to the Philippines by the Spaniards and with the Franciscan Decree of 1580, piña cloth weaving was encouraged as well as embroidery, honing the natives’ skills and talents.

Piña cloth weaving reached its peak of perfection in the late eighteenth century when it became one of the most sought after hand-woven materials. It was known for being suitable for the tropical climate, unique and offered the most feminine and refined look during the age of elegance and romanticism.

The hand-woven piña fabric is considered a top fashion material catering mainly to the high-end market due to its relatively high price vis-à-vis other natural fabrics. Notwithstanding the high price, the local fashion designers are continuously using piña fabrics in their fashion collection although in limited quantity. Piña seda sinuksok (with inlaid design) is now becoming more appealing and saleable in the market especially to the fashion industry.

The decorticated pineapple fiber is a suitable material for textile production and can be woven into popular fabric.  Pineapple fiber blended with polyester (at 20% or 80% blend) passed the technical considerations from its pilot commercial trial run and is now ready for commercialization.

T’nalak (tehnalak)

is a purely hand-woven fabric originating from and solely produced by the T’boli mountain tribe. Using the centuries-old traditional backstrap loom weaving method, t’nalak is made from specially processed abaca fibers and tie-dyed with natural coloring agents derived from roots, barks, leaves and fruits of trees.

Piña, together with Abaca, Banana and other Philippine native fibers will be featured in “Fibre Filippine (Piña-Abaca-Banana) Go to Rome,” 17, 18-20 October 2013 at the Aranciera di San Sisto, Via Valle delle Camene, 11, organized by the Philippine Embassy in Rome in cooperation with the European Network of Filipinos in Diaspora (ENFiD).

Featured in this event are fashion shows by Filipino designers famous for their creative use of native fibers: Anthony Cruz Legarda, Dita Sandico-Ong, Renee Salud and Patis Tesoro as well as Jaki Peñalosa and Twinkle Ferraren. 

CONTACT INFORMATION for Media/Publicity
FIBRE FILIPPINE – Vice Consul Margret Malang
Viale delle Medaglie D’Oro 112-114, Rome 00136, Italy
Tel: +39 06 807 2546 – Fax: +39 06 3974 0872