IT ALL started with a bag of his mom’s that piqued Basil Nino Yap-Cabaral’s interest. It was a native bag that led him to want to tweak the design. So, he got in touch with the original manufacturers to collaborate until coming up with his own rendition, and Ninobasilio Bags was conceived.
Established since June 2014, the brand produces native bags created with a modern spin using locally sourced materials, with Basil sharing that it tries to source from different parts of the Visayas and soon, Mindanao.
“We started with pandan leaves and mahogany wood handles which consist a bulk of our collections. But last year, we introduced the use of tikog which is dominantly grown in Dumaguete and rafia materials woven in Bohol,” he said.
Ninobasilio Bags has launched several collections since its inception, with most remaining as staples.
“What we’re most proud of is our collection of traveling bags that isn’t very commonly done with natural-fiber materials,” he said.
Apart from the upcoming launch of the brand’s first ever nat-fiber trolley bag by the third quarter of this year, he also shared about its current collection that showcases the use of printed canvas cloth as lining.
“We recently launched a camouflage tote and are working on polka dots in multi-color canvas,” said Basil. As the founder of Ninobasilio Bags, he is often inspired by a person’s day-to-day needs like sling bags, laptop cases, luggages and more.
More than high quality craftsmanship and locally produced raw materials, it prides itself in crafting bags that have a fun play on colors and shapes perfect for any occasion and season.
Find Ninobasilio Bags at the ground floor of Robinsons Galleria Cebu, select Islands Souvenirs branches, and select distributors in Ayala Center Cebu.