WITH the tradition of Philippine weaving slowly dying out, one enterprise in the Queen City is doing everything it can to do exactly the opposite: Making it thrive again.
Enter Anthill (Alternative Nest and Trading/Training Hub for Indigenous/ Ingenious Little Livelihood seekers) Fabric Gallery, a social and cultural enterprise that aims and works toward preserving and promoting Philippine weaving traditions.
But to truly appreciate and understand the beauty that is Anthill, one must delve deeper into how it all came to be.
Where it all began
Anthill began as a shared dream between Anya and her mother, Annie Tan Lim. Even as a child, Anya grew hearing tales about different indigenous communities. Traveling with her mother to weaving communities at a young age opened Anya’s eyes to the fact that the living tradition and culture of weaving was dying in the Philippines. The problem was that, with weaves being undervalued and perceived by many to be uncool to wear, the demand for it was underwhelming. Topped off with the lack of interest from younger women to learn the craft, things were not looking good.
“Cultural degradation was a social issue that became our social pain,” Anya lamented.
Seeking an answer
Looking for a solution to address the problem, Anya felt that social entrepreneurship was the answer. Her fascination with the Filipino indigenous culture and the dream to work toward preserving it, with the guidance of her mother—who was well versed in business—led to the creation of Anthill.
The research was extensive. Anya looked into Philippine weaves, visited the Philippine Textile Institute and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and spoke with various local designers for much needed insight.
Immersion in weaving communities all over the Philippines broadened her knowledge, and it took three years of immersion with identified partner communities to secure a strong bond and foundation in partnership.
Only up from here
Ever since its inception, it has been an uphill battle for the enterprise. In May 2015, a transition into becoming a corporation allowed Anthill to become even more aggressive in realizing its dream. This also allowed a revenue increase annually.
With an expansion of revenue channels to more corporate accounts serving corporate giveaways, fabrics and uniforms, along with increase in retail sales,Anthill received a 150 percent increase in weave purchases from all its partner communities.
This paved a way for Anthill to implement the Master and Apprentice program that gives an additional 20 percent incentive for Master Weavers who trains an apprentice. This led to an increase of new weavers among the younger generation to 50 percent.
With communities and employees giving testimonials of positive social impact toward their livelihood, well-being and way of life, the communal and collaborative spirit Anthill fosters contributes to the success in pursuing the shared dream.
The future is bright
But Anthill does not wish to stop at just being that.
Anthill aims to develop more products, produce more quantities and use more locally sourced materials and scrap fabrics.
“This year, we aim to launch and grow our e-commerce, continually increase our sales channels and tap into the global market.”
And with the light on the horizon giving off a strong glimmer of hope, Anthill is on its way to becoming a Filipino household name that will make weaves more relevant in today’s generation and lifestyle, making it a master at weaving dreams into reality.