Argao is known for the Torta, Peanut Browas, Toasted Mini Mamons and the Butterscotch. But this southern heritage town offers more than just delectable delicacies to its visitors. Argao is also home to a traditional method of weaving cloth using a handloom. This traditional weaving method is known as hablon.
Hablon – image source: Hablon de Cebu Handwoven in Argao Facebook Page
The Hablon
Hablon is a process of weaving using a handloom. It is one of the traditional industries you can find in the town of Argao. The term hablon comes from the Cebuano word for blanket or habol. The same word also means to cover something with a piece of cloth. While the correct term used to call the product of the process is hinablon, the term hablon is also used for the hand-woven fabric.
Hablon is a process of weaving using a handloom. It is one of the traditional industries you can find in the town of Argao. The term hablon comes from the Cebuano word for blanket or habol. The same word also means to cover something with a piece of cloth. While the correct term used to call the product of the process is hinablon, the term hablon is also used for the hand-woven fabric.
Hablon – image source: sunstar.com.ph
The industry is part of the culture of Argao with nearly all women in the town were weavers or spinners during the Spanish period. The industry is as old as the town itself as indicated by Spanish missionaries. It was one of the major sources of income for Argao as most of their products made their way into the homes of the elite during the Spanish period.
Hablon – image source: Hablon de Cebu Handwoven in Argao Facebook Page
This industry is now one of the tourist attractions of the town. Aside from buying the products, tourists can also watch weavers at work. These weavers live in a number of barangays in Argao, including Canbanua, Cancainap, Lamacan, and Tulic. In the past, the products of these weavers are made of abaca fiber. These days these products come from other different types of fibers, including polyester, tingkal, and rotex.
Hablon – image source: sunstar.com.ph
This traditional weaving method is passed on from one generation to another. But similar to the traditional tattooing methods in Kalinga, the number of weavers in Argao is getting smaller. In an effort to prevent the industry from disappearing, the Department of Trade and Industry opened a Shared Service Facility (SSF) at the Argao campus of the Cebu Technological University. In addition, a well-known Cebuano designer, Dexter Alazas, is encouraging fellow designers, furniture makers, and manufacturers to make use of the hablon for their products.
Hablon – image source: Hablon de Cebu Handwoven in Argao Facebook Page
Where Can You Buy The Hablon
Aside from Argao, the hablon is also available in some big-name stores in Cebu and Metro Manila. One of the stores selling this woven material is Rustan’s . They offer shawls made from polyester and hand-painted cotton. In addition, the ANTHILL Fabric Gallery has been working with the weavers from Argao to promote their products in the market.
Aside from Argao, the hablon is also available in some big-name stores in Cebu and Metro Manila. One of the stores selling this woven material is Rustan’s . They offer shawls made from polyester and hand-painted cotton. In addition, the ANTHILL Fabric Gallery has been working with the weavers from Argao to promote their products in the market.
Hablon – image source: Hablon de Cebu Handwoven in Argao Facebook Page
The last few decades saw Cebu growing by leaps and bound. Even as the island has become one of the fastest growing economies in the archipelago, it is still important to preserve the traditions that were passed on to us by our ancestors. These traditions allow Cebuanos to remain grounded as the island becomes one of the go-to destinations in the country.
RSS Feed