Amihan Artisans

08/30/2026

HELP FILIPINO FAMILIES AS FLOODING CONTINUES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Heavy monsoon rains continue to flood communities across the Philippines, damaging homes and leaving families without essential supplies. In some areas, floodwaters have remained for more than a week, putting families at greater risk as they struggle to access food, clean water, medicine, and other basic needs.

Families need help now. Your donation can provide immediate relief to communities facing prolonged flooding and help families get through the days ahead.

Donate today and help bring relief where it is needed most.

Ways to Help:

Online Link : https://gk-usa.salsalabs.org/owi_flood

QR Code : please see poster

Text: BECOMEHOPE to 53555

Checks Payable to: Gawad Kalinga USA
Address: GK 1 World Foundation, dba GK USA
14241 E. Firestone Blvd., Ste. 400, La Mirada, CA 90638

Zelle: GK1World Foundation | [email protected]

PayPal: [email protected]
Please include in the notes or memo: OWIFLOOD

08/30/2026

Come see us at the Colorado Dragon Boat Asian Marketplace until 5pm today!

Each purchase helps GK USA projects in the Philippines!

Walang Iwanan! (No one left behind!!!)

08/26/2026

PEÑARRUBIA, Abra — The municipal government of Peñarrubia is integrating traditional Tingguian weaving into the local senior high school curriculum to preserve the indigenous craft among younger generations.

Under the initiative, Peñarrubia Integrated School, the town’s sole public high school, now offers courses in natural dyeing, hand embroidery, and traditional weaving featuring cultural designs of the Tingguian, or Itneg, people.

To support the program, the municipal government allocated public funds to purchase tillar, or weaving looms, along with threads and raw materials for student use.

"We hope that there will be more of our youth who will take interest in making the culture alive," Mayor Geraldine Balbuena said.

Abra’s textile tradition is distinct within the Cordillera region for its hand embroidery, known locally as kinamay.

The patterns reflect agricultural life and spiritual beliefs, including sinanpagay (rice plant motifs), sinantao (human figures), sinankalasag (protective shields), and sinantukak (frogs associated with rain rituals).

The process relies on natural dyes derived from local tree bark and plant leaves rather than synthetic chemicals.

Community elders and local institutions are providing technical support for the educational effort. The Agaid family, which operates the Itneg School of Living Tradition in Barangay Namarabar, continues to teach community members and visitors the traditional techniques.

The revival effort coincides with expanding commercial interest in Tingguian textiles. Local artisan Luis Agaid Jr., a cultural master at the Itneg school, recently produced 1,000 hand-embroidered patches for Japanese retailer Uniqlo's global collection, showcasing kukko geometric motifs that symbolize agricultural productivity.

Town officials noted that formalizing the craft in schools ensures that historical traditions evolve into sustainable livelihoods for future generations, bridging ancestral heritage with contemporary fashion markets.

(Photo courtesy of Provincial Government of Abra)

08/23/2026

POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato — An author from South Cotabato will bring a story rooted in Philippine folklore to an international audience this month when his middle-grade novel makes its U.S. physical debut at the 84th World Science Fiction Convention.

Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte’s Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan will feature at LAcon V, running Aug. 27–31 in Anaheim, California.

The book draws on the legend of Teniente Gimo and aswang lore, introducing young readers to traditional Philippine mythology through a contemporary adventure set in a fictionalized version of his hometown.

Hot Tropiks, a California-based distributor promoting Philippine books and creators in the United States, is bringing the title to the convention. The company will host the book at its booth, with signing schedules and creator appearances to be announced.

For an independent writer, overseas distribution presents steep logistics hurdles, including finding global partners and introducing cultural folklore to unfamiliar audiences.

“Debuting at Worldcon was never something I imagined,” Pasaporte said. “But with Philippine mythology and folklore finding their way into more media and films, I feel that this is the right time to share these stories not only with the Filipino diaspora, but also with new audiences.”

Pasaporte, a podcast producer, marketing specialist, and founder of children’s book platform Gully Books, released Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan in 2023.

His 2026 surreal story collection, Keep Pinetown Weird, shares the same fictional setting inspired by Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Thousands of science fiction and fantasy fans, writers, and artists are expected to attend the five-day convention, marking a significant international platform for the local author.

| via 12 Beat

08/09/2026

ANG ATIN AY ATIN LANG. 🌿🤎

Today, we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day—a reminder to honor, protect, and preserve the rich heritage, traditions, and cultures of our country's diverse Indigenous communities.

08/08/2026

See you all tomorrow!!!

07/25/2026

KORONADAL CITY — The province of South Cotabato marked a major cultural milestone July 13 as the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines formally awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) registration certificate for Tnalak Tau Sebu during the 27th Tnalak Festival.

The certificate was presented by IPOPHL representative Engr. Jessel Original-Cofleros to Gov. Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Vice Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., and members of the provincial board. Representatives from seven member cooperatives of Tnalak Tau Sebu Inc. received the recognition.

Officially granted on March 4, 2026, the GI registration establishes collective ownership for the Tboli weavers and protects the sacred, hand-woven abaca fabric against counterfeit products.

Tnalak is crafted on traditional backstrap looms using naturally dyed fibers with patterns dictated by memory and dreams attributed to the deity Fu Dalu.

“This addition to the nation’s trove of economic and cultural GI treasures not only tells the Tau Sebu’s story but also strengthens the protection of their communities’ woven heritage,” IPOPHL Director General Teodoro C. Pascua said.

Pascua added that safeguarding the fabric’s authenticity ensures the enduring legacy of the Tau Sebu weavers.

The GI protection builds on a collective mark awarded to the group in 2017.

Tnalak Tau Sebu joins Guimaras Mangoes, Aklan Piña, and Alburquerque Asin Tibuok in the nation's roster of registered GIs, which grant intellectual property rights to products deeply tied to specific geographical origins.

(Photo courtesy of Tnalak Tau Sebu)

| via 12 Beat

07/24/2026

😢😢😢

NEWS UPDATE: The United States announced a 12.5% tariff on Philippine exports, citing the Philippines' reported failure to enforce a ban on imports made with forced labor.

Read more: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/995984/us-slaps-fresh-12-5-tariff-on-ph-goods-over-failure-to-curb-forced-labor-imports/story/

07/22/2026

🌟 Vendor Highlight: Amihan Artisans 🌟

We’re excited to welcome Amihan Artisans to the 16th National Empowerment Conference!

Amihan Artisans celebrates Filipino craftsmanship with handwoven pieces, modern Filipiniana, and artisan-made goods that honor our heritage while embracing today’s style. Each item tells a story of culture, community, and creativity.

Catch them at the NaFFAA NEC
📍 Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center
📅 August 14–15, 2026

Stop by their booth to shop beautiful, meaningful pieces and support Filipino artisans keeping our traditions alive.

Marketplace Hours:
Aug 15th: 8am to 5pm
Aug 16th: 8am to 7pm