"Keeping a livelihood project sustainable isn't easy, but we persist because the weavers we work with need alternative sources of income in between planting and harvest season in our typhoon-battered region."

Anna Tuazon, Abre Linea

"My vision is dictated by my heart, my heart has always been for the underdog, it only follows that everything I do is directed towards empowering those that need a little push. Momentum is then left to their individual thirst to succeed. The key is to mentor, not control."

Zarah Juan



“I continue to strive to be the best designer I can be, to do what I do, because first and foremost, it is my passion. I love to create and to conceptualize! What continues to keep me motivated and inspired is my love for the Filipino culture and its people. I always do my best to promote to the world what we are capable of---what we can do as a people. I want to world to see the greatness of the Filipino."

Tim Tam Ong

"Because the continuity our our culture lies in the hands of the young. We work to make culture sustainable through contemporary weave wearing."

Anya Lim, Anthill

"We do what we do in order to change people's lives for the better. Once that process starts, everything else changes."

Mike Claparols, Creative Definitions

“I am inspired by our culture - it is our fingerprint. I work with artisans around the Philippines because I believe in them - they are the real treasure of our country. They are celebrated and honored through the creations we make together."

Len Cabili, Filip+Inna

“By building the GREAT Women Brand and Platform, we impact women's livelihood. Half of our population are women and most are micro-entrepreneurs or indigenous peoples weaving or doing small artisan skills. By supporting them through the collaboration of a collective of other women entrepreneurs we build together an inclusive supply chain that supports culture and tries to bring our small women producers out of poverty and to economic empowerment.”

Jeannie Javelosa, Great Women Brand

"I am a second generation fan maker by accident. I do it because it provides a sense of purpose. We have supported so many families including our own. There have been times that the business may have been no longer relevant but there is a calling that keeps it going. In every rib of a fan runs the blood of my mother and aunts who have contributed to this nation.”

Monchet Olives

“I do what I do because someone has to continue weaving the vessels of our past and future memories.”

Al Valeciano, Balay ni Atong

“We do this because we have so much respect for this craft of weaving, the tradition behind it, and the women who are the custodians of this tradition. We do not want to see it disappear. We advocate our efforts to its sustainability - by making the product more relevant to an urban demographic, we feel that it will help us go beyond the borders of its current market, go beyond being perceived as pasalubong or souvenir item, and make the inabel product a staple, more functional item for all households.”

Marga Palafox and Billie Tenchavez Reyes