Every country around the world upholds pride in their cultural treasures. From food, rituals, natural resources, language, architecture, artworks, etc., these vital elements fully celebrate their homegrown heritage.
Likewise, their cultural showcase is definitely applicable to their local handicrafts which basically refers to commercial offerings exclusively molded by hand. These interesting items are the artistic outputs from artisans, craftsmen, master smiths, artists, and laborers who painstakingly invest time, money, talent, and energy assembling these fantastic creations.
The Philippines is a recognized global leader of this respected industry, transforming her islands into a heavenly source of hand-made products of various artistic calibres. Hence, when I learned about a handicraft fair happening inside one of Cebu City's popular malls, I didn't hesitate to immediately investigate this much-awaited event.
Trade exhibitions like these are only temporary and usually lasts for days or even weeks. So, while I was strolling inside this enormous shopping center, I suddenly spotted this smorgasbord of handicrafts because they were visibly laid out right in the middle of the main hallway of the lowest floor level.
You simply couldn't miss these exhibited handicrafts due to their dazzling displays as a result of the rich vividness of lighting and color surrounding them. And my eyes were completely focused on this visual spectacle.
I invite you to walk with me as I'll show/explain to you at close range the various items on sale. But if you don't intend to buy merchandise, there's no harm in freely browsing around, isn't it?
Are you ready? Let's go shopping!
Mugs and Coasters
First stop is the abundance of holders of beverages for coffee, tea, and juices. They come complete with their bases and look quite posh when paired.
These mugs and coasters are typically made out of ceramics or some kind of fiber substance. And as a final touch, they are hand-painted for that artistic aesthetic.
Shellcraft and Capiz Decors
Next, we have the ornaments and decorative artifacts made entirely out of natural shells including capiz which is a popular membrane derived from oysters and used in windows and other ornamental installations.
These natural elements have been one of the best alternatives for glass and proved to be durable, translucent, and sustainable. Their applications are diverse and have become one of the favorite raw components for handicrafts.
Woodworks and Sculptures
Moving forward, we also have a variety of wooden artworks and household decors that utilize one of the oldest organic materials known to man: wood.
The specific species of wood used for most of these creative items are derived from "kamagong" also known as "iron or ebony wood" in English. It's commonly used in the fabrication of interior furniture, wall decors, and home ornaments.
Trinkets and Jewelry
Moreover, these keychains and other decorative accessories are made from various recyclable materials such as fiber, ceramic, or engineered plastic.
Pearls, both the natural and artificial varieties, are also popular for fashion jewelry and ornamental accessories for clothing as well as other types of body wear.
Purses and Handbags
Coming up, most of the bags and purses here are fabricated from a special ingredient called "abaca", the same one commonly used in producing ropes for shipyards.
Although the process of creating these fashionable paraphernalia are meticulous, abaca is a strong material and has become a preferred component for these kinds of local products.
Ornamental Plants and Cosmetic Flowers
And lastly, we have the naturally cultured and artificial plants designed for outdoor but mostly for indoor decorations. They include ornamental varieties like orchids, ferns, and succulents.
The raw materials used for some artificial plants range from abaca, fabrics and some special textured paper. Their artistic expression is limitless.
There might be some items I've missed on this list but these are the most common handicrafts that I've discovered during my mini tour of this fascinating bazaar. Despite not purchasing anything, it was still an incredibly interesting experience!
So, which handicrafts exhibited here have caught your attention? Let me know.
Regardless of the temporary pause, I'm still publishing here. Many thanks to @dswigle for establishing this awesome Market Friday Community on Hive!
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Hello @storiesoferne, a very complete handicraft fair, there are so many products that it is difficult to choose, the utensils made with seashells are beautiful, I liked them for their varied designs especially the one in the shape of a fish, I would never have imagined that they are made with that material, it looks like glass; among the musical instruments there is one very similar to the "Venezuelan cuatro", (the one with the painted palm trees), they even have the same amount of strings, what is its name? the cuatro, along with the harp and the maracas is one of the instruments that accompanies the traditional Venezuelan music; the Joropo, without a doubt a great visit and a lot of handmade products to observe.
Have a blessed weekend!
Greetings @belkyscabrera. That's true, the amount of exhibited handicrafts on sale was overwhelming. And if you don't have a planned budget, you'll surely go overboard with your expenses due to the many interesting products worth buying.
I'm glad you're fascinated by the ingenuity and artistry of the local artisans, including the various materials used for these handicrafts. Apart from being creative, Filipinos are well-known to be resourceful with the vernacular components they integrate in their creations. For instance, the fish-shaped clock was a clever combination of natural shells and electronic genius.
As for the musical instruments shown in the above photo, the one on the left is simply a traditional Ukelele (a sibling of the guitar family) while the right one is called a Philippine Bandurria, a multi-string device that originated from Spanish influences.
I'm likewise amazed at the similarities of our national cultures. In fact, we don't need to be too surprised because both Venezuela and the Philippines were former colonies of Spain. Thus the resemblance of some musical instruments will be expected.
Thank you for your comprehensive observations of the showcased handicrafts - I truly admire your eye for detail! I'm pretty sure that if you were present during this trade fair, you'll definitely be going home with plenty of souvenirs from Cebu.
Blessings and have an enjoyable weekend! 😊
Indeed, to visit these fairs it is very important to focus on the budget and what you are going to buy, the variety of items is so great that you can easily change your purchase plans; the key is to focus on the objective of what you really need to buy.
Certainly both countries share the cultural legacy inherited from Spain, which still remains in force and is an important part of the heritage of these countries.
Well said @belkyscabrera. Cheers! 😊
I am not into Philippine culture, but what I know this a country that has been part of different empires, and it is fascinating how diversity and meld work. One part of this complex result is precisely what you share here. Thank you!
Yes that's true @laimagenhabla. The Philippines is a melting pot of cultural influences from several foreign nations and local flavors. As a result, we get to experience the interesting legacy they have left behind, one of which are these wonderful handicrafts. 👍
Mag window shopping ra jud ko dinha kay wa koy kwarta. haha! Suya2 ra mag tan-aw. :D
Mao gyud @itravelrox. Pag window-shopping lang pero ayaw lang ka suya haha. 😁 It's the overall experience that matters. 👍
Makapalit ra og naay manugo. haha
Lol 😁
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Awesome! Thanks a lot for this wonderful update @hivebuzz. 👍
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