Abaca
Species of banana native to the Philippines. The slope of volcanoes in Bicol region provides well-drained loamy soil and preferred growing environment for Abaca. It is harvested for its exceptionally strong and salt-resistant fiber from the leaf stems. Harvesting is done by removing the leaf stems after flowering but before fruits appear.
Used in our Christmas wreath, trees, small hanging decorations and lanterns.
Pandan
There are 48 species of pandan that are endemic to the Philippines. They grow in thickets along seashores and various habitats, from sandy beaches, mangroves, and primary forests. The pandan plants used for making bags are bigger than its ornamental varieties and those used for cooking. On its leaves are fins and spines. Lalahon Pandan bags and water bottle holders come from Negros Island.
Used in our shopping bags and water bottle holders.
Bancuan Grass
Tikog or Tikiu are grass-like materials that thrive on marsh lands and near the sea from central Luzon to Mindanao. It is a very coarse, large, erect, glabrous, aquatic or marshy herb. Stems are triangular and about 2 meters long. Stems are dried and flattened for making mats, baskets, Christmas trees, and other handicrafts.
Used in our shopping bags and water bottle holders.
Pili
This storm-resilient tree, grown on the volcanic soils of Bicol Region frequently hit by strong winds and heavy rain, bears fruit even after a typhoon. These rustic trees have fruits that resemble large olives around 5 cm long. Their blackish brown skin sometimes has a purplish tinge. The outermost part of the nut is the pulp, which is a thin, shiny, smooth skin that changes color from light green to black as it ripens. Following the pulp is the brown shell approximately triangular in cross sections with a basal pointed end. Inside the shell are cavities containing mature, edible seeds.
Used in our tree.
Raffia Palm
A fiber from unopened buri leaf. Fiber is extracted in three stages: stripping the outer leaf sheath, striping the second leaf sheath, and striping into different sizes. It is then loom woven into fabrics to make bags or used as wall coverings, upholstery material, folding doors and window hangings.
Used in our water bottle holders.
