A sure item that occupies a slot in every tourist’s list of things to do is to bring home an interesting, foreign item – whether an article of clothing, a trinket or an artwork; something more than just the customary refrigerator magnet, keychain and “somebody who loves me went to _____ and got me this shirt” shirt. On Gorordo Avenue in Cebu City, there is a shop named Anthill Fabric Gallery that sells unique and indigenous products that tourists are sure to love.
Fascinating finds in Anthill Fabric Gallery are colorful sheets of fabric, hand woven by different Filipino tribes, loomed from homegrown materials. Aside from intricately designed fabrics, there are a lot of one-of-a-kind items, such as recycled paper baskets, terracotta necklaces and hand-painted bangles. All these are handmade by local out of school youth, urban and rural communities. It is the Anthill group’s aim to support and advocate handiwork from native craftsmen as a means of giving livelihood to them and preserving the weaving tradition in the Philippines. This principle inspired the shop’s name: Alternative Nest and Training Hub for Ingenious/Indigenous Little Livelihood Seekers. So, whenever you make a purchase at Anthill Fabric Gallery, not only are you bringing home with you a lovely trinket, you are also helping uplift a local, weakening culture.
Other bohemian items on the shelves are clothing, jewelry and bags sourced from travels to neighboring Asian countries, such as India, Japan and Korea. There is a café inside the shop, where guests can enjoy a cup of Cordillera coffee, locally grown coffee on the Mountain Province up north of the Philippines, and lemon grass juice, akin to the typical iced tea.
Anthill Fabric Gallery is located on Pedro Calomadre St. cor Acacia St, Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City. All photos are property of Anthill Fabric Gallery.
