As La Herminia reminisces about their modest origins dating back to 1996, the impact of unemployment weighs heavily on their responsibility for providing. However, this unexpected turn of events proved to be transformative not only for their own lives but also for the lives of countless others.
Their mother, Herminia Tumbokon, developed her expertise in weaving from her grandmother and her aunt, who were both skilled in the art of weaving piña fabric. Her guidance and mentorship have been invaluable, passing down an ancestral craft and knowledge to them.
In the initial stages, the journey was challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. They took on many roles, starting from being the weaver to managing and even handling maintenance tasks for their hand loom. Eventually, it became a family business which included their eldest sister and their wife, both of whom played vital roles in developing their business. Over time, their hard work paid off, and they have now expanded to the point where they've been able to bring in the skills and dedication of almost 135 weavers. La Herminia’s journey is a testament to the enduring artistry and tradition of piña weaving.
Piña, a delicate and intricate fabric derived from the pineapple plant, embodies remarkable versatility and promise. Embedded within its fibers are the rich cultural traditions of the Filipino people, as it is traditionally used to craft garments such as the Barong, Baro’t Saya, and elegant shawls, serving as a reflection of the unparalleled worldwide heritage. Throughout changing fashion trends and evolving styles, their goal is to showcase the adaptability of this fabric, demonstrating how it seamlessly integrates into everyday wear.
As self-taught weavers, they have dedicated themselves to mastering the intricate processes of fiber extraction, knotting, and weaving. Their skills have been honed through the guidance of their mother and training from Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), allowing them to refine their weaving techniques further. Drawing inspiration from the ancient tablero ringgue weaving technique, they have focused on showcasing the remarkable versatility of Piña fabric.
Over the years, their journey has led to developing various innovative designs and weaving methods. One notable example is the "Insecta" creation woven by their talented weaver, Zairel Regusta, who was recognized as the outstanding young weaver at the 6th Lourdes Montinola Competition in 2023. Their latest breakthrough, the "Peacock," was recognized with the Filip+Inna award for its seamless integration of peacock fibers into the weaving process.
"Peacock" by Marilyn Almero
"Insecta" by Zairel Regusta
La Herminia Piña Weaving has made significant innovations in their production processes. For instance, they have successfully developed a 60-inch wide loom, effectively doubling the width from the previous 30-inch model. Additionally, they have introduced a semi-mechanized 60-inch wide handloom, as well as a wrapping machine that can wrap 120 meters of fabric in just one day. This is a drastic improvement from the manual wrapping process, which previously took one month to complete for the same width of fabric. Their current focus is on further accelerating their processes by enhancing the knotting technique.
Throughout the company's history, they have remained committed to the core principle of fair trade. They take pride in every product they create, knowing that it represents the dedication and hard work of their local farmers, knotters, and scrapers. Their close collaboration with these individuals allows them to uphold and preserve their cultural heritage while giving back to their community. By supporting these local artisans, they can maintain the unique traditions and crafts that are an integral part of their tradition.
As a sustainable, family-oriented piña weaving enterprise, their vision is deeply rooted in the preservation and enrichment of their cultural heritage. They are committed to safeguarding the traditional art of piña weaving by embracing innovation and modern techniques, ensuring its enduring significance and relevance for generations to come. Their dedication to innovation and modern techniques is not just a commitment but a promise for an exciting future. They believe that their goal aligns with HABI's mission: to not only preserve this cherished art form's integrity but also to further its evolution in harmony with their heritage. By participating in the Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition, their weavers are given the opportunity to showcase their intricate craft, which not only instills a sense of pride in their work but also serves as a morale boost. Moreover, entering the competition opens doors for networking with other companies that share the same advocacies, presenting valuable opportunities for collaboration and mutual support within the community.
