AREVALO HANDWOVEN PRODUCTS: A FAMILY LEGACY
In 1994; the Fiber & Fabrics Industry of the Phiippines found strong support from an Ilongga, former First Lady Amelita Ramos. This provided a momentum to Evelyn- Larida- Jiz, Ramona’s daughter, who was then contemplating retirement from 20 years of teaching. Although raised in a household of looms and weavers, Evelyn never learned the skill of hand weaving. Ramona aspired for her children to become professionals and only saw weaving as a means of livelihood, not a legacy craft. Evelyn, now a Chemist, needed the guidance of Ramona to revive the family business. Once again the “baul” emptied its contents, this time for a nostalgic journey, a transition of heritage from one generation to the next.
Mother mentored daughter each step of the way, defining “tiral” , “sab-ong”, “han-ay”, ”bitbit”, “lansadera” and all the eloquent words of Ilonggo weaving. With good quality raw materials, at hand, J & L Hablon Products began production and redefined hablon in many trade fairs as not merely for patadyong but also as fabric for modern clothes.
In 1999, Jusi weaving was revived and the availability of locally spun silk thread. In December of that year, Ramona’s eldest granddaughter proudly wore a bridal gown made from the first 20 meters of the maiden Jusi production, with all its flaws and irregularities.
Arevalo Handwoven Products superceded the previous business name J & L Hablon Products in 2001 due to registration conflicts. In 2002, Arevalo hand woven Products was authorized by the University of the Philippines- Diliman to execute production of its patent UP Sablay, the official graduation garment of he UP System.
The Blessing & Inauguration of Arevalo hand woven Products Weaving Center is a testimonial to the commitment of Evelyn Arenal Larida- Jiz, together with husband Mario and children, to honor and preserve the family tradition of hand weaving and bring the glory of Hablon and Jusi to the 21st century.
Let us be proud of our Ilonggo heritage!!!
Mother mentored daughter each step of the way, defining “tiral” , “sab-ong”, “han-ay”, ”bitbit”, “lansadera” and all the eloquent words of Ilonggo weaving. With good quality raw materials, at hand, J & L Hablon Products began production and redefined hablon in many trade fairs as not merely for patadyong but also as fabric for modern clothes.
In 1999, Jusi weaving was revived and the availability of locally spun silk thread. In December of that year, Ramona’s eldest granddaughter proudly wore a bridal gown made from the first 20 meters of the maiden Jusi production, with all its flaws and irregularities.
Arevalo Handwoven Products superceded the previous business name J & L Hablon Products in 2001 due to registration conflicts. In 2002, Arevalo hand woven Products was authorized by the University of the Philippines- Diliman to execute production of its patent UP Sablay, the official graduation garment of he UP System.
The Blessing & Inauguration of Arevalo hand woven Products Weaving Center is a testimonial to the commitment of Evelyn Arenal Larida- Jiz, together with husband Mario and children, to honor and preserve the family tradition of hand weaving and bring the glory of Hablon and Jusi to the 21st century.
Let us be proud of our Ilonggo heritage!!!