TEXTILE EXHIBIT WEAVES STRONGER TIES BETWEEN THE PHILIPPINES AND MOROCCO

Rabat, 24 February 2025 - The Philippine Embassy in Morocco officially opened "Stories from my Grandmother: An Exhibit of Philippine Weaves" at the Abla Ababou Galerie in Rabat on 24 February 2025. The exhibit showcases the rich cultural heritage and weaving traditions of the Philippines, featuring textiles from the collections of Mr. Al Valenciano and Ms. Len Cabili, founders of Balay ni Atong and Filip + Inna, respectively.

Bringing together handwoven pieces from various indigenous communities from the inabel of the Ilocos Region to the malong of Muslim Mindanao, the exhibit is a journey across the Philippine archipelago. The exhibit also features collaborations between Filipino and Moroccan artists and artisans, such as Moroccan designer Jonathan Amar who created brass lamps using abaca and piña lampshades, and the Alili Idaousmlal Women’s Cooperative which did Amazigh embroidery on abaca and piña.

Ambassador Leslie J. Baja welcomes guests to the exhibit

Ambassador Leslie J. Baja welcomed guests from the diplomatic corps and the Moroccan community to the first event of 2025, which is the 50th anniversary of Philippine-Moroccan relations. He said in his remarks: "through this exhibit, we hope to weave a stronger fabric of relations between our two countries."

Ms. Cabili shares with the audience the story behind the ye kumu, a t’boli dowry blanket made from abaca fibers

Mr. Valenciano talks about the revival of the inabel, the traditional textile of the Ilocos Region

After the Ambassador’s remarks, Mr. Valenciano and Ms. Cabili spoke about their work with Filipino artisans and the stories behind the pieces on display.

The exhibit will run until 8 March 2025 to coincide with International Women’s Day in order to honor the women weavers who made this exhibit possible. END