These Hidden Villages in the Philippines Keep Traditional Crafts Alive (And You Can Learn Them Too!)
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I’m excited to share something close to my heart, Filipino crafts. Growing up as a Mandaya, I was surrounded by colorful jewelry, woven mats, and other traditional crafts that tell the stories of our culture.
These crafts aren’t just art, they’re a piece of who we are, passed down through generations.
In this post, I want to take you on a journey to discover these beautiful traditions, from the T’nalak of the T’boli people to the wood carvings of the Ifugao.
I’m proud to share these with you and invite you to experience the beauty of Filipino craftsmanship.
Traditional Filipino Crafts
Mandaya and Mansaka Tribes: Masters of Beadwork and Colorful Textiles
In the hidden villages of Davao City, Mindanao, you can discover the rich tradition of Mandaya and Mansaka craftsmanship.
As a Pure Mandaya, when I was a kid I remember my mom making colorful jewelry and selling it in Manila.
Our house was filled with beads, and I loved watching her create earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. My Ina (grandma) always wore her jewelry, even at home, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
When she had extra time, she’d make Mandaya bags with sequins in designs of flowers, or anything that inspired her.
I also recall making banigs (traditional mats) with my family. We’d use sedsed, a wild plant, or buri leaves, which we’d dry, dye, and weave into beautiful patterns.
Banigs are traditionally used for sleeping or sitting and are a meaningful part of our culture. You can also make bags and hats using buri leaves.
They told me that when they were young, that’s all they had, so they would make bags out of buri. It was a special way to connect with our heritage.
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T’nalak Weaving: A Dream Come True in Lake Sebu
In Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, the T’boli people are known for their beautiful T’nalak cloth, which is made from abaca fibers.
The designs on this cloth are said to come from the dreams of the weaver, with help from Fu Dalu, the goddess of abaca.
The process is done with tie-dye and a backstrap loom, making each piece special and one of a kind. T’nalak is used to mark important events like weddings and births.
Along with the cloth, the T’boli also make accessories like the Lieg necklace, made of colorful beads and brass, and the sewat, a beaded wooden comb worn as a headpiece.
I remember back in 2018 when I visited Lake Sebu with my friends. They had so many beautiful T’nalak items! You could buy bags, wallets, mats, or even framed cloth pieces.
The colors and patterns were amazing, and the fabric was thick and made to last.
It was clear that each piece was made with so much love. I also bought a wooden bracelet that’s still one of my favorite souvenirs. Everything there felt so unique and special.
Ifugao Wooden Carvings: Bulul Statues and More
The Ifugao people, known for their stunning rice terraces, are also skilled in carving wooden statues, particularly the Bulul figures.
These statues represent rice deities and are believed to bring blessings for a good harvest.
The craftsmanship of Bulul statues reflects a deep respect for nature, ancestors, and the spiritual world.
The Ifugao artisans create these carvings with great care, making them not just decorative pieces but spiritual symbols tied to the people’s way of life.
If you visit the villages in Ifugao, such as Banaue or Batad, you can learn more about the art of carving these figures, which have been passed down through generations.
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Woodcarving in Betis, Pampanga
Betis, a town in Pampanga, is famed for its exceptional woodcarving, known locally as dúkit. This tradition dates back to the Spanish colonial period and has been passed down through generations.
Artisans in Betis craft intricate religious statues and furniture, showcasing their remarkable skill and artistry.
One of the most renowned woodcarvers from Betis is Willy Tadeo Layug, whose works can be found in churches across the Philippines.
If you’re interested in learning woodcarving, Betis is the place to go. You can visit workshops, watch skilled artisans at work, and even try carving a piece yourself.
Capiz Shell Crafts: From Windows to Art
Capiz shells, sourced from the Placuna placenta mollusk, have been a staple in Filipino crafts for centuries. During the Spanish colonial era, these shells were used to make windows due to their translucency and strength.
Today, Capiz shells are used to create various decorative items, including lampshades, Christmas decorations, and chandeliers.
If you visit Roxas City, you can find workshops where you can learn to make your own Capiz shell crafts, offering a fun way to take a piece of Filipino art home with you.
Baguio: A City of Crafts and Folk Arts
Baguio, a cool mountain city in Northern Luzon, is known for its arts scene. In 2017, Baguio was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, recognizing its rich tradition in crafts and folk arts.
In Baguio, you can find talented artisans creating wood carvings, silver jewelry, woven textiles, and even traditional tattoos.
The city hosts various workshops where you can try your hand at these crafts, making it a hub for experiencing Filipino creativity.
Whang-Od: Mastering the Ancient Craft of Kalinga Tattoos
Whang-Od, the 107-year-old tattoo artist from the Kalinga tribe, is the last living mambabatok, a traditional tattoo artist who uses a thorn and hammer to handcraft tattoos.
She began tattooing at 15, learning from her father, and became famous worldwide after being featured on Tattoo Hunter in 2007.
Visitors now travel to her remote village in Buscalan, Kalinga, to experience this ancient craft. Whang-Od’s tattoos carry deep cultural significance, earned through acts of bravery, and she only tattoos designs that respect Kalinga traditions.
She was featured on the cover of Vogue Philippines and mentioned in Forbes for her cultural impact.
Today, she continues to pass her craft on to younger generations, preserving this tradition in a hidden village.
Traditional Handicrafts of the Visayas Region
The Visayas region is known for its traditional crafts like banig weaving, pottery-making, bolo-making, and basket weaving. Banigs, woven from pandan and buri leaves, are used for sleeping mats, bags, and décor.
Pottery, made from local clay and fired in wood kilns, has been a tradition since pre-colonial times.
Bolos, large knives crafted for farming and hunting, are forged and polished by hand. Baskets, woven from bamboo, rattan, and buri leaves, are used for carrying goods and as home decor.
These crafts showcase the skill and creativity of the Visayan people.
How to Spot Authentic Filipino Handicrafts
Not all handicrafts are the same, so here’s how to make sure you’re getting genuine Filipino creations:
- Check the Materials: Authentic Filipino crafts are often made from natural materials like abaca, bamboo, coconut shells, and wood, which are commonly used in traditional items.
- Look for Distinctive Patterns: Genuine Filipino handicrafts often feature unique designs inspired by the local culture, nature, or folklore.
- Learn the Artisan’s Story: Many craftsmen have rich traditions behind their work. Understanding their process can help you identify authentic, culturally significant pieces.
Learn From the Masters in Hidden Villages
Beyond the well-known towns and cities, the Philippines has many hidden villages where traditional crafts are still practiced.
These villages are home to artisans who have spent years perfecting their craft.
Some villages even offer workshops where you can learn directly from these skilled artisans.
Whether it’s learning how to weave, carve wood, or make Capiz shell crafts, these workshops give you the chance to experience Filipino culture in a hands-on way.
It’s a great way to learn a new skill and connect with the people who keep these traditions alive.
Tips for Experiencing Filipino Traditional Crafts
⏰ Arrive Early for Workshops – Some craft villages can get crowded, so arriving early gives you a better chance to enjoy hands-on experiences and learn from artisans without the rush.
🌦️ Check the Weather – Plan your visit during the dry season for the best outdoor experience, especially when visiting villages where crafts like weaving or woodcarving are done outside.
🌊 Explore Off-the-Beaten-Path Villages – While Baguio and Lake Sebu are well-known, don’t miss the lesser-known craft villages where you can enjoy a more authentic and peaceful experience with local artisans.
✨ Support Local Artisans – Always buy directly from the workshops or artisans. Your purchase helps preserve these traditions and ensures fair compensation for their hard work.
❤️ Join Craft Workshops – Many villages offer workshops where you can learn the craft firsthand. These sessions offer a deeper connection to Filipino heritage and provide a unique souvenir made by your own hands.
Final Thoughts on Traditional Filipino Crafts in Hidden Villages
If you want to experience the rich culture of the Philippines, visiting these hidden villages and learning traditional crafts is a must.
From weaving T’nalak in Lake Sebu to carving wood in Betis or making Capiz shell crafts, there’s so much to discover.
These crafts are more than just beautiful, they’re a way to connect with Filipino history and the people who have kept these traditions alive for generations.
So, if you ever find yourself in the Philippines, make sure to check out these hidden gems and try your hand at one of these amazing crafts!
🧭 Travel Resources for the Philippines
Planning a trip around the Philippines? Here are trusted websites and tools to book flights, ferries, hotels, tours, and everything else you’ll need for smooth island-hopping.
✈️ Flights Between Islands
Find the best domestic and international flight deals with 12Go or Skyscanner, and check budget airlines like Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and Philippine Airlines for cheap inter-island connections.
⛴️ Ferries and Island Transfers
Book ferries between popular islands like Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Palawan on 12Go, which lists updated schedules, routes, and ticket prices for operators like OceanJet, Montenegro Lines, and 2GO Travel.
🏨 Where to Book Your Stay
Choose from beachfront resorts, city hotels, or private stays with Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb, or Vrbo for family-friendly rentals.
🚗 Getting Around
Compare car rentals on Rentalcars.com or DiscoverCars, book private transfers via Klook, or use Grab in major cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao for hassle-free rides.
🌴 Book Tours and Activities
Explore top attractions, island-hopping tours, and cultural experiences with Klook, Viator, or GetYourGuide, which all offer easy online booking and reviews.
📶 Stay Connected
Stay online with an Airalo eSIM, rent pocket WiFi from Klook for groups, or buy a local Globe or Smart SIM card upon arrival at the airport.
💸 Cash, ATMs, and Payments
Always carry pesos for small towns and markets, as card payments aren’t widely accepted in remote areas and ATMs can be limited on smaller islands.
🧳 Travel Insurance
Protect yourself from flight delays, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations with flexible plans from SafetyWing, HeyMondo, or World Nomads.
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About the Author
Hey, I’m Anjie! I love to travel, try local food, and sometimes get a little lost just to see what I’ll discover. I’m obsessed with nature and the sound of waves. That’s why I live where I can take a quick drive to watch the sunset and enjoy the ocean view.
I never start an adventure without iced coffee. I share hidden places in the Philippines because I want others to feel the same peace and joy I do when I find something beautiful and unexpected.
