INDIGENOUS MATERIALS

a presentation by: Diana Elizabeth Alvear

you can't buy

happiness but you
can buy local
 LOCAL PRODUCT AND
MATERIALS
Local materials and products often are unique to the place and connect
whatever people make within an area or region.
7 POPULAR LOCAL
MATERIALS
ABACA
Initially used as material for rope, the abaca
found its way inside Filipino homes as a great
material for furniture and decor. The versatility
of abaca, or Manila hemp, makes it easy to work
with or create different designs with it. Furniture
makers and designers choose this material for
their works because of its durability and
availability.
BAMBOO
Homes in the provinces often use bed frames,
sofa sets, and tables made of bamboo—
proving that it's a versatile must-have that
designers and homeowners should consider.
Aside from being used in different pieces of
furniture, bamboo is also sturdy and can give
your home a laid-back tropical vibe. As a bonus,
it can last a lifetime, too
COCONUT SHELL
Coconut shell laminates are considered at par
with the quality and appearance of turquoise
shells or ivory. When you look at photos of
homes—whether in magazines or online—a
wide array of boxes, lamps, tabletops, chairs,
household accessories, and even wall
treatments make use of these materials.
CAPIZ SHELL
If you think about it, you have seen capiz shells
in different homes, in various forms. These
shells are often used in crafting wall art, decor,
and even lighting fixtures. Invest in one piece
and use it as a focal point in the living area or
dining room. There's no doubt it'll be a
conversation starter at your next dinner party
RICE HULL ASH CEMENT SANTOL WOOD
(RHAC)
Concrete is essential in modern homes, but if Quite common among Filipino backyards and
you're looking for a more cost-effective and farms, santol is mostly known for its fruit that is
sustainable alternative—RHAC is the answer. popularly consumed and used as an ingredient.
Ash from rice hulls or husks, when burned under Little did we know that it has more to offer—
700 to 750 degrees Celsius, offers binding while it is less dense than narra or molave, it is
properties that make it a suitable additive to way easier to work with and polish. It is also
cement solutions highly resistant to wood borers (bukbok) which
makes it ideal for skeletal framework.
RATTAN
Made of climbing palm tree leaves, the rattan is
another favorite of many designers. Rattan
furniture pieces have evolved over time—as
seen in the works of acclaimed designers
Kenneth Cobonpue and Ito Kish, to name a few.
7 POPULAR LOCAL
PRODUCTS
 Each regions in the

OTHER LOCAL
Philippines
showcase different
products from
indigenius materials

PRODUCTS that reflects its

culture and
traditions

PUNI OR PALM
FOLDING
A tagalong term from the
province of Bulacan which
means to beautify or
decorate with the use of
coconut leaf. Coconut leaves
are fashioned by folding,
plaiting, braiding and simple
weaving, which may have
functional as well as
aesthetic uses.
BULACAN
SINGKABAN OR
BAMBOO ART
Filipino word for decorated
bamboo arch, is used as a
welcome signage of a town,
city or village in the country.
It is widely used as
decoration during town
fiestas in Bulacan.
PABALAT OR
PASTILLAS WRAPPER
Pabalat is also a folk art or in
Filipino term, siningbayan. It
is a folk art because it
originated among the
townsfolk reflecting their
traditional culture. The art
practice has also been
passed from generation to
generation and its creative
elements and aesthetic
values mirror the people’s
everyday life.
LOCAL
MATERIALS
FROM
BULACAN
 PAMPANGA AND LAGUNA
TAKA
The art of “taka” or “taka-
making” is not an exclusive
Pinoy art. Paper mache and
decoupaging have been
around for centuries. In the
Philippines, the first recorded
or mention of a created taka
was by a woman named Maria
Bague in the 1920’s.
SANICULAS COOKIE
MOLD CARVINGS
Saniculas cookies are
arrowroot cookies that have
the image of St. Nicholas
molded on it ergo the name
Saniculas. St. Nicholas is also
known as “the healer” and is
the go to saint for those who
need “healing” from illnesses.
PAGBUBURDA
The art of embroidery is happily
alive and flourishing in these towns.
Although it’s mostly done by
women who are wives of the
farmers and fishermen, it is not
uncommon to see fishermen and
farmers who are also carefully and
delicately embroidering floral
designs during their “off-season”.
LOCAL MATERIALS FROM PAMPANGA
AND LAGUNA
 INDIGENOUS MATERIALS
The previous slides show different local products, meaning it is produced locally
and most probably creating these products require the use of indigenous materials.

Examples:
Puni - Palm Leaf
Singkaban - Bamboo
Pabalat - Papel de Hapon
Taka - Wood and Paper
Saniculas Cookies Molds - Wood
Pagbuburda - Pinya Cocoon
"The future belongs to
those who believe in the
beauty of their dreams."

— ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
 link for the canva presentation:

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