How a local textile made international waves in Japan “Did you know that abaca comprises 40 percent of the Japanese currency?” asked Med Villanueva of Shelmed Cottage Treasures and the Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport) in Bicol. Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, is the world’s strongest natural fiber and remains one of the country’s top exports, with Philippine abaca making up 85 percent of the world’s supply and bringing in $80 million annually. Villanueva posed this question during the Bicol Region’s participation in the latest Tokyo Lifestyle Week, a prestigious expo held in Japan, renowned as the world’s leading trade fair for all things lifestyle.
She and a number of creative businesses were in Japan to showcase what the Bicol region can bring to the international lifestyle space. At Tokyo Lifestyle Week, Bicol’s booth was a vibrant showcase of how tradition meets innovation. Leading the delegation was Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) regional director Dindo Nabol who, working with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center Tokyo, arranged for business-to-business meetings and market sensing activities for the artisans.
As the fair buzzed with exhibitors and visitors from Japan and around the globe, some were drawn to the colorful products that embodied a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. The focus was clear: showcase the versatility of abaca and celebrate its rich heritage. Villanueva, alongside other Bicolano artisans an.