The Bicol Region (The Philippines) is home to the best quality, innovative handcrafted products. Its homestyle and wearables industry is the most prevalent provider of income to many Bicolanos.

The most dominant raw materials found in the region for the identified products are abaca, buri, and seagrass (agas). These are abundant in all six Bicol provinces – Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, and Masbate, Bicol, Philippines.

Abaca (Musa textiles nee), internationally known as Manila hemp, is one of the indigenous crops found in the Bicol region and has been part of its traditional planting system.

Abaca fibre is considered the strongest among natural fibres, and the products derived from abaca are export champions. These include: fibercraft like mats, purses, slippers, bags, hats, placemats, tea bags, meat casings, filter papers, cordage (ropes, twines, marine cordage, binders, and cord); handwoven fabrics (sinamay, pinukpok, and tinalak), high-grade decorative paper as art media, photo frames, albums, stationery, flowers, all-purpose cards and decorative.

Annabel Handbag