Local Filipino artists are a big part of Philippine’s distinct and remarkable culture. The stunning art from the Philippines is marked with variety - from bursting colors to monochromatic presentations to timeless creations that combine history and tradition.
Despite the international recognition for the beautiful art created in the Philippines, most artisans remain in the background. The small communities that work together to keep tradition and art alive still need support.
If you have been to the Philippines and fallen in love with the country’s crafts or are someone who is drawn to the tradition that makes Philippines unique, there is a worthy cause you can do for the people that bring the iconic art products to life - supporting local artists.
In this blog, we’re going to talk about the eight ways you can do to support Filipino artisans.
Why Choose Filipino Art?
Apart from its tourist spots and culture that leave a lasting impression on those who have stepped on Philippine soil, the art showcased and sold throughout the country is also a key player.
The art of the Filipinos tells a story and depicts a tradition handed over from generation to generation.
History is evident in every woven product, every carved image, and every painting. Every piece showcases a fine detail about the country.
Philippine art is so distinct that people visiting the country fall in love with it.
8 Ways to Support Philippine Artisans
The hands behind popular arts and crafts products are keeping tradition and culture alive. More lives, dreams, goals, and communities are supported when business is sustained.
If you want to support local Filipino artists and the art they hold dear, here are some ways you can help.
1. Buy from Small Businesses
The money you pay for small businesses can go a long way compared to buying from popular shops that take in hundreds of orders daily.
Why?
Most small businesses started by Filipino artists - or those that support the livelihood - often directly get straight from the community of artisans. Without a middleman, local artists receive a higher chunk from each sale.
Look: Eight reasons why banig accessories are a fashion essential.
When artists are granted a more significant share, you support the continuity of the art considered the lifeline of many artisans.
2. Choose Handmade Products Over Mass-produced Ones
You can’t always see the difference between a handmade and a machine-produced Filipino product. However, the stark contrast unravels in the long run - the seams just don’t hold up much, the colors aren’t as solid, and the overall feel of the product you bought from commercial shops just isn’t right.
Handmade will always be the best - and not just because it beats the quality of crafts made by a machine.
When you buy handmade, you support the local economy of artists who painstakingly create each product with finesse and skills that not even the most refined machines can replicate.
Buying handmade is a win for both you and the artists - you get a product that doesn’t skimp on quality, and you rightfully give your money to those that keep art thriving.
3. Don’t Patronize Imitation
It’s true - authentic Philippine arts and crafts can be elusive to eager buyers. Alternatives have become available on shopping platforms like Wish and Amazon.
Although shopping from these sites is not a problem, you are likely to run into fakes and imitations. Every time a fake is bought, an artist is denied the opportunity to earn from his craft.
To support local artists from the Philippines, buy from businesses that sell authentic, handmade pieces.
Thankfully, with the dawn of social media, you can find more and more of these shops supporting authentic Filipino products on Instagram and Facebook.
4. Promote Your Purchases on Social Media
Despite their charm, arts and crafts from the Philippines don’t always get the attention and traction they deserve. Most small businesses don’t have enough financial back up to run far-reaching ads that will enable them to reach a wider audience.
Don't miss: Haraya's complete collection of woven accessories!
By simply posting on social media, you are doing a tremendous job for the artists in the Philippines. People who have never heard of trinkets from the Philippines will be curious about them. You and your social media are the keys to helping Philippine-made crafts reach more people.
5. Include Philippine-made Products in Your Wardrobe
The influencer marketing boom stems from the fact that when people see a person they trust use a product, their tendency to buy the same thing doubles!
Imagine what you can do for local Filipino artists if your circle of influence buys Philippine-made fashion accessories because of you?
When it comes to giving support to artists in the Philippines, you can do something as simple as incorporating the products into your wardrobe.
Accessories made by Filipino artists have now become more fashion forward. You will not only turn heads with your stand-out fashion trinkets; you can walk with your head high because you’re wearing style with the right cause.
6. Give Them As Gifts
The eccentric charm of Philippine-made products checks all the boxes for a great gift. Take a woven banig bag for an example. It’s chic, it’s different, and it doesn’t disappoint in the fashion department.
Every sale of their creation means a lot to Filipino artisans. Opting for proudly-Filipino choices for your gifts is like hitting two birds with one stone - you give support to thriving artists, and you get the ideal gift that your friends and loved ones will like!
7. Donate via Official Channels
Philippine foundations are dedicated to helping both starting and veteran artists improve their craft and achieve sustainable livelihood.
Some of the foundations where you can make donations are Artisans of Hope, and Tao Foundation for Culture and Arts.
8. Connect with Filipino Stores Selling Philippine Crafts in the US
More and more Filipino-run online stores make Filipino art more accessible to those living outside the United States.
One of these online stores is Haraya, a Filipino-founded business run by a husband and wife duo whose advocacy is to sell “fashion with a heart.” Haraya sells woven products like banig laptop sleeves, woven wristlets, and banig wallets.
You can find most of these online sellers of Filipino crafts on Etsy, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Shop Haraya Products, Support a Community of Artists
Haraya proudly brings the beloved Filipino woven products to the United States. Their new collection features beautiful woven fashion accessories that are elegant and timeless. The woven trinkets are functional as they are eye-catching.
But beyond promoting style, Haraya is a big advocate of supporting local artisans by extending their products’ reach overseas.
If you are looking for quality Filipino fashion accessories that can impact not just your wardrobe but the lives of those that create the woven products, you can do it if you shop at Haraya.
