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Have you met Anya?

Hot on the heels of Mindanaonan textiles gaining global recognition at the recent Miss Universe 2016 fashion show in Davao, we look at Anya Lim’s social enterprise dedicated to bringing Philippine weaves on the world map.

“In our travels, we saw that weaving had become a dying tradition only known among the elders. There was a gap in its cultural transmission and cultural continuity,” Anya Lim shares about what prompted her and her mother Annie to start ANTHILL five years ago.

Traveling around the world had exposed them to other countries’ deep appreciation of their cultural fabrics, and the Philippines’ own undervalued variations. “Cultural degradation was a social issue that deeply disturbed us. There was a lack of availability of wearable weaves in the market, which led to it not being worn or used as often—it would only be used as home accents, or labeled as costume-y rather than being our traditional wear.”

An acronym for Alternative Nest and Trading/Training Hub for Indigenous/Ingenious Little Livelihood seekers, ANTHILL was created to give its weaving partners a sense of ownership, something that Anya and her mom felt was integral into making the company sustainable. “We were inspired by the model of BeeHive, a cooperative in the US that works with different local artisans in the community,” Anya says. It was only in August 2013 that ANTHILL embraced its core business of promoting and preserving indigenous weaves by creating products that used their locally loomed fabrics and giving it a modern and fashionable twist.

Anya Lim

Anya Lim

“I wanted to launch a campaign that elicits a communal spirit and promotes Filipino pride,” Anya explains. “The insight behind our campaign slogan ‘Wear Your Tribe With Pride’ is really drawn from the desire to plant seeds of cultural continuity among the younger generation. We want to make wearing weaves cool and sexy. We wanted a campaign that will support our brand essence—where culture meets style. At the same time, we wanted more Filipinos to get to know their weaves and feel connected to our culture.”

Minaudières with ANTHILL's signature fabric

Minaudières with ANTHILL’s signature fabric

Ligaya dress in kalachuchi leaves print, a product of a collaboration with Hocus Manila using limited cuts of printed fabrics

Ligaya dress in kalachuchi leaves print, a product of a collaboration with Hocus Manila using limited cuts of printed fabrics

The brand’s latest collections feature shift dresses, matching sets of crop tops and high-waisted skirts, as well as accessories such as clutches, bowties and neckties, and scarves. “We transitioned to everyday apparel because we want to reach out to more weave wearers,” Anya shares about their decision to veer away from the cocktail and party dresses that ANTHILL had previously been producing. “We are blessed with two young and talented Cebuano designers—Stephen Ferolino for apparel and Cherame Lopez for the non-apparel lines. For the cycles of summer, holiday and capsule collections, we try to use a different fabric application to showcase innovative ways on how to use our weaves. We fall in love with them every time, because it stretches our thread of creativity.”

“We also work with a lot of Design Collaborators to showcase the many possibilities of hand-loomed fabric application,” Anya adds, naming the brands that they’ve partnered with for various collections—Suelas, Ylla Shoes, Risque Designs for shoes; Rags2Riches, Vesti for bags; Sidlan, Mothering Earthlings, LifeAfterBreakfast for lifestyle products; Heads of State Millinery Singapore for hats; and a lot more. “Design isn’t our core strength, but I’d like to think collaboration is.”

The real collaboration, of course, is in ANTHILL’s weaving communities—their three direct partner communities being Mang Abel Ti Abra, the Daraghuyan Bukidnon Tribe and The Handcrafters of Mary Enterprise in Cebu. “We’ve focused on deepening our engagement in the three communities first. We want to be able to ensure sustainable positive impact in the community we work with before expanding to other communities,” Anya elaborates. This relationship involves doing assessments and dialogues with the community on ANTHILL’s business and philosophy. “We then work on cultural appreciation through product design and innovation. We introduce new colors to them that they can apply in their traditional patterns. We then build their business capacity by transferring basic management and accounting skills, before facilitating the Master and Apprentice Skills Program, and a Financial Literacy and Saving Program.”

The geographical locations of the communities do produce some challenges. “We cannot be more present in the community as much as we want,” Anya explains. “The far distances also cause supply chain challenges in deliveries, and sometimes cause delays in achieving production timelines.”

Despite that, ANTHILL’s positive impact in the communities it has approached and the collective view of traditional weaves is undeniable. Personalities like host Tim Yap, newscaster Lia Cruz, singer Rachael Yamagata, and Save the Philippine Seas’ chief mermaid Anna Oposa have worn Anthill to show solidarity with this tribe. “We gain a lot of weave wearers from those working in the government, as well as mothers, and change and culture advocates. Most, if not all, of our weave wearers are active players in effecting change in society,” Anya says proudly. “It’s really inspiring that these are what make our tribe.”

  • photography Toni Marie Despojo
  • makeup Lyssa Amor
  • hair Nicko dela Peña

People

A Destination Wedding in Capiz; A Love Story in Focus

by Oj Hofer | photography by Pat Dy | styling by Romero Vergara | bridal gown & groom’s tuxedo by Oj Hofer

As June draws to a close—a month filled with vows, veils, and wedding bliss—it’s only fitting to end with a love story that began not in a chapel, but behind the lens of a camera. Meet the groom, Phillip Novo: a seasoned maritime officer commanding international vessels by profession, and a passionate hobbyist photographer in his downtime. Mr. Novo has captured countless scenes from around the world, but nothing compares to his candid portraiture study of the woman he would soon marry—Mitch Alianza—in a heartfelt ceremony at the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Roxas City, Capiz.

Philip keeps it classic in sun-washed Seychelles beige linen.

Mitch channels Persephone in a gown that blossoms with spring’s charm

Capiz became the couple’s destination of choice as an homage to the bride, who hails from the province. Historically, Capiz was the second Spanish settlement established in the Philippines. With its 80-kilometer coastline and a mesmerizing stretch of rivers and swamplands, the province offered a natural allure to the wedding party. Yet for the groom, it was more than scenery—it was about honoring his bride’s heritage and heart.

Their love story spans continents, email inboxes, and a few overpacked pieces of luggage. Phillip recalls their serendipitous encounter involving jumpsuits, hot air balloons, and the rhythm of a life lived in sync.

The Sacred Heart Shrine in Capiz, transformed into a lush tropical dreamscape.

Wicker baskets, solihiya chairs, and cascading greens brought understated elegance to the naturalistic reception at Istorya Forest Garden.

How did you meet Mitch?
Right after covering a friend’s wedding. I spotted her navigating the space with this quiet confidence. We didn’t even speak—just exchanged a look. Later came a few messages, a first date, and her walking toward me in a black jumpsuit. That moment? Unforgettable. I thought, “Ka-Vogue!”

When did you know she was the one?
Honestly, from the start. I had just closed a big chapter of my life—career goals, family responsibilities—and when I held her hand for the first time, I didn’t want to let go. Everything just aligned.

You proposed in Turkey—why there?
Cappadocia. Picture it: fairy chimneys, floating hot air balloons, and this surreal landscape. It felt like a dream, and in that dream, I asked her to marry me.

Who plans your trips—beach bum or mountain guy?
I map out the adventures, and Mitch plans what we wear on them. She packs only what fits and flatters—and trust me, she always looks like she stepped out of a fashion editorial. Our luggage deserves its own Instagram.

If you had 10,000 lives, would you marry her each time?
Every single time. Even if we met in another galaxy.

What’s one quirky thing you love about her?
She’s endlessly resourceful. Whether it’s an outfit or a life goal, Mitch can pull it together like no one else. She’s sharp, creative, and once she sets her mind on something, there’s no stopping her.

What’s your message to Mitch as you set off on this next big adventure together?
Hi, Love—keep holding my hand. No matter how the winds blow, let’s keep making memories, telling stories, and seeing the world—together.

A Sky Full of Balloons, a Heart Full of Yes — Philip Proposes to Mitch in Magical Cappadocia

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People

The Cardinals–an Amazing Gallery of Portraits on Cardinals in the Philippines by Artist Jun Impas

by Jing Ramos

With the recent death of Pope Francis on April 21, the Catholic Church is now focused on the election of the new Pontiff. The succeeding Pope will be challenged with continuing Pope Francis’ appointments and reforms, which leaned heavily on social justice and environmental issues.

According to the Code of Canon Law, the two most important functions of a Cardinal are to advise the Pope on matters of Church governance and global issues, and most importantly, to assume a vital role in electing a new Pope when the Holy See (Sede Vacante) is vacant.

In 6th-century Rome, the first individuals known as Cardinals were the deacons of the seven regions of the city. Since then, Cardinals have become a privileged group among the Roman clergy. It wasn’t until the 11th century that Cardinals were officially granted the right to elect a Pope. They were given the honor of wearing a red hat, which soon became their symbol. Often referred to as “Princes of the Church,” Cardinals wear distinctive red attire and are addressed as “Eminence,” a title that conveys dignity and respect.

Currently, one of the most favored contenders to continue Pope Francis’ progressive agenda is Cardinal Luis Tagle. He brings significant experience as the Pro-Prefect for the Section of the First Dicastery. Also serving as President of the Interdicasterial Commission for Consecrated Religious, Cardinal Tagle is the Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Urbaniana University. Beyond his titles, he is widely known in the Vatican as a trusted figure within Pope Francis’ core group.

Cardinal Luis Tagle and artist Jun Impas

Jun Impas, a highly respected Cebuano visual artist known for his realistic paintings, shares his gallery of Filipino Cardinals. The artist’s accurate and detailed depictions capture not only the physical likeness but also the presence of his subjects. “As a realistic painter, my works revolve around human figures, religion, significant cultural events, and quintessential Filipino scenes. I believe in the beauty of the ordinary, and that the most touching and telling of any story is better felt when captured in infinite duration, as in a realism painting,” the artist concludes.

Cardinal Orlando Quevedo

Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Manila Gaudencio Borbon Cardinal Rosales

His Eminence Pablo Virgilio David, Cardinal Bishop of Caloocan

His Eminence Ricardo J. Vidal, Cardinal Archbishop of Cebu

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Events

The First NUSTAR BALL

Janine Taylor, June Alegrado, Jackie Lotzof, Frances Siao, Ina Ronquillo and Christine Pelaez

The NUSTAR Ballroom, a magnificent venue at the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu, sets the stage for last night’s first-ever NUSTAR Ball.

Black was the color of night at the Zee table.

Glamorous guests from Manila and Cebu converged at the NUSTAR Ballroom, an exquisite venue within the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. The evening unfolded with a seated 5-course dinner. The opulent feast started with Beetroot Salmon Gravlax, adorned with caper berries, caviar, set with delicate edible flowers; and a main course of Compressed Pork Belly with Crackling Skin and Baby Scallops. Another highlight was the auction of coveted items like Dior and YSL handbags, a limited-edition Bulgari watch, and an exclusive 2-night stay in Nustar’s opulent 3-bedroom villa—complete with a private pool and a dedicated butler. The charity evening benefited the Cameleon Association, an NGO based in Iloilo City created in 1997 that developed a global approach to act on the causes and effects of sexual violence against children.

Nora Sol, Beth Go, Frances Siao and Marylou Ong

Ina Ronquillo, Maryanne Aboitiz and Jackie Lotzof

Designers Jun Escario and Philip Rodriguez

Philip Rodriguez with NUSTAR Malls two power ladies: May Adolfo and Joanna Salazar

Lana Osmeña with Mariquita Yeung

PJ Castillo and Kaye Abad with Cary Santiago

Drew Sarmiento with LV Manager Adrian Decuigan

Cary Santiago with Eva Gullas

Manila socialites Julie Boschi and Ching Cruz with June Alegrado

It was a night of elegance, luxury, and unforgettable memories as ladies in long gowns and gentlemen in black ties danced the night away.

 

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