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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.
“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

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.”

Shaira Kaye Berame, Christina Santos, Yumny Mariot and Pia Danica Tenchavez (Photography by Toni Marie Despojo/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2016)
Writer at ZeroThreeTwo
Intelligence is really attractive because even if he looks like Chris Evans but he doesn’t know anything about the current events, how would he be with you? It is important to know something about the world.
On no-labels relationships?
“I think right from the very start you should be clear on your goals, personal goals, and where do you see yourself because that’ll be the hindrance with the progress of the relationship. It’s not like I’m demanding to be in a relationship by next week, but it’s good to know where I stand.”
Law student and theater arts performer
Even if the world has turned around and men and women are equal, we still want to have the best of both worlds. We still want to be pampered and at the same time, focus on our careers.
On juggling relationships and careers?
“Girls will always find and have time for both relationships and careers because we are multitaskers. There is no problem for girls to actually be in relationships and at the same time, progress in their careers and be successful.”
Social media manager at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
I don’t believe in age. I can date a 20-year-old or someone 20 years older than me as long as there is chemistry.
The one who likes you, or the one you like?
“I want reciprocation. I cannot want someone who doesn’t want me back. Reciprocity is the key”
Executive assistant to the regional vice-president at Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Region VII
Dear guys who are planning on dating women, especially women who have work: Please don’t date her if you don’t have money in your pockets! If you can’t provide for us then just don’t.
Is it important to care less?
“In love, you shouldn’t settle, there should be no rules. It really doesn’t matter who cares less or more.”
What they think about:
The man bun?
I think it is really, really hot especially on Kit Harington!” – Pia
Guys who wear BB cream?
As long as he takes it off before going to bed with me, I think that’s fine.” – Yumny
Guys who carry girls’ purses?
If it’s heavy, yes, please carry it but if it just a tiny purse, no!” – Christina
Guys who wear pink?
Real men wear pink.” – Shaira
Dating someone really hot?
One word: mine.” – Yumny
Dating someone younger than you?
I wouldn’t date someone ten years younger than I am. What, I’m going to pay for his baon?” – Pia
An ideal first date?
Breakfast. If it turns out well, we could go on to having coffee, then lunch, then merienda and then dinner. If it turns out bad then just go home, sleep and forget about it.” – Christina
Size?
Performance definitely matters the most, but when choosing between Incredible Hulk and Ant-Man, would you choose Ant-Man?” – Shaira
Read more on Zee Lifestyle’s July 2016 Men’s Issue. For back issues, subscribe via Magzter.
sittings editor Patty Taboada photography Toni Marie Despojo makeup Janice Barillo and Raisa Bercede hair Cris Villarta Canoy and Shyra Qyumbi styling Blaq Mafia production assistant Cloise Mae Abordo clothes Forever 21 locale Wish Cebu
The Cebruery’s Chocolate Hills Porter won best Porter in Asia as it was awarded the Gold medal in the Porter category, Guimaras Gose claimed Silver in the Flavored category, and Fat Bottomed Girls Wee Heavy Scotch Ale won Bronze for the Strong Ale category, beating out entries from Singapore, Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, Hong Kong, Jordan, and from other breweries in the Philippines.
“We have just recently celebrated our brewery’s first anniversary in February of this year and winning three medals from a BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program)-sanctioned competition shortly after makes us undeniably proud,” shares Toni Marie Despojo, founder of The Cebruery. “There are so many great craft breweries that have started up here in Cebu and in The Philippines over the past several years, and it makes us really happy that Philippine craft beer is starting to get region-wide recognition. With so many amazing brewers producing so many high quality, flavorful beers here, we’re just excited to be a part of the movement.”

Taylor and Toni Marie Despojo (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2015: Photography by Mark Philip Dales / Makeup and grooming by Paula Martin / Shot on location at Politics Café)
Toni started The Cebruery with husband Taylor in early 2014. Taylor’s background as a brewmaster in the United States, coupled with Toni’s penchant for supporting everything local, made a microbrewery the ideal business for the young and ambitious couple. The Cebruery is dedicated to bringing artisanal and innovative craft beer to the Philippines, with a strong set of four core beers to satisfy everyone’s varying preferences. The award-winning Chocolate Hills Porter uses “significant amounts of dark caramel, chocolate, and black patent malt for a rounded, full malt character, and is balanced with a pungent but restrained combination of Australian, American, and British hops,” according to their website.

The Cebruery’s bestselling drinks (Taylor and Toni Marie Despojo (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2015: Photography by Mark Philip Dales / Shot on location at Politics Café)
Read more about The Cebruery on Zee Lifestyle‘s July 2015 issue. For back issues, download Magzster on your mobile device and search for ‘Zee Lifestyle’.
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Zee Lifestyle’s February 2016 Real Estate Issue: Michelle Mulet Yu (Photography: Dan Douglas Ong/Sittings Editor: Shari Quimbo/Stylists: BLAQ Mafia/Makeup: Emi Ayag)
On the cover is Michelle Mulet Yu. As the driving force behind homegrown real estate company Landtraders World Properties Corp., Michelle proves that while the industry is mainly a man’s world, femininity can be an asset in finding a place in Cebu’s growing skyline.
In this issue’s Conversations, key players in the hospitality and real estate industries are paired up for an interesting exchange of ideas. Hoteliers Manna Alcaraz of Marco Polo Plaza and Cassandra Cuevas of Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, real estate brokers Renee Noval-Guillen and Xacah Kiener-Chang, real estate executives Davy Tan of Rockwell Land and Noli Hernandez of Megaworld, and sales executives Nova Noval of Vista Residences and Rouen Abel Raz of Taft Properties, all divulge their thoughts on Cebu’s evolving vista.
Zee Lifestyle introduces the next generation of Cebu’s Young Professionals. Tri-J Marketing’s John Rey Guadalquiver, Sprockets’ Rachel Arandilla, Atelier de Aurora and BLIND Clothing’s Kathrynn Dawn Sy, real estate broker Morgan Tornilla, The Cebruery’s Toni Marie Despojo, SALT’s John Mark Cañete, The Fat Pig’s Alfred Sayson, and The Chocolate Chamber’s Anthony, Jonathan and Hanna Choa, all prove that there’s no age limit when it comes to minding your own business.

BUSINESS CLASS. Cebu’s Young Professionals of 2016 (Photography: Joseph Ong/Sittings Editor: Patty Taboada/Creative Director: Shari Quimbo/Makeup: Romero Vergara and Jam Diez/Hair: Gino Fonghe/Locale: BIG Hotel)
This edition also explores some of the most enviable spaces in the city. James and Tasha Dixon’s modern yet minimalist abode retains touches of Filipino architecture, interior designer Anton Mendoza creates a cosmopolitan residence in 1016 Residences, and Slater Young, Victor Consuji and Stephen Ku defy all odds with the stunning Sky House, a modern structure that floats over one of the cliffs in the highlands of Cebu.
Read more in Zee Lifestyle’s Real Estate issue, out on stands next month. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here, or download the Magzter app on your device and search for ‘Zee Lifestyle’.
]]>On the cover is the charming showbiz personality Piolo Pascual. The Sun Life Financial ambassador gets candid about moving past his matinee idol status and figuring out his legacy.
Piolo joins a roster of modern-day Filipino gentlemen, including Justin Alfafara, Jom Gonzales, Ken and Kaz Onozawa, Sam Salimbago, Richard Sharpe and Gino Visitacion of Spectrum; Tony Alfonso, Kenneth Dagatan, Vince Lucero and Chad Nimor of Drop Decay; Paolo Rigotti, and John Solon.
This year’s bachelorettes Desiree Grauel, Jessika Knight, Andrea Pateña, Issa Perez and Miles Semblante get together for a slumber party where they dish about the dating scene in Cebu and what guys do that drive them crazy—be it in a good way or a bad way.

Zee Lifestyle’s Bachelorettes of 2015: Jessika Knight, Miles Semblante, Andrea Pateña, Issa Perez and Desiree Grauel (Photography by Beth Lobitaña of Snapoholic/Makeup by Faizel Tan and King Amante/Hair by Jessie Egos and Jerico Undong/Locale: Marco Polo Suite at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu)
Get to know the purveyors of the craft beer industry in Cebu: Cebu Brewing Company’s James Abilla, The Cebruery’s Taylor and Toni Marie Despojo, and The Monastery’s Louis and Honey Thevenin and Chef Anthony Simon.
Read more in Zee Lifestyle’s Men’s Issue, out this month. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here, or download the Magzter app on your device and search for ‘Zee Lifestyle’.
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