2nd AHPADA Expo
Friday, November 13, 2009
I was privileged to attend the exhibit of the 2nd ASEAN Handicrafts Promotion and Development Associations (AHPADA) last month. The exhibit was organized in celebration of the United Nation's declaration of 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibers. The picture above is a glamourous hat made of natural fibers.
This is the booth of the Philippines. Many fantastic handicrafts made of natural fibers were on display. Other countries which participated were Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea. 
These mannequins are also made of natural fibers specifically abaca and bamboo.
The Philippines is blessed with many natural fibers such as abaca, pineapple, coconut coir, ramie, and bamboo. These plants can be developed to become big industries for the benefit of farmers, traders, designers, and manufacturers. I was hoping to find products made from water hyacinths and saluyot but there were none. Perhaps the organizers will include these two fibers next time.
