Who is Estellita Bantilan?
Estelita Bantilan also known as Labnai is a Mat Weaver who was born on October 17, 1940. Bantilan, who was born Labnai Tumandan but later chose Estelita as her first name and gained her last name through marriage, becoming Mrs. Bantilan, raised a family in the foreign faith.
The Blaan people used to wander around the southern Philippines, looking for the best places to grow their food. They spoke Blaan, their own language. But around the middle of the 20th century, they stopped moving and built villages. During this period, Labnai was growing up, and her community was learning how to be a part of the Philippines. Their settlement, which is now a part of Malapatan, was called Upper Lasang. And Estelita was referred to be a "Princess" by everyone as she grew older, particularly among the other mat weavers of Upper Lasang, the term of endearment is used with a lighthearted tone and real respect.
"Creator of some of the biggest, most subtly beautiful mats to be seen anywhere in Southeast Asia."
Photograph: Roche Severo
Photograph: @doblois.photograph
Estelita started weaving mats when she was really young, using a special kind of plant called Romblon pandan. In her village, many women are skilled at weaving mats, but Estelita is recognized by everyone as the best. In their community, she is regarded as the "princess" of mat weaving. The women always display Estelita's handicraft when guests arrive in Upper Lasang. Her weaving resembles to witnessing a master at work. For the Blaan people and other Filipinos who still know how to weave mats, her calmness and focus are part of what makes it so unique.
Notable Achievement
She is known for creating "some of Southeast Asia's largest, most subtly beautiful mats." With the help of her daughter, she continues the tradition by teaching the next generation of Blaan weavers in her community at the GAMABA Cultural Center in Malapatan, Sarangani. In appreciation of Estelita's well-known and exquisite creations, the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCAA) constructed a mat weaving center in Malapatan, Sarangani.
★ GAMABA Awardee ★
Estelita Bantilan was granted the "National Living Treasure Award," also known as "Manlilikha ng Bayan Award" (GAMABA) in 2016. She was awarded with a medallion by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on October 24, 2018.
