‘Queen’ of Philippine textiles: How cloth made from pineapple leaves displays Filipino identity
MANILA: Growing up in a family of pineapple farmers and weavers, Carlo Eliserio began his journey with pina when he was 6 years old, marking the beginning of a lifelong mission to preserve the Philippine heritage.
Pina, a lightweight, handwoven textile made from the fine fibers of pineapple leaves, was at the heart of the community of artisans, which included his mother, in the western town of Balete Aklan, where Eliserio first learned the intricacies of pina weaving and natural fiber processing.
“From a young age, I was deeply immersed in the delicate art of transforming pineapple fibers into exquisite textiles, absorbing the patience, skills, and passion that define our craft,” Eliserio said during a recent public lecture in Manila.
“Now at age 29, I have devoted nearly my entire life to preserving and advancing this precious heritage — one that remains at the very heart of our cultural identity.”
