
Abel Iloko, also called inabel, has a long tradition and history, and is justly famous for its quality and durability. Its patterns and colors are derived from the natural environment of Ilocos – the whirlpools in the water, the whirlwinds that bring much destruction, the leaves and flowers of local flora, the stars, indeed the Milky Way itself.
Checks and stripes in a variety of colors are a constant feature of this native weave, although the drab browns, and dramatic black and whites are best remembered. The stripes are perhaps an adaptation of the patterns common among the upland tribes.
During colonial times, abel fabrics were used as sailcloth for ships and boats – yet another proof of the high quality of Ilocos weaving. Blankets that are used by generations, handed down from mother to daughter, are likewise famous. So are the gossamer open weave mosquito netting that are also used for women’s kimonas and men’s shirts.
Records show that inabel was one of the major exports of colonial Philippines. In recent years, however, with the importation of cheap, machine woven fabrics and clothing, inabel was relegated to the background as a minor, perhaps quaint tradition.
Join the Habi: The Philippine Textile Council, an affiliate of the Museum Foundation, on a visit from February 18 to 21, 2010 to the remaining abel weaving centers in Paoay and Sarrat in Ilocos Norte; and Vigan, Santa and Santiago in Ilocos Sur. Observe first-hand the tedious and time consuming processes required to make the beautiful and unique patterns of this native weave.

HABI founding board member and Ilocos Norte tourism consultant Rene Guatlo will serve as guide on this familiarization tour. Participants will stay for three nights at the Sitio Remedios Heritage Village in Currimao, Ilocos Norte – a private get-away created by Dr. Joven R. Cuanang, Medical Director of St. Luke’s Medical Center, and proud son of Ilocos Norte.
The group will also visit the Sta. Maria Church on the way to the weavers of Santiago. After a walkabout at the Vigan Heritage Village, a private tour of the Syquia Mansion will be conducted by Mr. Eddie Quirino, grandson of President Elpidio Quirino, followed by a merienda featuring the local specialty, the Vigan empanada. For Ilocos Norte, the tour will include visits to the Museo Ilocos Norte, the Laoag public Market, San Agustin and Sta. Monica churches in Paoay and Sarrat, respectively.
Abel Tour Itinerary
| February 18 (Thursday) |
| 1955 |
Depart Manila for Laoag via Cebu Pacific flight |
| 2100 |
Arrive Laoag |
| 2200 |
Check-in at Sitio Remedios |
| 2230 |
Dinner at poolside |
|
| February 19 (Friday) |
| 0800 |
Breakfast |
| 0830 |
Leave Sitio Remedios for Ilocos Sur Tour |
| 1030 |
Stopover at Sta. Maria Church |
| 1100 |
Visit to Santiago weavers |
| 1200 |
Lunch at Santiago Cove |
|
| 1430 |
Visit to weavers in Santa, Ilocos Sur |
| 1600 |
Walking tour and shopping at Heritage Village, Vigan (Crisologo Street) |
| 1700 |
Syquia Mansion tour and merienda |
| 1730 |
Leave Vigan |
| 1830 |
Arrival at Sitio Remedios |
|
| February 20 (Saturday) |
| 0800 |
Breakfast |
| 0900 |
Leave Sitio Remedios for Laoag |
| 1000 |
Visit Museo Ilocos Norte (weaving demonstration inside Museum shop) |
| 1100 |
Shopping at Laoag City Market |
| 1200 |
Lunch at La Preciosa |
| 1400 |
Visit Sta. Monica Church, Sarrat
Observe weaving of binakol fabric |
| 1600 |
Visit Paoay Weavers Cooperative
Observe weaving of insukit and other fabrics |
|
|
(OPTION: Empanada at Batac Plaza) |
|
| 1830 |
Arrival at Sitio Remedios |
| 2000 |
Dinner at Sitio Remedios Plaza |
|
| February 21 (Sunday) |
| 0800 |
Breakfast |
| 1000 |
FREE HOURS (arrangements for optional tours can be made for interested parties) |
|
| 1655 |
Check-in for Manila flight |
| 1855 |
Departure for Manila |
Package A: Our package, inclusive of airfare on Cebu Pacific, transfers between airport, hotel and tours, 3 day-3 night accommodations at Sitio Remedios (single-occupancy), all meals and tours, is P24,000. (Airport terminal fees are to be taken care of participants)
Package B: Our package, inclusive of airfare on Cebu Pacific, transfers between airport, hotel and tours, 3 day-3 night accommodations at Sitio Remedios (double-occupancy, sharing), all meals and tours, is P20,000. (Airport terminal fees are to be taken care of participants)
Package C: Our package, inclusive of airfare on Cebu Pacific, transfers between airport, hotel and tours, 3 day-3 night accommodations at Sitio Remedios (dormitory, sharing), all meals and tours, is P16,000. (Airport terminal fees are to be taken care of participants)
Limited slots only. To reserve a space immediately, please download and fill-out the reply form and fax to 404-2685 or email to inquiry@museumfoundationph.org. You also have the option of downloading the tour details. To inquire further, please call Elvie or Mae at 404-2685, or on mobile number 0928-5039392 (Elvie) or 0927-8484680 (Mae).