ABOUT BAYANIHAN

ANTHILL (Alternative Nest and Trading /Training Hub for Indigenous or Ingenious Little Livelihood seekers) is a social and cultural enterprise in Cebu, Philippines with a strong mission to preserve our craft traditions and provide sustainable livelihood to Filipino artisans. It is integral in our core of our values to seek innovative and inclusive solutions on how we can build entrepreneurial capacity and ensure that our artisans do not get left behind.  

Bayanihan was born out of the presence of a growing global community showing up for us in the toughest times throughout the pandemic. We aim to activate this contagious spirit of bayanihan once again to connect our artisans directly to the market, expand their reach to a global market and support their desire to weave tradition and technology by learning digital skills in storytelling and marketing. The value and the spirit of Bayanihan is the common thread that lives among us in a way that honours this connection. It gives us the opportunity to grow a community and be of service to each other in a way that fosters resilience and lasting change.

In partnership with The Spark Project, an initial funding from the Australian Alumni Grant Scheme, and our Design Collaborators, we provide a platform for our entrepreneurial artisans to weave new dreams with you!

Joel Blunto and Sesotunawa

 In Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Joel Blunto stands as a seasoned artist, meticulously preserving the age-old art of brass casting (temwel) for more than three decades. His initiation into this revered craft dates back to his formative years, learning the intricate nuances of a tradition that forms the bedrock of Tboli heritage.

Fueled by the profound spirit of unity, encapsulated in the essence of kesesotunawa or working together, Joel embarked on the establishment of Sesotunawa in 2016. Sesotunawa is a social enterprise with a resolute dedication to upholding Tboli culture and fostering sustainable livelihood. The spirit of kesesotunawa finds vibrant manifestation within the very heart of Tboli households dedicated to brass casting, epitomizing the collaborative ethos that pervades each stage of crafting their exquisite brass artifacts.

Embarking on this journey with a modest inventory valued at 3,000 pesos, Joel endeavored to share the narrative of collective harmony with a broader audience, gradually expanding the horizons of his enterprise over time. With the unwavering support of volunteers and ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, Sesotunawa extended its outreach, venturing into the realm of digital presence and fostering collaborations with a growing community of Tboli artists. This progression ignited Joel's vision to empower fellow artists, equipping them with essential marketing skills and nurturing their independent entrepreneurial spirit.

Central to the Bayanihan Project lies Joel's cherished aspiration of building the Gono Sesotunawa. For Joel Blunto and his community of Tboli artists, the Gono Sesotunawa is more than just a structure. It is a space envisioned to serve as a nurturing haven fostering the growth of artistic pursuits, business acumen, and the seamless transference of ancestral arts to forthcoming generations. The Gono Sesotunawa will stand as a testament to our commitment to continuously work for sustainable livelihood and cultural sustainability.

Gono Sesotunawa: Culture and Creative Hub

 The dream to build Gono Sesotunawa comes from Joel Blunto's desire to connect with more Tboli artists and share what they've learned over the years. This special place will be a lively hub where Sesotunawa artists and other Tboli community members work together to pass down their traditional knowledge and skills to younger generations. It will also be a space where they can collaborate with other artists, showcase their unique products, and welcome visitors eager to learn more about Tboli culture.

Before the Bayanihan Project, Joel Blunto purchased a piece of land for Gono Sesotunawa. Sesotunawa has also financed the land preparation including the on-going construction of a strong retaining structure to keep everything stable.

Once built, Gono Sesotunawa, will proudly stand on a slope near the Blunto Residence, offering an amazing view of Lake Sebu. It will be a two- story Tboli house, 12ft by 22ft, made with a mix of concrete and bamboo. The second floor will be a space for Tboli artists to do beadwork, embroidery, and weaving, as well as a place to welcome visitors and showcase Tboli products. The ground floor will serve as an area for post- processing brass-cast products.

The total cost for making this cultural and creative hub is P 134,863 this amount covers the cost of materials and labor requirements.

Project Cost

Total Project Cost: P 201,863.00
Sesotunawa Counterpart: P 67,000.00
Total Amount to be raised: P 134,863 .00 

Land Purchase and Preparation - P 67,00.00
-30,000.00 Land purchase
-37,000.00 Retaining Structure and Land preparation

Concrete Foundation and Footing - P 57,650.00
-6,600.00 - 12 mm RSB (33 pcs)
-4,500.00 - 10 mm RSB (30 pcss)
-10,250.00 - Cement (50 bags)
-4,800.00 - CHB # 4 (300 pcs)
-16,500.00 - Gravel (3 cubic)
-15,000.00 - Sand (5 cubic)

Walling and Flooring - P 30,000.00
-30,000.00 Bamboo

Roofing - P 7,213.00
-5,200.00 - GI Roof 4.8 m (13pcs)
-2,013.00 - GI Ripple Roll 6.71 m

Labor - P 40,000

Sesotunawa Counterpart

P 30,000 - Purchase of land where the Gono Sesotunawa will be constructed.
P 37.000 - Land preparation cost including building of retaining structure and cutting and filling of construction site.

Each item carefully selected for the Bayanihan Project pays homage to the cherished heritage of Tboli craftsmanship, jointly created by Sesotunawa and design collaborator Jeanette Sawyer from MAAARI. Reflecting the essence of the Tboli art of Temwel, every piece is crafted by hand, using locally sourced scrap metals, reflecting our commitment to resourcefulness and sustainability.

At the heart of these creations lies the intricate Tboli design element called Bluko, an elegant swirl inspired by the lush fronds of ferns flourishing in the heart of Lake Sebu. Signifying renewal and nourishment, the Bluko stands as a poignant symbol of the resilience and vitality woven into the fabric of Tboli culture.

With each masterpiece, we celebrate the spirit of (ke)sesotunawa, the art of collective collaboration and creative harmony. As we aspire to establish the vibrant culture and creative hub, Gono Sesotunawa, we not only welcome the skillful hands of Tboli artisans but also embrace the diverse perspectives and creative energies of collaborators from distant shores, nurturing a legacy of unity and artistic expression that transcends boundaries and generations.

TIER 1: Bluko napkin ring - set of 4 PHP 1000

Tier 2: Linulid Earring + Ring Set Php 1500

Tier 3: Bluko Brass Coaster Set of 4 Php 2000

Tier 4: Candle Holder + snuffer PHP 2500

Tier 5: Cone Insense keeper/holder PHP 2700

Tier 6: Bluko brass chime PHP 3000

Tier 7: Bluko Bookend PHP 4500

Tier 8: Blowon Brass Gong PHP 6000

At P 10,000 Kuya Joel will be able to purchase roofing materials for the Gono Sesotunawa
At P 40,000 Kuya Joel will be able to purchase bamboo and roofing materials
At P 65,000 Kuya Joel will be able to purchase construction materials for the Gono Sesotunawa concrete foundation and footing and roofing materials
At P 95,000 Kuya Joel will be able to purchase all construction materials needed to build the Gono Sesotunawa
At P 135,000 Kuya Joel will be able to purchase the materials and pay for the labor cost to build the Gono Sesotunawa.

Unlike other crowdfunding initiatives, the funds received from the campaign will directly benefit the Bayani Artisans. The money gained either through reward pledges or donations will be utilized for the purchase of supplies necessary to put in the work required to fulfill the production of the rewards or contribute to fulfilling their aspirations.

Keeping the BAYANIHAN spirit alive and spreading it to more communities will support the Bayani Artisans to reach their target goal however, if the target goal is not met, the artisan still receives the funds due to them from the campaign.

Thank you for your pledge to #BeABayani!