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!

ATE BELEN “The Super Seamstress” - Tailoring a Sewing Studio 

Belen Rosales, or Ate Belen as we fondly call her, is ANTHILL's super seamstress for 3 years. Being a single mother for years, Ate Belen is one of the most resilient and strong willed women raising two amazing gentlemen who are pursuing their dreams as well. With Ate Belen's savings and hardwork in ANTHILL, she was able to let her children finish school. Her eldest is now training to become a soldier while his youngest just passed the nursing board exam.

In the years that she had worked with us, Ate Belen had always brought a positive and reviving energy that had been amazing to work with. She’s open to challenges and has continuously worked on improving her skills. After the closure of the in-house production, she transitioned to being our production partner and one of the seamstresses to benefit from the Kinaiya Collection. After working on several projects, it validated her lifelong dream to be able to run her own Sewing Studio where she can employ other women and produce for small brands as a manufacturing partner. Ate Belen is highly skilled and a very efficient master seamstress of apparel and accessory production.

Now that her children are all grown up, Ate Belen dreams of this Sewing Studio to be a way to provide for her future so her sons can focus on theirs. An initial capital for the purchase of sewing machines and a few months rent would definitely kick off her dream. With all the sacrifices she's done for her children, it is indeed high time for Ate Belen's to enjoy the fruits of her labor, enjoy her independence and hone her creative sewing skills!

Tier 1: SIRKULAR

Tier 2: SUKBIT

Tier 3: DIBUHO

Tier 4: TROPIK MARKET BAG

Tier 5: TROPIK KIMONA BIB

Tier 6: TROPIK TAPIS

These beautiful rewards are thoughtfully designed in collaboration with Bayani Designer Carla of Tropik Beatnik. Founded by all-around maker, artist, and interior designer Carla Cruz, Tropik Beatnik specializes in hand-made slow-made clothing and accessories. @tropikbeatnik

At P25,000 she will be able to purchase a new sewing machine and a few materials 

At P 50,000 she will have enough to purchase 3 new sewing machines and hire 2 other seamstresses

At P75,000 she will have enough to purchase new sewing machines, hire help, and cover the rent of her new space for a year 

At P100,000, Ate Belen will have enough starting capital to purchase the tools and materials she will need to start her tailoring shop. The new business will bring in more funds to help sustain the shop.

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!