FROM THE MARGINS
For Estrellita Godwino Tuan — fondly called Jie — the rhythmic weaving of t’nalak cloth is more than art. Born and raised in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Jie belongs to the T’boli indigenous people, one of the Philippines’ most culturally rich ethnic groups known for their intricate weaving traditions.
T'nalak is a sacred, traditional cloth woven from abaca fibers. For Jie, designing it is a prayer, a memory, and a promise to keep the spirit of her ancestors alive. Through her enterprise, Jie T’boli Design, Jie has turned her creative heritage into both a livelihood and a legacy — proving how cultural conservation and entrepreneurship can beautifully intertwine with the help of microfinance.
Jie’s journey began when her family relocated to Davao.
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