Elmer I. Nocheseda ng Pateros' photostream

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I love doing research on anything about the Philippines, particularly about its past. When I was four, my father made me a ball made of coconut leaflets. He made it so quickly that I thought it was magic! I was really fascinated when he gave me the ball made out of two coconut leaflets. That gift from my father started my fascination and gave me the passion to learn more about the art of weaving palm leaves. It started my interest to document the things that we Filipinos could make out of these humble leaves which we sometimes just take for granted .I found out through the years that there are so many forms. I have been to Aparri in the North up to Basilan in the South. And I found out that there are so many interesting forms and wonderful stories.

I looked at old dictionaries and accounts. The writers of old share my fascination and delight.

Fray Alcina in 1668 records the woven palm leaf puso (woven rice pouches) he found in Dagami, Samar.

Fray Juan Jose Delgado in 1751 records his fascination in weaving what he calls as the "Gordian knots" made of palm leaves he found in Guiguan, Samar.

Fray Mateo Sanchez in 1600's (published 1711) lists 14 types of puso.

Fray Alfonso de Mentrida in 1600's records seven types from Panay.

I want to share them with you the little of what I have found. I am sure that there are a lot more, and I am hoping that you could help me in this regard.

Weaving palm leaves has a very long and interesting history. Please help me unearth these lost treasures of the Philippines and keep this vanishing art and culture alive.

Please share with me your notes and pictures regarding the weaving of leaves of the different palm trees used in your area. The art form can be a temporary basket, mat, hat, decoartions for the church, town fiesta, arco, kubol, tuklong, wedding, woven food cover, boiled rice pouches for suman, puso, patopat, playthings like balls, sambador, ibon, manuk-manuk, bituon, siko-siko, tipaklong and what have you. Let us share the fun and joy of discovery.