A T’boli agung ensemble all the way from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, provided musical entertainment at the Oct. 25 store opening of Gifts & Graces Trade Fair Foundation at LRI Plaza, Makati City.

The group’s cultural leader, Bernadette “Nadeth” Ofong, 48, expressed her tribe’s gratitude to the foundation, not only for providing them with a sustainable livelihood, but also for bringing their heritage crafts to the fore.

Ofong, a mother of four, said their work with G&G is giving hope to the young T’boli for a chance at higher education.

She herself only completed a year of college due to financial difficulties. Her two older children are both college graduates; the younger ones are in school.

Ofong is the president of Klowil Kem Libun, a cooperative of women weavers.

As a “cultural master,” she has mastery of all T’boli cultural arts: t’nalak weaving, malong weaving, brass die-casting, beadwork, embroidery, traditional dances and language.

Klowil is one of 21 communities G&G works with. It provides the foundation with die-cast brass fashion and home accessories, and t’nalak products. —CVM