Shiny, shimmery, splendid

Cebu has changed so much over the years that it is no longer the butt of those old school Magellan-Lapu-Lapu-kusinero jokes that circulated during the Yoyoy Villame era. The Visayan capital has followed the footsteps of Manila in so many ways that differences are now hard to tell. Supermalls define the city’s landscape and dictate lifestyle patterns. Five-star hotels house casinos and restaurants offering variety of flavors. Business processing offices opening in the area have rendered this old Spanish settlement absolutely sleepless and probably restless hundreds of years after.

Manang Linda shows us the painful details of the craft

While the IT and retail industries flourish, Cebu has also made a mark in the fashion scene. Local fashion accessories industry starts to bloom and exports have been aggressive so far. Bijoux Cebu was the ultimate proof that they too have stepped into the challenge of becoming world-class.

During the exhibit, we’ve met Manang Linda who graciously demonstrated to us how those accessories you see today were processed from scratch. In fact, every design component has its own humble story to tell from just being a piece of an abandoned shell to something that accents beauty. Every piece was painstakingly made by people who devoted their resources, time, passion and strength. So remember those things next time you purchase one.

It is a thriving million dollar industry that generates more jobs, opens up small business opportunities and inspires creativity not only among women but even men who have an eye for design and symmetry.