Rhaydz B. Barcia | Rappler.Com
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – A 31-year-old designer in Albay is slowly making a name for herself by specializing in formal wear made from “pinukpok” or abaca fiber.
Jean Alta is the woman behind Kutur ni Jean. Her pinukpok creations have been shipped across the country and have reached as far as the United States.
Pinukpok fiber is made by manually pounding abaca strands, which are then handwoven into fabric.
She started her venture 3 years ago when Fr Rex Arjona asked her to make the barong Tagalog of his brother who was getting married in Cebu, as well as for their father. He said their family wanted to showcase pinukpok and to introduce Cebuanos to Bicol’s culture through it.
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