Ati Komunidad Takes on Nito Weaving, Preserves Boracay’s Heritage

Out of Town Blog

Ati Komunidad Takes on Nito Weaving, Preserves Boracay’s Heritage

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) marked this year’s Thanksgiving with a meaningful initiative to support the Ati Komunidad of Boracay as they embraced the intricate art of nito weaving, a cherished traditional Filipino craft. The celebration, themed “Weaving Heritage, Planting Hope,” highlights MHR’s dedication to safeguarding the rich tapestry of Filipino craftsmanship while simultaneously fostering sustainable income opportunities for indigenous communities. This project not only honors the skill and creativity inherent in the weaving tradition but also empowers the Ati community, weaving together their heritage and aspirations for a brighter future.

“The Ati people are the original caretakers of Boracay. By nurturing livelihood opportunities for them, we honor their legacy and help ensure that progress on the island includes them. They are the heart of this island long before it became the destination we all know today. By investing in programs like nito weaving, we hope to uplift their lives and give back to the community that has given us so much,” Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said.

Celebrating Heritage and Craftsmanship at Chancellor Hotel Boracay

Every year, MHR proudly selects a beneficiary community to celebrate as part of its cherished Thanksgiving tradition. This year, it has chosen to extend its heartfelt support to the vibrant Ati community in Boracay. As part of this meaningful initiative, MHR organized a comprehensive 10-day nito weaving training program, culminating in a graduation ceremony, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The training took place at the picturesque Ati Village, beginning on November 10, 2025, and welcomed 19 enthusiastic Ati participants, all eager to immerse themselves in the intricate craft of nito weaving. They learned under the guidance of Francia Escote, an esteemed DTI-accredited trainer whose remarkable journey began as a student in workshops similar to this one. Today, Escote proudly runs her own brand, Franz Handicrafts, and is dedicated to empowering others by sharing her expertise and transforming this cherished heritage craft into a sustainable source of livelihood for her community.

The training culminated on November 21, coinciding with MHR’s much-anticipated annual Thanksgiving celebration at the elegant, soon-to-open Chancellor Hotel Boracay. In a heartfelt ceremony, esteemed MHR executives and the Provincial Director of DTI-Aklan, Mr. Romel Amihan, personally presented certificates to all 19 enthusiastic graduates, each beaming with pride. The event provided a unique platform for participants to proudly display their exquisite handcrafted creations made from nito, showcasing their artistry and dedication.

As part of the Thanksgiving festivities, MHR unveiled its innovative MEGreen Mindful Stays program—an integrated sustainability initiative designed for a new wave of conscious travelers seeking to imbue their journeys with meaning and positive impact. This initiative highlights the partnership with the Ati Komunidad, the vibrant local community deeply connected to the Boracay Newcoast properties, reinforcing MHR’s commitment to responsible tourism and cultural heritage.

“We all know that nito is flexible, durable, and naturally beautiful, just like the Ati,” said Maia Israel, Area General Manager of Boracay Newcoast properties. “We see in you the same resilience and hard work that continue to thrive despite changing times. As vanguards of Filipino culture and heritage, MHR hopes to help preserve the art of nito weaving. That is why we partnered with DTI-Aklan, who guided us in learning this skill, which can also serve as an additional source of livelihood.”

Love for Country Shines

Nito weaving is a vibrant tradition intricately woven into the fabric of Filipino and indigenous artistry. Utilizing the robust and lustrous nito vine, artisans create a stunning array of products, including beautifully crafted baskets, elegant placemats, stylish trays, functional bags, ornamental hats, and charming jars. Aklan, a province celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, is home to many skilled nito weavers, and its vibrant weaving industry flourishes both locally and internationally.

This age-old practice serves not only as a source of livelihood but also as a cherished social activity. Historically, women would gather in warm camaraderie, their laughter and conversation mingling with the sound of weaving as they bonded with family and friends. These moments of creativity were often a rite of passage, with mothers lovingly imparting their weaving skills to their daughters. One Ati trainee fondly reminisced about the joyous afternoons spent weaving fragrant vines into baskets alongside her mother, creating cherished memories intertwined with their craft.

In reviving the art of nito weaving, MHR ensures that this timeless Filipino craft finds new life and continues to be revered by generations to come. This initiative is a proud reflection of MHR’s Circle of Happiness pillar, Love for Country, which endeavors to honor and perpetuate the richness of Filipino culture and heritage.

Through this initiative, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts aims to unlock new opportunities for the Ati Komunidad by forging connections with potential buyers, local retailers, and exporters who value the beauty and craftsmanship of meticulously handwoven nito products. It is hoped that this will inspire a growing audience to discover and celebrate their artistry, helping preserve this meaningful and captivating craft for years to come.

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Read: Soon-to-Open Chancellor Hotel Boracay: Where Mindfulness Meets Island Comfort

Ati Komunidad Takes on Nito Weaving, Preserves Boracay’s Heritage

Melo Villareal

Out of Town Blog

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