Weaving Ties: From Manila to Milan

On the 10th of February, 2020, the Philippine Consulate General in Milan featured the "Weaving Ties: Manila to Milan" exhibit as the first activity for its Sentro Rizal's Likhang Pinoy Series in 2020. The exhibit featured the works of Mirei Monticelli and Julia Villamonte. It highlights their creations that are predominantly handwoven - lights, baskets and mats made from banana fiber and rattan. Weaving is what links them together, and what links them to home - the Philippines. They used balikbayan boxes in the showcase becase it is an iconic symbol that represents the Filipinos who left for other countries for different reasons. These boxes are used to contain gifts and presents for their loved ones to be sent back home and vice versa. It also represents how these products have traveled from the Philippines to Italy.