In the quiet mountain barangays of Argao, Cebu, the Cebu hablon revival began with the fading sounds of wooden looms. Weaving had once been a way of life here—each thread a story, each color a memory. But by 2014, only eight weavers remained, and hablon—the island’s traditional handwoven textile—stood on the edge of extinction.
At that pivotal moment, Cebuano fashion designer Dexter Alazas answered the call. His first encounter with hablon in 2000 left a lasting impression, even though he couldn’t find the fabric for a competition then. Years later, that memory returned—and with it, a promise: not just to use hablon, but to revive it for future generations.
Reviving the Rhythm: The Cebu Hablon Revival Begins
Dexter’s commitment transformed into a movement through collaboration. With support from then–Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, local Argao officials, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Dexter began working alongside the last remaining weavers.
But the path forward wasn’t easy. Younger generations had little interest, raw materials were hard to come by, and old looms couldn’t meet modern demands.
Then came a turning point. In 2016, the DTI funded a Shared Service Facility (SSF) at the Cebu Technological University (CTU) Argao campus. Twenty new, wider, and more efficient handlooms arrived—modernizing the craft while preserving its soul. The looms began to hum again, and with them, so did hope.
“Before, we were limited to shawls or home accents,” Dexter shares. “Now, I can use hablon in full gowns—even ballgowns. That opens up a whole new level of design.”
From Argao to the Runway: Dexter Alazas and the Future of Hablon
The revival went beyond tools. CTU became a hub for cultural continuity—offering classes, workshops, and community outreach that taught both students and locals the art of weaving. Bit by bit, the Cebu hablon revival became a movement not just of preservation, but of pride and livelihood.
Even before the SSF, CTU had already launched a hablon weaving program in 2013 to actively teach and sustain the craft. This early initiative laid the groundwork for what would become a thriving center of innovation and tradition.
HABLONUEVO: Weaving Fashion and Folklore
To give the movement a lasting stage, Dexter founded HABLONUEVO, a clothing brand that reimagines traditional hablon for the modern wardrobe.
“My latest collection, Ode to Maria Cacao, draws from Cebuano folklore,” Dexter says. “It’s a tribute to nature, abundance, and the stories that shaped us.”
Now, Dexter is preparing to launch a new phase of the Maria Cacao collection in partnership with the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), using tropical Philippine fibers that are both sustainable and proudly local.
This direction grew deeper roots after Dexter’s participation in the Fashion InStyle trade show in Hong Kong, where he connected with fellow Asian artisans. His goal: to keep HABLONUEVO rooted in Cebu while expanding into the global conversation around craft and culture.
Hablon elegance, redefined. A tux for him, a kaftan for her—woven heritage dressed in modern grace.
Beyond Fashion: Hablon in the Home with Amano Craft Creations
Dexter’s love for hablon doesn’t stop at fashion. Through his lifestyle brand Amano Craft Creations—from the Spanish a mano, meaning “by hand”—he turns the textile into everyday beauty: scarves, bags, table runners, and home décor.
Every product is crafted in collaboration with local artisans, turning cultural heritage into tangible economic empowerment.
A Life in Design, A Heart for Heritage
Dexter wears many hats—fashion designer, stylist, consultant, and creative director—but his message is singular: honor where you’re from, support what’s local, and create with purpose.
“You really have to go through the eye of a needle,” he says. “Trial and error works. Be stubborn if you must—just don’t give up.”
Through his advocacy platform, Cebu Wear: Wear Cebu, Dexter continues to champion regional identity in design. His journey is a powerful example of how personal passion can spark a cultural movement.
“Pause if you need to. Rest. But always return to your purpose,” he adds. “While you can think, walk, speak, and love—keep going.”
Bring the Cebu Hablon Revival Into Your Life
Want to support Filipino heritage in your own way? Explore Dexter’s work through HABLONUEVO and Amano Craft Creations, and carry a piece of the Cebu hablon revival into your home, your wardrobe, and your story.
Want to support Filipino heritage in your own way? Explore Dexter’s work through HABLONUEVO or Amano Craft Creations and bring a piece of our weaving tradition into your everyday life.
Where to Find HABLONUEVO and Amano
HABLONUEVO
Instagram: @dexteralazas
Facebook: Dexter Alazas Fashion
Amano Craft Creations
Facebook: Amano by Alazas
