Participants learned indigenous beadwork techniques while exploring Ga’dang cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
The Philippine Embassy in Singapore organised a cultural workshop titled “Manu’bak: Learn How to Create Ga’dang Beaded Tassels” at Sentro Rizal Singapore on 3 November 2026. The workshop introduced participants to the traditional beadwork of the Ga’dang indigenous community of Paracelis, Mountain Province, Philippines, through practical instruction and an introduction to its cultural heritage.
The activity provided participants with an opportunity to learn the art of Manu’bak, a traditional Ga’dang beadwork technique, and create their own beaded tassels. Through the hands-on session, participants gained insights into the craftsmanship and cultural traditions associated with indigenous beadwork in the Philippines.
The workshop was facilitated by Mr Qjiel Giuliano Mikhl Z. Mariano, a member of the Ga’dang indigenous community. He had received training under Afu Amparo Mabanag, a recipient of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA), also known as the National Living Treasures Award.
The GAMABA recognises outstanding Filipino traditional artists for their contributions to preserving the country’s intangible cultural heritage. The connection to Afu Amparo Mabanag provided participants with an opportunity to learn about the traditional knowledge and craftsmanship associated with Ga’dang beadwork.
The workshop also highlighted the cultural practices of the Ga’dang community in Paracelis, Mountain Province, where Manu’bak represents a traditional form of artistic expression. By guiding participants through the creation of beaded tassels, the session offered a practical introduction to the techniques and skills involved in this indigenous craft.
The activity reflected the Philippine Embassy’s efforts to support the preservation and promotion of indigenous cultural heritage while encouraging cultural understanding and people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and Singapore.
Through Sentro Rizal Singapore, the Philippine Embassy continued its cultural outreach by providing opportunities for Filipino and Singapore-based audiences to engage with Philippine arts, heritage and cultural diversity. The workshop also provided a platform for participants to learn about traditional and contemporary Filipino cultural expressions through direct engagement with indigenous craftsmanship.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
