What is a Macra-Bayong?

Collaboration of Macramé and the Native Bayong

Collaboration these days are a norm. We see different artists perform with each other on stage and screen, multiple businesses making a one of a kind product, or two different art forms merging into a single masterpiece.

For centuries, people have been creating macramé for decorative items to tablecloths, curtains, blankets, and even hammocks. Sailors in their free time, made macramé and sold it to ports where they landed, thus spreading the craft to other parts of the world. As long as there is a string to knot people will continue to make macramé.

The humble bayong has also been here for centuries. This bag is hand-weaved by locals with pandan leaves, a durable material abundant in a small town in Laguna. And because the materials used are organic, it’s a nature-friendly alternative to use instead of plastic.

But what if you combine these two crafts? What if you bring together the macramé for its aesthetics and the local bayong for its usability? Then you have the Macra-Bayong.

Where the Idea of Combining Macramé and Bayong Together

The Macra-Bayong stemmed from an idea when I was browsing through the internet, I saw another set of bayong being sold online. It was painted to make the design stylish and appealing. At that time I had started making macramé products which included macramé wall hanging and macramé plant hangers and I wanted to begin a business with macramé.  

But after seeing this painted designer bayong, I got the impression that maybe – just maybe – I could combine my macramé with the bayong. Luisiana, a small town in Laguna province known for making bayong, wasn’t too far from us and we could travel there when we visit my parents.

The making of Macra-Bayong wasn’t hard, but it can be tedious. The first batch of bayong had to be cleaned and dried. I needed to choose a design that will look good. One Macra-Bayong can be completed after three hours of straight work.

A friend discovered what I was up to and became ordered a bag. She became my first customer for the Macra-Bayong. Despite our friendship, I was nervous because I wanted the bag to have a good first impression. Fortunately my friend loved it and even brought it to the beach with her on her vacation.

The Macra-Bayong Design

Each Macra-Bayong bag design is different and unique. We decided to name after the good attributes found in a Filipina because many of our macramé products are done by women in our community and we want the bags to be a reminder for these qualities: Maaruga, Masinop, Mahinhin, Mayumi, Malambing, Mapagmahal, etc.

We also customize designs according to the client’s liking.

We want the Macra-Bayong to shine out as a proudly Filipino product, a testament of the ingenuity and artistic talent imbedded from every Filipino.

For orders you may contact us through this link. We will customize the designs of the bag according to your taste and preference.

– Mary Ann Sanglap (Founder and Owner)