Women-members of Basiao Native Weavers Association (Banwa) enliven a community in Basey town, Province of Samar with their weaving skills.

Even young women are adept at weaving bags, wallets, slippers, sleeping mats, hats, among lovely handcrafted items. 

The women-weavers take advantage of the demand in December for a variety of products for the gift-giving season. 

The women and their industry have become the latest tourist attraction in Basey. 

They thrive in a natural setting in Barangay Basiao. It is called Saob cave. However, it is not actually a cave. Saob is more of a rock shelter carved from wave action, or the crashing of waves by the cove.  

Rocks that take on seemingly the shape of animals complement the intricate patterns of woven materials. 

The weavers are glad to show to tourists their ware. In fact, the name of the place already extends hospitability. Saob means “welcome” in the local language.

Adding Basiao to the list of “must-sees” in the Province of Samar allows the weavers to showcase the tapestry of their products as well as the arts, heritage, and culture of the province.