For the second consecutive year, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has secured the top spot in the National Eco-Textile Weaving Competition under WorldSkills Philippines and TESDA. But this year’s victory carried a historic twist. Instead of being represented by a single locale, the region’s triumph was forged by an unlikely tandem, bridging the distinct loom-weaving traditions of Abra and Mountain Province.

The journey began at the Regional Competition, where Cathlene Apuado of Abra and Ginaro Songaben of Mountain Province initially faced off as fierce competitors. When rival delegates from other regions were unable to attend the national stage, Cordillera automatically secured the title—but their actual performance in Clark, Pampanga, was far from a victory by default. On the floor, Cathlene and Ginaro delivered a masterclass in adaptability, artistry, and cultural synergy. Forced to cooperate on the fly, the former rivals had to harmonize their individual regional techniques, master unfamiliar materials, and overcome a shortage of equipment.

“It was awkward initially,” Ginaro recalls. “Cathlene and I were opponents in the regional leg, both set on winning. But in Clark, we had to combine forces.” Cathlene echoes the sentiment, noting how their dynamic rapidly evolved. “We encouraged each other, shared ideas, and helped one another when things got tricky. We pushed each other to do better, but we also had fun.”

The shift from rivals to teammates required rapid, synchronized adjustments. “At first, we each worked as individuals,” Ginaro explains. “Then, as a tandem, we adapted to the Abra loom and set out to weave Binakol—a traditional geometric pattern that demands absolute precision.”

“We realized we’re not just teammates,” Cathlene adds. “We’re partners in bringing our weaving tradition forward to the world.”

Beyond the collaborative tension, the medium itself posed a steep technical challenge. Ginaro was accustomed to commercial polyester threads, favored for their high tensile strength. In Clark, however, they used pure Philippine Cotton. “Philippine Cotton is much softer and snaps easily compared to synthetic thread,” Ginaro notes, remembering the sudden wave of doubt over whether his preparation would hold up during the demonstration.

For Cathlene, however, the eco-friendly material felt like home. “I combined traditional Binakol, Kosikos, and Sinanbituen patterns with eco-friendly, natural-dyed Philippine Cotton yarns—just like what our ancestors used to do,” she says. “I used locally grown cotton dyed with barks from our mountains, so every shade tells a story of our land. It fuses the old designs we love with modern care for the environment.”

This seamless mastery was paved by deep ancestral roots and dedicated mentorship for both weavers. Ginaro’s passion began in childhood, mesmerized by the rhythmic foot-treadle movements of his grandmother at the loom. His mother, Lisa Songaben, later taught him the basics.

His formal turning point arrived in February 2026 when TESDA Mountain Province sought out skilled youth for the WorldSkills provincial level. Safe Pekas and Rose Ann Wangdali from the Salt and Pepper Agricultural Learning Center Inc. (SAPALCI) and Rose Ann’s Loom Art Gallery—the only TESDA-accredited weaving school providing a National Certificate II in Mountain Province—visited Panabungen School of Arts and Trades High School (PSATHi). Identified as the school’s top candidate by teacher Delfin Pepe Jr., Ginaro seized the opportunity. He balanced his graduating requirements then underwent intensive summer mentorship under Rose Ann Wangdali and Rosaria Banglo.

Cathlene grew up with a similar legacy in the loom-weaving village of Bulbulala, La Paz, Abra. She was inspired by her community, particularly her grandmother, one of the oldest master weavers in the village. “Watching the shuttle move with their hands made me fall in love with this craft,” she says. Today, she is mentored by her aunt, Madelyn Cudiamat. “I learned that patience is part of the pattern from my aunt. She taught me that weaving isn’t just about making something beautiful—it’s about caring for every thread, every dent, every row. Her guidance gave me the confidence to trust my hands.”

From regional rivals to unified national champions, Cathlene and Ginaro are now preparing to take their shared heritage to the international stage. Asked what it takes to win globally, Cathlene looks toward their roots. “It’s our heart and our heritage. We aren’t just weaving fabric—we are weaving the stories, skills, and culture of our people. If we stay true to what we do, give our best, and share the beauty of our craft, that is already a victory.”

For Ginaro, the focus is on refinement and scale. “We need to learn more about international standards and new designs, but we will still bring our traditional patterns. We continue to teach each other, practicing wider and lengthier fabrics until our hands are seasoned.”

Ultimately, the goal transcends medals. “Para maipakita namin na yung culture ng Cordillera, yung weaving, kayang makipagsabayan internationally (To show that Cordillera’s weaving culture can compete globally),” Ginaro says. As these two young artisans prepare for the world stage, their seamless fusion of foot-loom traditions and Binakol heritage serve as a powerful testament to Cordilleran unity.