It is ironic that the success of Boracay as the country’s No. 1 tourist destination has benefited most the businessmen and city folk who enjoy the island’s white beaches and pristine waters.
The Ati people, the original natives of Boracay, have been left out of progress.
It is heartwarming, therefore, that tourism-oriented firms like Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) are giving importance to the Atis.
Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) celebrated this year’s Thanksgiving by supporting the Ati Komunidad of Boracay as they took on the challenge of mastering nito weaving, a traditional Filipino craft.
Anchored on the theme “Weaving Heritage, Planting Hope,” the project underscores MHR’s commitment to preserving Filipino craftsmanship while creating sustainable income opportunities for indigenous communities.
“The Ati people are the original caretakers of Boracay. By nurturing livelihood opportunities for them, we honor their legacy and help ensure that progress on the island includes them. They are the heart of this island long before it became the destination we all know today. By investing in programs like nito weaving, we hope to uplift their lives and give back to the community that has given us so much,” Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said.
Each year, MHR chooses a beneficiary community to honor during its Thanksgiving tradition. This year, the group extends its support to the Ati community in Boracay.
As part of the initiative, MHR hosted a 10-day nito weaving training and graduation in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The training was held at the Ati Village beginning Nov. 10, 2025 and gathered 19 Ati participants eager to learn the craft from Francia Escote, an accredited DTI trainer whose own journey began as a student in similar workshops. Today, Escote runs her own brand, Franz Handicrafts, and now teaches others how to turn this heritage craft into a sustainable livelihood.
The training culminated on Nov. 21 during MHR’s annual Thanksgiving celebration at the soon-to-open Chancellor Hotel Boracay. Top MHR executives and the Provincial Director of DTI-Aklan, Romel Amihan, personally awarded certificates to all 19 graduates. All participants were honored and given the chance to showcase their handcrafted nito creations.
Part of the Thanksgiving celebration is the introduction of MHR’s MEGreen Mindful Stays, the unified sustainability stay program designed for today’s rising breed of conscious travelers who seek meaning and positive impact in every journey, in which the Ati Komunidad is the partner community of Boracay Newcoast properties.
“We all know that nito is flexible, durable, and naturally beautiful, just like the Ati,” said Maia Israel, Area General Manager of Boracay Newcoast properties. “We see in you the same resilience and hard work that continue to thrive despite changing times. As vanguards of Filipino culture and heritage, MHR hopes to help preserve the art of nito weaving. That is why we partnered with DTI-Aklan, who guided us in learning this skill, which can also serve as an additional source of livelihood.”
Nito weaving, a tradition rooted deeply in Filipino and indigenous artistry, uses the strong and glossy nito vine to produce baskets, placemats, trays, bags, hats, jars, and other lifestyle pieces. Aklan is home to many nito artisans, and its weaving industry continues to thrive locally and internationally.
The practice is both a livelihood and a social activity. In the past, women once gathered to weave as they bonded with family, often passing on the skill to their daughters through shared moments of crafting. One Ati trainee fondly recalled weaving vines into baskets with her mother as a child. By reviving nito weaving, MHR helps ensure that this timeless Filipino craft continues to be celebrated by future generations.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #ViewfromCalumpang