HALIYA

I started HALIYA in 2016 after a trip back to the Visayas, Philippines with Parangal Dance Company where I was able to stay with members of the Caballero family in Barangay Garangan, Calinog, Iloilo and learn about their culture and dance. They are the culture bearers of the Sugidanon epic, binanog dance, panubok embroidery, and the practice of binukot (kept maiden). The deep relationships made during our stay led to the collaboration showcased in our first collection, PANUBOK, incorporating and inspired by traditional Panay Bukidnon embroidery. 

Created in collaboration with Regina "Ambing" Villanueva, a master Panay Bukidnon manugtubok (embroiderer), pieces were designed in New York and then embroidered in Barangay Garangan, giving her free reign to embroider traditional designs and placement. She is a master embroiderer, teacher, chanter, and mother of 5, daughter of Leopoldo "Paino" Caballero, master of chanting and tribal chieftain for Garangan, Masaroy, and Agcalaga + the late Rosita Caballero, one of the last binukot of the Panay Bukidnon.

Named after the masked Bikolano warrior goddess of the moon and protector of women, HALIYA represents the strength and resilience of women and reconnecting to precolonial roots. My mission was to bridge ancestral techniques and contemporary design, and to promote Indigenous Filipino crafts while creating jobs and supporting the passing of traditions and techniques to the next generation.

Design & Creative Direction: Stephanie Gancayco
Photography: Gigi Bio
Styling: Rap Sarmiento
Makeup: Elyssa Marie Rivera
Models: Theresa Endoso and Elyssa Marie Rivera