Families of early weavers as well as other Baliwageños gathered to celebrate the town’s Buntal Hat Festival held at SM City Baliwag last May.

In partnership with the Baliwag Tourism Council, the launch was led by local historian and author of the book Baliwag Then and Now, Rolando Villacorte. It was followed by testimonials of families of native buntal weavers like Nanay Iya Sales and Baliuag Buntal Enterprises’ Rosie Decasa.

Mr. Allan Tengco, owner of one of the country’s major bus transportation company, Baliwag Transit Inc. also shared how the buntal hat has become a significant symbol in their family business.

The Giant Buntal Hat measuring 2 meters in diameter became one of the highlights of the launch. An exhibit of The History of Buntal Hat Weaving in Baliwag is currently on display for mall goers to appreciate the origin of the first buntal hat made in the year 1910. Shoppers can also learn more about the hand-woven artwork with a step-by-step guide in making an open brim buntal hat.

Bokal Ferdie Estrella together with all the members of the Sangguniang Bayan were beaming with pride as they strut in style with elegant buntal hats and bags on the runway during the Buntal Fashion Show. Also present to show their support were Bulacan Provincial Administrator Jim Valerio, Arts and Culture Head Eliseo Dela Cruz, Bulacan Historian Jaime Corpuz and Jo Clemente of Bulacan Tourism Convention and Visitors Bureau (BTCVB).