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She began weaving intricate mats with a pandan variation known as romblon when she was a child.
Sarangani's Igem-weaver, also known as Estelita Bantilan has been weaving igem (mats) since she was six years old, and by the age of fifteen, she has achieved mastery of the craft of mat-making using the romblon plant, which she learned from her mother.
Bantilan's talent was passed down to her by her mother, who was likewise a skilled weaver in her own way.
Blaan igem weaves, which Bantilan has mastered, are produced by dyeing romblon leaves with natural colorants such as seeds, roots, and bark chips from local plants, and then weaving them together. Her superb artistry is evident in the smooth and precise weaves, which are also embellished with geometric designs and vibrant colors.
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In 1993, Gamaba, the counterpart of the National Artist award in traditional arts was first given to Hanunuo Mangyan poet Ginaw Bilog of Oriental Mindoro, Pala' wan musician and storyteller Masino Intaray of Palawan, and Maguindanao musician Sumaon Su- laiman of Maguindanao.
With the support of the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA), In 2016 Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee Estelita Bantilan has just created a B'laan mat weaving center in the town of Malapatan, Sarangani to preserve, promote and sustain the B’laan weaving tradition.