by Sandie Oreta Gillis (Author), Francis Herradura (Illustrator)
When artist Francis Herradura takes an immersive cultural journey to Lake Sebu on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, it not only inspires her to create art, it motivates her to share her experience with the world. Weaving Our Dreams: The Tboli People of the Philippines celebrates the Tboli culture and traditions that have been passed down through the generations: making the sacred tnalak cloth, chanting the legend of Tudbulul, and performing music, songs and dances. It introduces dreamweaver Barbara Ofong and musician/performer Maria Todi, and provides a glimpse of the Tboli way of life through their eyes. These women are passionate about preserving their culture, traditions, lands and connection with nature. They are not alone; many people are working hard to raise awareness, fund initiatives and pass on the ancestral knowledge. As if knotting strands in an intricate tnalak design, Weaving Our Dreams ties the Tboli past to the present-like a song of inspiration, it offers a vision and hope for future generations.