It is an understatement to say that Filipino culture and heritage are rich and vibrant. Each of its island has unique tales that detail who we are then and now. Apart from literature, these stories can be seen and learned through its age-old crafts, from handweaving tapestries and distinct manners of cooking down to special trinkets like heritage jewelry.

The latter is something not known to many. Even during pre-colonial times, Filipinos had their hands busy in molding precious metals into fine jewelry. These kinds of heirloom pieces are something Maria Angelica Santos-Bermejo is passionate about. This led her to establish Maria Angelica Rare Finds, a homegrown brand that presents “a timeless curation of fine jewelry.” This time, the jewelry collector shares more insights about the Philippines’ heritage when it comes to jewelry-making with her book.

Dubbed “Alahas: Philippine Heritage Jewelry,” the book chronicles Filipinos’ jewelry culture, from from pre-colonial times before 1565 to the Spanish Colonial era, Turn of the Century, Modern era, and Contemporary period. It celebrates Filipino culture by putting the spotlight on pre-colonial gold pieces of history in Iloilo and Cordillera tribes’ heirloom beads, among others, through factual stories of adventure, resilience, and deep connections to our heritage.

The narrative explores the nature of 16th-century Spanish colonial jewelry, featuring rare alfajor necklaces, tamborins, criollas, peinetas, and elaborate cross pendants, now cherished beyond mere artifacts. Transitioning to the Turn of the Century, diamantès mirror the exuberance of Manila Carnival gaiety. Emerging victoriously from the scars of war, modern masterpieces take the spotlight. Glamorous ternos bedeck the elite of high society, adorned with colored gemstones—a symbol of hope for a nation on the rise. A contemporary Mata Mata Collection draws inspiration from our cross-cultural past, with Igorot shields, face cover earrings, and streamlined necklaces adorned with pre- colonial wire accents, bringing to life a vision where heritage and modernity coalesce, a timeless connection on today’s Filipina.

“Alahas” offers a symphony of essays as Maria Angelica reflects on her intimate connection with adornments, intertwining with meticulous historical research. Verification of dates and stories, drawn from timeless references and current sources, presents each piece’s unique narrative. Enriched with 290 vivid archival and present-day photos, 22 time-travel illustrations, and beautifully written chapter situationers, the book captures the unique character of each era, infusing spirit into the narrative.

A meticulous collaboration with experts in styling, photography, illustration, and creative book design aims to captivate, inform, and elevate the reader’s experience—fulfilling the promise of engaging and visually compelling storytelling. Collectively, the team aspires to kindle a sense of pride, encouraging readers to reconnect with and celebrate their roots—a unified rallying call to uphold the enduring legacy of Philippine heritage jewelry.

“Alahas: Philippine Heritage Jewelry” will have an exclusive book launch on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 6 p.m. Hosted by JJ Acuna/Bespoke Studio in collaboration with Maria Angelica and the creative minds Tomás de Cárcer and Kara Bermejo of Manifesto Design Lab, the event promises an exquisite evening coinciding with the vibrant spirit of Art Fair Philippines.

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