WATER LILY FESTIVAL: Filipino Ingenuity at its Best

Believe it or not, but these products  you see are all made from WATER HYACINTH, a free-floating perennial aquatic plant that is native to tropical and sub-tropical South America.   This wondrous plant bears lily-like flower which has moved locals to call it water lily.

The Water Hyacinth Weaving Enterprise pioneered by the VILLAR FOUNDATION led by its Managing Director CYNTHIA VILLAR has been providing livelihood to over 200 families. 

Mrs. Villar has been working tirelessly to promote this Livelihood Skills Program, giving vast opportunities not only to entrepreneurs all over the country but more importantly extending to people the knowledge and skills provided by the foundation's Water Lily Weaving Project.

The response is over-whelming as many groups and individuals alike have undergone training with the Villar Foundation. 

(Former Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar and Congressman Mark Villar at the Water Lily Weaving Center)

http://www.villarfoundation.org

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Now on its 7^th year, the Water Lily Festival held last Thursday, July 19 at Carnival Court, BF Resort Village, Las Piñas City highlighted Filipino ingenuity providing an avenue for Las Piñeras and Las Piñeros to showcase skills, resourcefulness, creativity, and yes…beauty.

The event was featured at GMA-7's UNANG HIRIT.   Musical performances from Manunugtog Kawayan and other local artists set the festive mood.  On display were water lily products, but more interestedly, actual weaving was demonstrated.

Street Dancing Competition participated by the different Barangays showcased bright colorful costumes and great dancing moves.

The festival has gained attention from different sectors and is fast becoming popular in the likes of Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, etc.

The Fluvial Parade proved how successful the industry has become.  As Mrs. Cynthia Villar has put it, “Zapote River is now free of water lilies and fish have begun breeding here again. We are now getting our water lilies from the Laguna de Bay, and I hope the lake will also be cleared of water lilies because of this business.”

The highlight of the annual festival is the search for the year’s Miss Las Piñas Water Lily.  The Barangays of Las Piñas fielded its own candidate, 19 in all joined the Pre-Pageant held last July 17.

The gowns were created by known designers such Noli Hans as well as the barangay residents themselves. 

The winners of Miss Las Piñas Water Lily become Ambassadresses of the City and will represent the beauty of the city as well as its environmental and livelihood programs such as the United Nations (UN) award-winning river rehabilitation or Sagip Ilog Program—a brainchild of Mrs. Villar.

Las Piñas Miss Waterlily 2012 Search: Grand winner Lyra Velchez of Barangay Manuyo; 

First Runner-up Angelica Prieto of Barangay Talon 2; 

and Second Runner-up Lady Ann Erlano of Brgy. BF International/CAA. 

On Front Page 

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Today, the water lily handicraft business is at its peak.  There are no limits in terms of marketing these products.  It is a profitable business.  On top of which, it provides an avenue for Filipino ingenuity to shine.

The Water Lily Festival was truly a success!