Ambassador Maria Elena P. Algabre and Ms. İpek Kocatepe Dumani, Founder and Creative Director of Bago Handicrafts, at the latter’s showroom in Arnavutköy, Istanbul , with all displayed  items made in the Philippines. (Embassy Photo)

 ISTANBUL 13 April 2022 – A team from the Philippine Embassy in Turkey, led by Ambassador Maria Elena P. Algabre, visited the showroom of Bago Handicrafts, a women’s fashion store, in Arnavutkoy, Istanbul, on 12 April 2022.

BAGO supports women’s artisan communities in the Philippines in creating chic, colorful bags and women’s accessories using Philippine natural materials such as mother of pearl, banig (grass), and t’nalak, which are crafted from abaca fibers derived from the stalk of abaca, or banana plant. BAGO products are available in Beymen stores,  other fashion stores in Turkey and in other countries. 

 Ms. Dumani (far left) shows her creations with Ambassador Algabre, and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Marc Theodore P. Benigno. (Embassy Photos)

The Embassy discussed with Ms. İpek Kocatepe Dumani, Founder and Creative Director of Bago Handicrafts,  possibilities to include more Philippine-made items in BAGO’s product line. ##