EARLY LIFE
&
CAREER
Apuh Ambalang began using banana and coconut leaves to save resources. After two years of mother's guidance, she gained confidence weaving at the loom. At 12, she was able to weave using the bunga sama technique, which requires thread passing seventy times. Her weaves have evolved into visually arresting, highly textured works of art. Her specialty includes cross-stiched and embroidered embellishments, staples in Yakan trousers and overskirts.
Ausalin, refined her skills and became a sought-after teacher, sharing her knowledge with younger Yakan women. Her work gained recognition beyond her community and she participated in regional and national exhibitions. In 2016, she received the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) award, the country's highest recognition for traditional artists, and was recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) as a National Living Treasure.
