The Philippine Embassy in Jakarta reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that the Philippines participated with flair at the International Embroidery Festival 2012 organized by the National Crafts Council of Indonesia.
The National Crafts Council of Indonesia is presided by Mrs. Herawati Boediono, spouse of Indonesian Vice President Boediono. The festival was officially opened on October 5 by Indonesia's First Lady Ani Bambang Yudhoyono, who approached Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Rosario Aguinaldo to personally express her appreciation for the Philippines' participation. One of the first booths visited by the First Lady was that of Asia Embroidery, Inc. where she spent some time admiring the piña embroidered fabrics on display.
Asia Embroidery's proprietor Mrs. Lourdes Ragas shared the stage with renowned Indonesian couturier, Ramli, as she delivered a lecture in the seminar on embroidery.
Mrs. Ragas spoke on the weaving and embroidery of the piña fabric and explained how her other designs involving cut outs and flower appliqués are made. The lecture elicited much interest and Mrs. Ragas generously offered to continue her talk with those interested in her booth.
The Asia Embroidery booth was so popular that Mrs. Ragas was prevailed upon to sell some of her products which were intended only for display. It was even suggested that she open a boutique in Indonesia to meet the demand for her products.
