Barbara Ofong Explained

Barbara Ofong
Birth Date:	16 May 1956
Nationality:	Filipino
Known For:	Textile
Style:	T'nalak

Barbara Kibed Ofong (born May 16, 1956^[1]) is a Filipino master textile weaver who specialize in T'nalak.

Background

Ofong is a Tboli woman from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato and is known for the traditional abaca weaving art of T'nalak.^[2] Ofong created at least 90 patterns purportedly through the influence of the spirit of abaca, Fu Dalu via dreams.^[3]

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts conferred Ofong the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan award in December 2023.^[4] She is the second T'nalak weaver to receive the recognition after Lang Dulay^[2]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Pagbati sa Ika-68 na Kaarawan ni Manlilikha ng Bayan Barbara Ofong! . Greeting for the 68th birthday of National Living Treasure Barbara Ofong. Instagram . National Commission for Culture and the Arts . 16 May 2024 . https://archive.today/20241115062855/https://www.instagram.com/nccaofficial/p/C7Auwk5Bi28/?hl=en . 15 November 2024. fil.
2. News: Manipon . Roel Hoang . Hail the newly declared National Living Treasures . 15 November 2024 . Daily Tribune Lifestyle . 1 January 2024.
3. News: Florendo . Margie Moran . Proudly T'boli, proudly Filipino . 15 November 2024 . Philstar Life . 17 March 2024.
4. News: 9 ‘Manlilikha ng Bayan’ named . 15 November 2024 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . 22 December 2023 . en.