FROM CEBU
Surci has a total of about 60 knitters on staff.
They usually knit bags at home, but when they come to the workshop,
they iron bags, learn about knitting techniques they don’t understand,
and sometimes take a break from knitting to enjoy a chat. They always seem to be happily knitting bags.
Introducing Knitters
INTRODUCTION
Em-em
Elisa
Ading
Alet
Alot
Ann
Arca
Ayeng
Babie
Bea
Bebe
Bel
Berta
Cecil
Cecilia
Cencia
Cha
Cita
Clarita
Cleofe
Cristy
Denisa
Evelyn
Flor
Gigi
Janice
Jo Ann
Lita
Lucille
Lulu
Lydia
Mariel
Mario
Marisa
Marylyn
Mhey
Milyn
Mina
Myrna
Nalyn
Nanet
Raquil
Regine
Res
Resting
Ricky
Rose
Tata
Tes
Tintin
Totang
Victoria
ATELIER
Surci’s workshop is located in Carcar City, approximately 40 kilometers south of Cebu City, the central hub of Cebu Island in the Philippines, about an hour and a half by bus.
What’s Cebu like?
Everyone gathers once every two weeks on payday, the busiest day at the workshop.
SKILL UP
At Surcy, we go beyond simply teaching bag knitting techniques to provide various follow-up support,
all to maximize the potential of our knitters.
Bag Design Competition
This competition, held annually since 2014, stems from our desire to nurture bag designers from among our knitters.
Knitters themselves design bags, knit them into shape, and then our representative, Sekiya, judges and critiques them during the Christmas party.
The top five entries receive prize money, certificates, and additional prizes, and the best work may even be commercialized.
Year after year, design skills and techniques improve, resulting in uniquely expressive creations.
Through this competition, Surcy hopes participants will not only enhance their skills but also expand their sense of possibility and gain confidence.
The competition video is here.
The knitters proudly holding their certificates
2020 Top Winners
Fashion show
We hold this event every two years since 2017, hoping our knitters will feel a sense of fulfillment and pride in their work.
Alongside special effects like sound and lighting, professional singers and dancers also perform to energize the venue. Its glamour and excitement are reminiscent of a Paris fashion show.
The knitters walk the runway carrying the bags they created for the competition, in front of an audience of about 300 people. This includes not only friends and family, but also people who have supported Surci, as well as local media representatives.
It becomes an unforgettable, moving day not only for the knitters themselves, but also for their husbands and children.
Fashion show video is here
The knitter striding confidently down the runway
Those who came from Japan to show their support
EVENT
At Surushi, we host various events to deepen the bonds and camaraderie among knitters.
Christmas Party
The Philippines is Asia’s only Christian nation, with over 90% of its population being Christian.
For its people, Christmas parties are a major event. At Sulsi, we hold a grand party in the workshop garden on the second or third Saturday of December.
On this day, the knitters’ children and husbands join in, making it a lively and joyful party filled with games, dancing, gift exchanges, and karaoke.
The highlight of the party is the roasted whole pig, “Lechon,” a staple of Filipino celebrations, proudly displayed!
Amidst cheers, laughter, and singing, the party continues until dusk.
Click here for the Christmas party video
All delicious local food
The lively knitters dancing away
Birthday Party
Every month, we hold a gathering at the workshop to celebrate the knitters born that month.
By gathering together once a month, we deepen the bonds of friendship among the knitters.
Everyone is looking forward to this day.
A party dish (using banana leaves as plates!)
Surci Ukulele Club
Cebu Island is a well-known ukulele production area among those in the know.
Reflecting the local character, some bodies are made from coconut shells or inlaid with mother-of-pearl, each one handcrafted by artisans.
Several times a month, a group of volunteer knitters gathers to enjoy practicing the ukulele.
TOUR
Our local workshop in Cebu welcomes study tours from Japan at any time. (Individuals and groups are both welcome.)
We offer a variety of enjoyable programs, including visits to the weavers’ homes, hands-on workshops using raffia, explanations of our fair trade initiatives, and Q&A sessions.
Please feel free to inquire about availability, pricing, and other details.
Learning brooch-making from Ms. Amiko
The finished brooch becomes one of your memories!
RECOMMEND