Creative Definitions

Since 2008, Mike and Banj Claparols of Creative Definitions have focused on offering Negrense products, and in 2017, they transitioned into a social enterprise by collaborating with weaving communities on Negros Island for long-term sustainability. They emphasize using indigenous materials, fair trade, ethical marketing, design innovation, and considering environmental and cultural factors. Their first partnership in 2017 was with the Negros 9 Kabankalan Weavers, growing from nine to thirteen weavers, supported by donations of handlooms and marketed by Creative Definitions.

In 2018, they partnered with the Oringao Abaca Handloom Weavers Association to trial Philippine cotton fabrics. In 2019, they collaborated with Helen Managuit from Valladolid, aiding her in market expansion and increasing production. Later that year, they also partnered with the Bacong Weavers of Negros Oriental, focusing on sinamay weaving with abaca fibers.

Creative Definitions aims to balance environmental, economic, and ethical aspects, developing unique sustainable products like 100% cotton handwoven fabrics and introducing fabrics with blended yarns from various fibers. They also plan to use SMARTEX technology for water-repellent and antimicrobial fabrics.

One notable product is Lakat Sustainable Footwear, created in collaboration with Negros 9 weavers, using natural and recycled materials, and crafted by Marikina shoemakers. Initially made of cotton fabric, future versions will blend cotton with fibers like abaca, pineapple, banana, maguey, bamboo, and sugarcane bagasse, with ongoing research by the Philippine Textile Research Institute.