Moy: Beadwork Artisan Community

〣 Location: Cebu, The Philippines
〣 No of Artisans: 2
〣 Specialty Skill: Beadwork

“We've always strived for a kinder and more thoughtful approach to fashion, and this is our way of doing it. Beyond that, opportunities like these (with Barehands) give us a sense of security and a hope for a continuation of our craft and to keep our stories alive.”

- Kiko, Designer at Moy

Two skilled artisans carefully assemble each bead to create our Moy bead bags. What begins with a simple thread becomes something extraordinary through their patience, rhythm, and years of experience — each bead placed with intention, each bag reflecting the artistry they’ve refined over decades. Through this collaboration with Barehands, ideas and stories are shared, and the joy of bringing each collection to life.

Meet Charita, 61 years old — a long-time beadwork community partner. With over 25 years of experience, she crafts each piece with care and quiet purpose. Every bag she completes carries more than beauty — it carries her determination to see her youngest son through to graduation, one bead at a time.

Meet Marlita, 51 years old — who began her beadwork journey in 1990. For her, this craft has been both livelihood and legacy — a way to support her family and to keep creating with her hands. “It is my dream to continue this craft for as long as I can,” she says.

At the heart of Cebu, our community partner, Moy, thrives in Mandaue City — the island’s industrial capital and the home of the beadwork team since 2004. Here, amidst the hum of daily life, the artisans’ shared passion continues to shape the pieces you hold.

The Process

Each Moy bag takes about two days to assemble, not counting the time spent hand-dyeing the beads. The colours are dyed in small batches over two to three days, allowing for careful quality checks and retouching when needed before the final assembly.

The result — a piece that carries the warmth of human hands, the precision of experience, and the quiet beauty of craft.