A new pop-up on Norwich Market is selling handcrafted gifts straight from the volcanic regions of the Philippines.

Engielle Paguican, owner of Lalahon, is a Filipino volcanologist living in Norwich who wanted to bring joy to the city in the form of woven gifts. 

“In the Philippines we start celebrating Christmas in September,” Engielle said.

Norwich Evening News: Items being sold at the Lalahon pop-up stall at Norwich Market Items being sold at the Lalahon pop-up stall at Norwich Market (Image: Oli Picton)

“I arrived here in October and this was like leaving the Philippines during Christmas, so I wanted to bring some Christmassy things here.”

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Lalahon in Filipino mythology is the deity of fire, volcanoes and harvest, a fitting name considering all of the materials are taken from plants that grow well in volcanic soil. 

Norwich Evening News: The Lalahon pop-up stall will be at Norwich Market until Christmas Eve The Lalahon pop-up stall will be at Norwich Market until Christmas Eve (Image: Oli Picton)

The woven goods, including shopping bags, water bottle holders and more festive items including Christmas trees, angels and wreaths are all hand-woven in Filipino villages that surround volcanos. 

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“We saw these materials and they made us smile," continued Engielle, whose husband works at the UEA.

"I thought maybe if I bring them here it would also make other people smile, and it will make me feel as if a little bit of Filipino Christmas is here with me."

Norwich Evening News: Engielle Paguican is running the Lalahon pop-up stall at Norwich Market Engielle Paguican is running the Lalahon pop-up stall at Norwich Market (Image: Oli Picton)

All of the products are made mostly from plant materials that grow in tough conditions, including abaca, pandan and pili, which thrive not only after eruptions but also in strong winds and heavy rainfall. 

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Engielle said they “represent resilience” and that it shows “people can be creative” even when met with difficult situations. 

Norwich Evening News: The Lalahon pop-up stall is at Norwich Market The Lalahon pop-up stall is at Norwich Market (Image: Oli Picton)

The products are sourced directly from the villages. Some of the villagers are tasked with harvesting the plants and their materials, whilst others weave the fibres. 

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“I want to make sure they come from the people who really make them,” Engielle added.

Norwich Evening News: Engielle Paguican is running the Lalahon pop-up stall at Norwich Market until Christmas Eve Engielle Paguican is running the Lalahon pop-up stall at Norwich Market until Christmas Eve (Image: Oli Picton)

“Sometimes a third person will add more cost and the weavers don't get what they deserve. So I get it directly from the villages.”

Lalahon’s pop-up shop on Norwich Market closes on Christmas Eve.