Rica Nellie M. Arnaez, a 23-year-old designer and a 4th-year Advertising Arts student at the University of Santo Tomas, is deeply passionate about preserving and promoting Filipino craftsmanship. Born and raised in Antique, Rica is a proud “probinsyana” who grew up using the traditional banig as a bed. Her personal connection to this cultural item inspired her to pursue a fashion brand that not only modernizes Filipino heritage but also supports marginalized communities.

Rica’s brand, TATAK, is driven by her desire to uplift the weavers of Basey, Samar, a slowly fading community that creates intricate tikog banig. She believes in the importance of giving back to the artisans who preserve this tradition and seeks to raise awareness about their work, which often goes underappreciated. 

Her commitment to the brand’s mission—to honor Filipino craftsmanship, empower local weavers, and create sustainable fashion—drives her to design pieces that are not only beautiful but also purposeful. She sees her work as a bridge between past and present, connecting traditional skills with modern sensibilities. For Rica, supporting the weavers of Basey, Samar, and other marginalized artisans isn’t just about fashion—it’s about preserving heritage, fostering economic independence, and ensuring that future generations recognize the value of Filipino culture.

Rica also embraces TATAK’s vision to bring Filipino artistry to the global stage. By integrating traditional materials like tikog banig into contemporary fashion, she aims to show that Filipino craftsmanship has a place in modern design. For her, it’s not just about reviving a dying tradition—it’s about giving it a new life, one that resonates with today’s generation and beyond.

In everything she does, Rica remains grounded in the belief that change is possible through passion and perseverance, and that even the smallest efforts can create a lasting, positive impact.