My Liliw... The first step Onward

Everything has a beginning. Like a baby trying to learn how to walk…his first steps are small, unstable and frail. Yet, through determination and persistence, he was able to build enough confidence and strength to achieve and to succeed. True enough, the Liliweno’s has never been as proud when it comes to this theorem.

And never will they disregard the significance of slipper in their lives. For since the early part of the 20th century, many Liliwenos subsisted and lived on the trade. They have mastered the skill like no other for their workmanship—partly God-given talent and partially hard work... are two important characteristics that made them notably recognized and highly in demand as the product itself.

The inauguration of the slipper industry in this town was brought into the light at the outset of the 1930’s, when the famed Casiano Pisuena and sons created “DIMASIRA FOOTWEAR” which manufactured the first slippers made of an indigenous material from the coconut trees called “tistis”. And from then on…people’s callous and hardened soles were comfortably cared for.

Photo Credit: BENZER of KABAYAN-KaLiliw

Looking back now…considering what they have gone through, the slipper industry had taken a real big step forward…quite literally and figuratively, so to speak. But the path they took was not easy and comfortable. Yet the initiator, not oblivious of his intention, gave birth to a remarkable if not phenomenal drive which is now known as a true Liliweno product.

Author’s Note: This is the Part 2 of the 4-part excerpt from the write-up featured on the Liliw Tsinelas Festival Souvenir Program published in 2003 written by yours truly. This is my tribute to my dear hometown and part of the Meme “Our Philippines”. TO READ THE PART 1 OF THIS EXCERPT... CLICK HERE.

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