Karilagan is a Tagalog word that translates to gorgeousness, brilliance, the state of being beautiful or splendid.
Karilagan is also the name of the shop my mom, Fe Lilia, opened in Toronto, Ontario in 1972. Her small retail store was located in Yorkville,Ontario. The garden level gem offered a mix of home decor, objects and souvenirs, all imported from the Philippines.
Karilagan Library Collection is a space for galavanting. It’s an immersive experience dedicated to the art, books, craft, decor and design history of the Philippines and Filipino+Americans.
Fe Lilia Ebora was born in Batangas Philippines in 1944, emigrated to Canada in 1970s. She married Gerald Higgins, a photographer. Karena Apollonya Ebora Higgins was born in Toronto,ON.They moved to the United States-California to be closer to Fe’s large Filipino family in 1979.
Born in Canada and raised in California, Karena spent her early childhood and formative years growing up in the diverse and sprawling city of Los Angeles. Mid-City, Koreatown and Silverlake were the neighborhoods of her family and friends. Las Vegas, NV was her family’s frequent vacation destination. Every person and place had an influence, but her identity as a Filipino+Can+Am has been her True North.
Chapter 1
Fil-Am culture has played a integral part in Karena’s education, entrepreneurship and activism i.e. Butter Tart Cafe-Eagle Rock, Frankie-Lucy Bakeshop-Silverlake, The Pleasure of Pig Parts and Beer-First Filipino Food & Beer Tasting, Swirly Celebrations, Phlavor Profiles Podcast, 1Export-Philippines, Filipino-American Fiesta-Museum of Ventura County. The lack of representation with regard to Filipino+American history or the history of the Philippines in educational institutions and cultural centers has also been the catalyst for many of her personal and professional pursuits.
Karilagan Library Collection is a full circle return and nod to that original vibrant shop in the North. This version blends culture, historical records and interior style with a commitment to the education, promotion and preservation of the decorative art history of the Philippines and Filipino+Americans. Our collection includes vintage, rare, antique, limited edition and out of print books, magazines, paintings, basketry, textiles, photographs, films, audio recordings, small wares, objects and lifestyle decor. Our space is meant to inspire conversations, connection, discussion, learning and love for the culture.
Chapter 2
Say hello.
Karilagan hosts a variety of unique experiences which include presentations, art lectures, pop-ups, gatherings workshops, private parties. Studio staging rental services, photo shoots and filming are also available. Our site is the best way to get info and reach us.