IN PHOTOS: Likhang Habi Fair 2024, a celebration of Filipino craftsmanship

MANILA, Philippines — Step into the rich tapestry of Filipino craftsmanship at the 14th Likhang Habi Market Fair to be held at the Glorietta Activity Center from October 18 to 20.

Organized by HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, this year’s fair offers a vibrant display of the finest textiles, garments, and handmade crafts from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao — all dedicated to preserving and promoting the artistry behind Philippine textiles.

Since 2009, HABI has championed the work of Filipino weavers, growing the Likhang Habi Market Fair from a modest 12-booth event to a 100-booth showcase. Featuring artisans and designers from the Cordillera, Ilocos, Zamboanga, Soccsksargen, and Bangsamoro regions, the fair shines a spotlight on both tradition and innovation in the world of weaving.

HABI founder and chairman emeritus Maria Isabel Ongpin, recalled the humble beginnings of the event, and its continued success. “We expanded from 12 booths to 20, and then eventually to about 50. Now we have 100.”

“We started it because we realized that there was no textile society in the Philippines,” Ongpin said.

Visitors can expect to see various products including textiles, home décor, bags, jewelry, and more. This year’s theme, “Earth to Loom: Celebrating Natural Dyes in Philippine Textiles,” highlights the growing global trend of using natural dyes, with increased awareness of consumers and creators of the value of sustainability.

HABI president Mia Villanueva emphasized the significance of this year’s these. “We at HABI don’t claim to have it solved but we want to put it out there and bring it to the forefront that there’s a need for this discussion. We’re going to have workshops that will demonstrate the use of natural dyes.”

The fair will host workshops demonstrating the use of natural dyes, while artisans are encouraged to feature sustainably made products. Though not every item can be dyed naturally, Villanueva hopes to foster greater awareness around sustainability and the craft’s impact on the environment.

A platform for growth

This year’s 14th Likhang Habi Market Fair will celebrate Filipino craftsmanship and feature an impressive lineup of weavers, artisans, designers, and brands from across the archipelago.

The Likhang Habi Market Fair is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a platform for connection and education. Villanueva emphasized this aspect. “It is about fashion, it is about products, it is about home, definitely, we have all those, but it’s about meeting the artisans, it’s about learning,” she said.

The fair serves as a good opportunity for skilled Filipino weavers and artisans to not only showcase their work but also engage directly with potential customers, clients, and collaborators. This interaction fosters a deeper appreciation for their craftsmanship and the stories behind their creations. As attendees explore the booths, they will have a chance to learn about the cultural significance of each piece, as well as the techniques and traditions that bring them to life.

“We realized that many of the weavers and crafters are actually quite isolated, so they need a platform to grow and show their product and tell their story. The market fair is a chance for them to interact with a bigger market,” ABI secretary Rambie Katrina Lim explained.

One such success story is that of Carlo Eliserio, who started as a grassroots vendor and is now recognized internationally. His products have been showcased in major department stores. “There’s a progression. We really invest and watch our vendors grow,” Villanueva shared.

“We have seen many weavers develop into competent entrepreneurs while improving their craft skills,” said HABI president emeritus Adelaida Lim.

While the Likhang Habi Market Fair has grown into a prominent event showcasing Philippine textiles, not all weavers can afford the participation cost. To address this, HABI has introduced a sponsorship program, allowing supporters to help artisans bring their craft to a broader audience.

Villanueva emphasized the significance of the market fair for the weavers. “It’s what gets the textiles out there, and how people get interested in them, and how we can help our weavers through selling and entrepreneurial spirit,” she said.

The Likhang Habi Market Fair may be the organization’s flagship event, but it’s just one of many ways HABI supports and promotes traditional weaving. HABI has also published four books on Philippine fabrics and produced three documentaries highlighting the richness of the country’s textile heritage.

Inspiring the next generation

Beyond the bustling market, the fair also serves as a hub for young Filipinos eager to learn about their heritage. This year, entries to the 7th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 3rd Eloisa Hizon-Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition will be on exhibit at the fair.

HABI also included a category for weavers under 30, reflecting their commitment to passing the torch to the next generation. The winners of the piña and abaca competitions will be announced on October 19 and October 20, respectively.

The resurgence of interest in traditional crafts among young people is a hopeful sign for the future. “We were quite surprised by the number of young people who joined. That indicates that it’s now in the hands of the next generation, and that it’s not going to disappear with the death of older practitioners,” Lim said.

One prominent example is LoveLove Monon, granddaughter of Manlilikha ng Bayan Salinta Monon, who is featured in HABI’s documentary, Threaded Traditions: Memoirs of a Textile – Inabal of the Bagobo-Tagabawa. Monon has decided to continue her grandmother’s weaving legacy. 

“That’s a signal. It shows you that it’s going to continue to exist, it’s going to evolve, and maybe innovations will come,” Lim said.

The enthusiasm for Philippine weaving isn’t limited to artisans. An increasing number of young volunteers, including Filipino youth raised abroad, are joining HABI to reconnect with their heritage and contribute to the organization’s mission. These volunteers bring fresh perspectives and ideas, particularly on products that resonate with people their age.

One intern, for example, is creating her own paper dolls inspired by traditional textiles. “At HABI, we really focus on education because we want to transfer it to the next generation,” said Villanueva.

HABI’s efforts extend beyond the market fair, with educational initiatives, documentaries, and books aimed at preserving and promoting Philippine textiles. By connecting traditional crafts with contemporary lifestyles, HABI ensures that weaving remains relevant in today’s world.

Founded in 2009, HABI is a nongovernmental organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and enhancing Philippine textiles through education, research, and collaboration. Through their work, they aim to keep Filipino weaving traditions alive while supporting artisans across the country. – Rappler.com

Zulaikha Palma is a Rappler intern studying AB Journalism at the University of Santo Tomas.