Wear your heart for local weaves on your sleeve • PhilSTAR Life

There has been a proliferation of Filipino artistry, tapestry, and everything local that is taking center stage. Bazaars, fairs, and shows are featuring more and more of what will makes us truly proud of our beautiful, diverse, and unique culture.

I have always looked forward to the Likhang Habi Market Fair. The colors, flavors, and hues truly bring excitement to all those who appreciate such artistry. To the uninitiated, they will certainly fall in love with all that this fair has to offer.

The Tagolwanen Women Weavers Association, Inc. (TWWA) goal is to preserve the fading art of weaving in the Tagoloanen tribe and ensure the continuation of traditional mat-making.

Imagine traveling around the country to appreciate and be mesmerized by this year’s fair that gathers weavers, artisans, designers, and brands from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—Cordillera, Zamboanga, Ilocos, Soccsksargen, Negros, Bangsamoro and more. Likhang Habi Market Fair, the first project of the HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, has grown so much over the years, from featuring 12 vendors to over a hundred in its recent editions.

The luxurious Discovery Primea in Makati was the venue of the recent press launch of the Likhang Habi Market Fair. Gracious GM David Pardo de Ayala welcomed one and all, and shared his delight to be part of such a noble endeavor.

Proud local products of the government of Cotabato City

The 14th Likhang Habi Market Fair will take place at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City from Oct. 18 to 20. There are no entrance fees.

Likhang Habi Market Fair is an opportunity for our country’s skilled and talented weavers and artisans to showcase and sell their work and come face to face with potential customers, clients, and collaborators.

Rubyline cocoon blazer with handwoven mestiza sleeves from Negros Nine Weavers

At their booths, you can buy textiles, garments, bags, home decor, jewelry, and other special creations. But the fair is more than just about shopping, said HABI president Mia Villanueva. “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.”

HABI was established in 2009. “We started it because we realized that there was no textile society in the Philippines,” said HABI founder and chairman emeritus Maria Isabel “Maribel” Ongpin. The Philippine Textile Council is a non-governmental organization that emphasizes the value and singularity of our cultural identity by striving to preserve our understanding and know-how of our indigenous talents.

Get transported back to the province with the Panubok White Blouse of Yanas Woven Textile.

This year’s theme is “Earth to Loom: Celebrating Natural Dyes in Philippine Textile” which, according to Villanueva, hopefully brings into focus the issue of sustainability, the application of eco-friendly processes, and leaving a minimal carbon footprint in the making of clothes and other fabrics for daily use.

Many designers have evolved in their craftsmanship. It was a dear family friend, Ditta Sandico, who first introduced me to such artistry in tapestry, and since then, my appreciation for it has heightened. Banana fabrics made of abaca were an instant hit several decades ago and continue to be very attractive today. Looking ahead, the market can expect a wave of innovative ideas from young, talented designers who are eager to explore new products for a growing market.

Eye-catching designs by Monica Madrigal and Steffi Cua

Among the talented youth I met was Atenean Paolo Palanca, founder of Kaya Mana PH, whose handcrafted jewelry of gold and very creative material featured earrings, lockets, and necklaces. His passion was truly infectious.

Elma Lagunia talked about some activities for Likhang Habi. She said the Drum Circle PH is an interactive event that brings people together, making music with an assortment of drums. On Oct. 18, Kat Palasi, a documentary photographer, will talk about dyeing with indigo. Edgar Comito of La Herminia, a visual artist and fabric designer, will talk about abaca, weaving, dyeing, and painting. Carlo Eliserio of Raquel’s Pina Cloth will share his craft with Pinya. Siegrid Bangyay from Sagada will give a talk about working with clay. They have also produced four books and some documentaries.

Authentic and handloom woven products from Y-Kalinga Tapis Weaving

One very touching endeavor is their “Sponsor a Weaver” program, through which the HABI council supports talented artisans in developing their crafts and businesses. They also play a crucial role in helping artisans who have faced hardships due to calamities.

The emcee for the presscon, Ces Drilon, cited success stories about how Likhang Habi has helped grassroots entrepreneurs from far-flung communities grow their businesses by subsidizing their transportation and participation costs during previous Habi fairs. Weavers such as Denis Thaddeo Abaquita of Agusan Del Norte, who sells Manobo embroidery, basketry, and beadwork via his enterprise Hininang Tiu, CulturAid T’boli ambassador Agustin Sudaw, Estrellita Godwino of Jie T’boli Designs, both from Lake Sebu South Cotabato, have benefited from this.

Unique bayong, textiles, and accessories from Silahis Arts and Artifacts

Guest exhibitors from abroad are also invited to showcase their crafts as a source of inspiration for local artisans to explore new approaches and ideas.

Sharing the spotlight are entries to the 7th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and submissions to the 3rd Eloisa Hizon-Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition that will be exhibited within the fair area. The winners will be announced on Oct. 19 and 20, respectively.

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