Likha 2: Will creativity unite us all?
Did you know that we have a thriving, artistry-driven pottery community in Sagada led by women? Or that those on-trend cottage-core basket-weave lamps you spot everywhere from luxury resorts to Pinterest mood boards are very likely to be designed and woven in the Visayas?
Likha 2, an artisan exhibition and project by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, gathers artists and craftsmen from all over the country in the shell craft, basketry, pottery, woodwork, batis, weavers, jewelry, and stone-carving industries, celebrating them together with some of the country’s most esteemed textile weavers.
While Likha highlighted weavers in its first edition, including a wider range of talent in the second edition in time for the 125th Philippine Independence, the weekend is only the beginning.
During the opening, the First Lady said, “This is in keeping with the words of my husband, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, during the State of the Nation Address last year when he said, ‘The creativity of the Filipinos is world-class.’ We excel in arts and culture and everything Filipino.”
Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco echoes the First Lady’s sentiments: “Likha 2 highlights the work of love of our artisans and artists all over the Philippines. The Filipino brand is fully reflected in the work of our local communities that proudly herald to the world to tell the Filipino story.”
Balay ni Atong's Al Valenciano worked with the First Lady and has been instrumental in gathering this diversity of talent, rarely gathered in one place, as in Likha. He notes that participants are not only able to showcase their wares at Likha; artisans from all over the Philippines—some have traveled away from their far-flung homes for the first time just for this event—are finally able to gather, talk, shop, as well as find commonality in their shared experiences. There’s no gatekeeping here—Likha is a community where everyone can learn from each other.
“Our Likha initiative is a work in progress,” the First Lady promises, announcing the upcoming Likha 3, 4, 5, and 6 soon. If Likha 2 is any indication, the First Lady is off to a great start.
Fashion and Filipino craftsmanship come together
Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco (center) with Tourism Promotions Board ChiefOperating Officer Marga Nograles (left) and former Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay Villar
Balay ni Atong’s Al Valenciano with designer Lesley Mobo
Jerry Sibal (left) and his Philippine International Flower Festival 2024 creation with fashion show director Robby Carmona
Natividad Quiday (center) and Madelyn Cudiamat of Leila’s Loomweaving in Abra with collaborator, designer Delby Bragais (right), breathe new life into traditional weaves.
Aside from her iconic Giniling bracelets, jewelry designer Natalya Lagdameo restores and designs tambourines and filigree.
Jewelry designer Strozzi Abecel Rosende designs tropical Philippine iconography in sterling silver, brass and shell inlay.
Minaudière designer Neil Felipp harnesses Cebu’s crazy-rich natural wealth and talent in shell craft and intricate brass work in his creations,.
Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco (center) with Tourism Promotions Board ChiefOperating Officer Marga Nograles (left) and former Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay Villar
Balay ni Atong’s Al Valenciano with designer Lesley Mobo
Jerry Sibal (left) and his Philippine International Flower Festival 2024 creation with fashion show director Robby Carmona
Natividad Quiday (center) and Madelyn Cudiamat of Leila’s Loomweaving in Abra with collaborator, designer Delby Bragais (right), breathe new life into traditional weaves.
Aside from her iconic Giniling bracelets, jewelry designer Natalya Lagdameo restores and designs tambourines and filigree.
Jewelry designer Strozzi Abecel Rosende designs tropical Philippine iconography in sterling silver, brass and shell inlay.
Minaudière designer Neil Felipp harnesses Cebu’s crazy-rich natural wealth and talent in shell craft and intricate brass work in his creations,.
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A broader showcase of Filipino artisan excellence
The First Lady (left) with Myrna C. Bituin and daughter Leslie Bituin-Mendiola of Betis Crafts from Pampanga, a manufacturer and exporter of handcrafted furniture
Artist Jason Domling from the Cordilleras elevates his craft of rattan basketry into installation pieces.
Artists Siegrid Bangyay and Mafe Terisa Valle are two of the women reinventing Baguio pottery at Sagada Pottery with their original works.
Master sculptor Luisito B. Ac-Ac (right, seated) is the living master of woodcarving in Paete, Laguna, the woodcarving capital of the Philippines. Pictured with daughters Lemon and Marygrace.
Silversmith Tomas Ramirez (right) is an institution in liturgical artifacts. He is known for collaborating with fellow Kapampangan designer Mak Tumang for Miss Universe Catriona Gray.
Radzma Malvas and Wilma Cabutija of Jama Mapun Mat Weaving hand-weave scenes of the nature around their home in Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi or Mapun and the Turtle Island into banig.
Estanislao Renoblas and Jovie Ladura of Antequera Baskets from Bohol employ the tuhog-tuhog technique passed down from generations as their town’s main source of livelihood.
Artisans Joevel Francisco (right) and Mr. and Mrs. Arsenio Perol of Uswag Artesano weave with bamboo, anahaw, and tikog from Leyte and Samar.
Sculptor Michael Cabrera of Picapiedra Pilipinas carves and restores works in limestone and adobe. He has trained under Mexican master masons and sculptors Maria Buendia and Nicanor Nequiz.
The First Lady (left) with Myrna C. Bituin and daughter Leslie Bituin-Mendiola of Betis Crafts from Pampanga, a manufacturer and exporter of handcrafted furniture
Artist Jason Domling from the Cordilleras elevates his craft of rattan basketry into installation pieces.
Artists Siegrid Bangyay and Mafe Terisa Valle are two of the women reinventing Baguio pottery at Sagada Pottery with their original works.
Master sculptor Luisito B. Ac-Ac (right, seated) is the living master of woodcarving in Paete, Laguna, the woodcarving capital of the Philippines. Pictured with daughters Lemon and Marygrace.
Silversmith Tomas Ramirez (right) is an institution in liturgical artifacts. He is known for collaborating with fellow Kapampangan designer Mak Tumang for Miss Universe Catriona Gray.
Radzma Malvas and Wilma Cabutija of Jama Mapun Mat Weaving hand-weave scenes of the nature around their home in Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi or Mapun and the Turtle Island into banig.
Estanislao Renoblas and Jovie Ladura of Antequera Baskets from Bohol employ the tuhog-tuhog technique passed down from generations as their town’s main source of livelihood.
Artisans Joevel Francisco (right) and Mr. and Mrs. Arsenio Perol of Uswag Artesano weave with bamboo, anahaw, and tikog from Leyte and Samar.
Sculptor Michael Cabrera of Picapiedra Pilipinas carves and restores works in limestone and adobe. He has trained under Mexican master masons and sculptors Maria Buendia and Nicanor Nequiz.
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