Cover Inside the 14th Likhang Habi Market Fair (Photos: HABI: The Philippine Textile Council; stylised by Angela Nicole Guiral)
Inside the 14th Likhang Habi Market Fair (Photos: HABI: The Philippine Textile Council; stylised by Angela Nicole Guiral)
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The 14th Likhang Habi Market Fair on October 18 to 20 puts a spotlight on natural dyes, sustainable practices, and Filipino artisans
At first glance, the Likhang Habi Market Fair is just another colourful showcase of indigenous fabrics and handmade crafts. But to dismiss it as merely a celebration of heritage would be to overlook a subtler, more profound shift happening right under our noses—a shift that quietly weaves together sustainability, artistry, and cultural preservation.
This year, the fair, now in its 14th edition, takes on a theme that resonates with today’s global concerns: “Earth to Loom”. It explores natural dyes and their role in the future of Philippine textiles. Habi’s focus on sustainable practices speaks volumes about the potential of age-old traditions to guide modern solutions in a world increasingly conscious of environmental degradation.
Glorietta Activity Center is the perfect venue for 100 booths from October 18 to 20. From Luzon to Mindanao, artisans will travel great distances to bring their works to an urban audience—textiles dyed in earthy reds, yellows, and blacks extracted from native plants. Yet, this year’s fair feels like more than just a presentation of craftsmanship—or perhaps a fashion-forward event like its contemporaries; it is a reimagining of how traditional skills can be a force for environmental good.
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At the heart of this year’s fair is not only the promotion of sustainable practices, but also the empowerment of the artisans themselves. In a new initiative, Sponsor a Weaver directly supports weavers from remote areas, enabling them to participate in the fair.
Among the beneficiaries is Augustin Sudaw, a weaver from South Davao who won last year’s abaca contest. His joy at being able to attend the Likhang Habi fair, despite limited funds, is notable.
“I want to see the people who buy our fabrics,” he says in a video presentation, highlighting the importance of this direct connection between maker and market. This is not just about selling goods; it’s about artisans being able to narrate their own stories, build their networks, and shape their futures.
While sustainability remains a core message, innovation has not been left behind. For artisans like Arlyne Tumbokon from La Herminia, weaving technology has transformed their craft.
“At the time, our looms were made of bamboo, but now we have advanced multi-harness looms that allow for more intricate designs,” she shares. The introduction of the direct warping machine, which slashes production time from weeks to mere days, reflects the weaving community’s resilience and adaptability. “It used to take two to three weeks for manual warping. Now, we can do it in two days.”
Related: Woven tales and revived histories come alive through Maison Métisse
Above Participating brand: DITTA (Photo: HABI)
Above Participating brand: Good Luck, Human (Photo: HABI)
Participating brand: DITTA (Photo: HABI)
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Above Participating brand: Kandama Collective (Photo: HABI)
Above Participating brand: Idyllic Summers (Photo: HABI)
Participating brand: Kandama Collective (Photo: HABI)
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The fair also features an array of talks designed to engage the public in the intricate processes behind these crafts. From indigo dyeing led by Kat Palasi to abaca weaving and dyeing sessions with Edgar Cornito of La Herminia, these talks and demonstrations reveal the expertise and skill that go into every piece of fabric. This educational aspect underscores Habi’s mission: preservation through understanding.
What may be most striking about the Likhang Habi fair, however, is its defiance of nostalgia. This is not a backwards-looking homage to a dying craft. Instead, it is an optimistic, forward-thinking event that aims to bridge the gap between past and future, rural and urban, tradition and innovation. The fair has become a platform not just for artisans, but for a new generation of Filipinos who are beginning to see the inherent value in what once might have seemed old-fashioned.
The 14th Likhang Habi Market Fair is, in many ways, a quiet revolution. It has the power to change the way we see the world. And in a time when sustainability often feels like a buzzword devoid of meaning, Habi’s commitment to natural dyes, traditional craftsmanship, and technological innovation offers a tangible, beautiful, and practical path forward.
“The bazaars manifest the broadening interest of the public in traditional textiles. This was exactly Habi’s aim when the organisation started: to preserve Philippine weaving traditions which vary from island to island,” Habi president emeritus Adelaida Lim concludes.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
