Cover Some of the entries to the Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition in 2024 (Photo: courtesy of Habi: The Philippine Textile Council)
Some of the entries to the Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition in 2024 (Photo: courtesy of Habi: The Philippine Textile Council)
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Until September 1, Filipino master artisans and weaving communities are invited to submit their entries to Likhang Habi’s annual competitions honouring two iconic Philippine fibres
Habi: The Philippine Textile Council has recently announced the launch of the 8th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 4th Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition. Culminating at the 15th Likhang Habi Market Fair happening on October 10 to 12, the competitions will be accepting entries showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship from master artisans and weaving communities until September 1.
“We want to give voice and value to the hands behind every woven creation,” says the council’s founder, Maribel Ongpin.
Aimed at reflecting the growing national appreciation for these ancient crafts passed down through generations of skilful Filipino hands, this year’s Likhang Habi Market Fair is set to be held at a new, more expansive venue: One Ayala Mall in Makati City.
“The artistry of Filipino weavers deserves a national stage,” Ongpin continues.
Read more: What can natural dyes teach us about sustainability? A look inside the 14th Likhang Habi Fair 2024
Above Poster for the call for entries to the 8th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 4th Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition this coming 2025
Poster for the call for entries to the 8th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 4th Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition this coming 2025
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The two competitions serve as powerful reminders that amidst today’s proliferation of fast fashion and mass production, we can still preserve sustainability, heritage and cultural identity through the patient work of skilled hands. Deeply connected to our nation’s heritage, piña and abaca fibres continue to be deemed as tangible symbols of Filipino elegance and a testament to the strength and versatility of Philippine natural resources.
The 2024 Piña Competition celebrated Edgar Cornito’s “Piña Silk, Black and Gold Sinuksok” with first place honours, followed by Raquel Eliserio’s “Rosas de Papel with Rengue” in second. Third place resulted in a tie between Rosalvie Tumaca’s “Piña Silk Kalabasa” and Perlie Florencio’s “Piña Silk Multi-Harness Geometric Pattern”. Meanwhile, special recognitions were given to Jannalyn Rasonable, who received the Nadres Young Weaver Award, while Ursulita Dela Cruz and Therese Angela Sulang earned the Filip + Inna Innovation Award.
Above The exhibition section of the Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition at the Likhang Habi Market Fair last 2024 (Photo: courtesy of Habi: The Philippine Textile Council)
Above The exhibition section of the Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition at the Likhang Habi Market Fair last 2024 (Photo: courtesy of Habi: The Philippine Textile Council)
The exhibition section of the Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition at the Likhang Habi Market Fair last 2024 (Photo: courtesy of Habi: The Philippine Textile Council)
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The 2024 Abaca Competition highlighted outstanding creations, such as Abaca Fino Barong by Rolly Arboleda of La Herminia Weaving Industry, and an Abaca Macramé creation by Arlene Yamog and Mayra Iledan.
For this year’s Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition, there are three categories that participants can enter: Liniwan, Pure Piña, and Natural Fibre (seda / jusi / cotton / abaca) Blends with Piña. Entries must have a minimum length of two metres. There are no structural limits on the width, and, for the Liniwan category, the fabric must be plain (with no design). Additional points will be awarded for the use of natural dyes. Upon submission, participants must also provide a list of all the materials they used, including a detailed description of the process involved in making the piece.
Above Entries will be judged on authenticity, creativity, technical skill, and cultural narrative, with winners receiving recognition, cash prizes, and national exposure to cultural institutions, designers, and textile enthusiasts (Photo: courtesy of Habi: The Philippine Textile Council)
Entries will be judged on authenticity, creativity, technical skill, and cultural narrative, with winners receiving recognition, cash prizes, and national exposure to cultural institutions, designers, and textile enthusiasts (Photo: courtesy of Habi: The Philippine Textile Council)
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On the other hand, interested participants for the 4th Eloisa Hizon Gomez may submit to any of the following categories: Ikat (dyeing technique used to create distinct patterns), Abaca Craft (handcrafted creations made from pure abaca, not necessarily woven) and Nipis (fine and woven pure abaca). Similarly, submissions should have a minimum length of two metres and a maximum length of six metres, and there are no structural limitations on the width. Likewise, additional points will be awarded for the use of natural dye.
The creations should be submitted to the council’s office at 962 May Street, Mandaluyong City, on or before September 1.
“The competitions particularly aim to elevate regional weaving practices, bringing visibility to communities where these traditions remain vital cultural practices,” the council expressed in a statement.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
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