Cover Likhang Habi 2023 will happen on October 13 to 15 at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center (Photo: Jove Moya)
Likhang Habi 2023 will happen on October 13 to 15 at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center (Photo: Jove Moya)
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For its 13th edition, the Likhang Habi market fair seeks to show the interconnection between the Philippines’ traditional weavers and their place in the cultural firmament
This year’s Likhang Habi offers a brand new take on Filipino craftsmanship—through its theme: “Web of Woven Wonders”. The annual market fair celebrates the intricate artistry and diversity of traditional weaving, showcasing the talent and creativity of our artisans.
Headed by the members of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, the fair pays homage to the ever-expanding digital sphere.
“The country’s traditional textiles and the innovative weaves various groups of Filipinos have come up with are truly wonderful,” says Adelaida Lim, former president of HABI. “The beauty of the finished products and the consummate skill it took to make them are something we can all be proud of,” she adds.
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Above Ifugao (ancient culture of wet-rice agriculturalists) woman weaver in traditional dress and hat, Banaue, Luzon Island, Philippines (Photo: James Strachan/Getty Images)
Ifugao (ancient culture of wet-rice agriculturalists) woman weaver in traditional dress and hat, Banaue, Luzon Island, Philippines (Photo: James Strachan/Getty Images)
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A Collaboration of Artisans
The 13th Likhang Habi will feature 71 vendors representing several regional and ethnic groups in the country. Each booth will showcase a wide range of hand-woven products, including textiles, ready-to-wear clothes, bags, shoes, and home accessories made of piña, abaca, and cotton, among others.
To accommodate the increase in the number of participants, the fair will also occupy a bigger space this year from the Glorietta Activity Center to the area fronting Palm Drive.
Related: Likhang HABI Market Fair Returns This 2022
According to Villanueva, some vendors from local provinces will be given at least two tables for them to offer and feature more of their products.
Weaving Competitions
To further promote hand-weaving, the HABI council will hold two competitions for this year’s fair: the 6th annual Lourdes Montinola Piña weaving competition and the 2nd Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca weaving competition.
Local clothing brand Filip + Inna will sponsor the Innovation Award for the 2023 piña competition, which gives credit to the best makers of pure piña fabric.
Above A selection of cotton table runners hand woven by village weavers in the Philippines
A selection of cotton table runners hand woven by village weavers in the Philippines
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“I saw the need to differentiate new blends of piña textiles from its unadulterated form,” says Len Cabili, former judge of the piña competition. “While it is essential to innovate, proper honour and recognition should be given to those behind the purest piña or liniwan piña fabrics. We need to show the distinct qualities of the different grades of piña textiles.”
The 2023 Likhang Habi will happen from October 13 to 15 at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center. Established in 2009, HABI: The Philippine Textile Council is a non-governmental organisation that emphasises the value of singularity of our cultural identity by striving to preserve the understanding of and know-how of our indigenous textiles.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
