Cover Some items featured at the previous edition of Likhang HABI Market Fair (Photo: courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council)
Some items featured at the previous edition of Likhang HABI Market Fair (Photo: courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council)
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The 16th Likhang HABI Market Fair returns to SPACE at One Ayala from October 9 to 11, showcasing 100 exhibitors, weaving competitions and cultural talks
Taking place at SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City, the three-day market fair operates under the theme “Worth Every Thread” to showcase traditional textiles, contemporary fashion and local craft. The event brings together a curated list of 100 exhibitors, including weavers, artisans, designers and textile advocates representing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the country.
Visitors will find handwoven fabrics featuring regional techniques such as inabel from Ilocos, suksok from Aklan and t’nalak from Cotabato, alongside designs using traditional natural fibres like abaca and pineapple.
Read more: Maribel Ongpin on HABI’s efforts to revive the Philippine cotton industry
Above Poster for the 16th Likhang HABI Market Fair, which is happening at One Ayala this 2026
Poster for the 16th Likhang HABI Market Fair, which is happening at One Ayala this 2026
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“The value of every element in a handwoven fabric is incalculable,” HABI president emeritus Adelaida Lim says, emphasising the cultural significance behind each handwoven item. “From the fibres to the dyes along with the techniques employed, all these represent the culture of a people, a weaving community. Their values, their customs, their traditions and their dreams are all infused within each strand and we get to hold all of that in our hands when we bring home their products. And that is truly worth every thread!”
Over its 16-year history, the event has developed into a collaborative space for artisan communities to exchange ideas and expand their commercial reach.
Above Scenes from the previous edition of Likhang HABI Market Fair (Photo: courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council)
Scenes from the previous edition of Likhang HABI Market Fair (Photo: courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council)
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“In a way, the Likhang HABI Market Fair has become like a family reunion. We all know each other or are familiar with each other’s work,” Mia Villanueva, president of HABI says. “After a decade and a half, we’ve witnessed small enterprises with just a handful of products grow into a full-range boutique. We’ve seen a weaver with no background in design start with just one basic item bloom into a serious business that employs many weavers. Others would skip a year or two to fix their systems and figure out their plan, then return with improved products and better packaging.”
To support public education and industry dialogue, the fair will host Kwentong Kultura, a series of educational talks addressing preservation, curation, product development and entrepreneurship within the local textile sector. The event schedule also features screenings of documentary films focused on Philippine textile traditions, including special features produced by GMA News and Public Affairs’ i-Witness.
Above Participating entries from the previous edition of Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition (Photo: courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council)
Participating entries from the previous edition of Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition (Photo: courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council)
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“There is a strong sense of community,” Villanueva adds. “We look out for each other. Ideas flow freely. And there is a sense of openness to new ways of doing things as long as the weaving culture and tradition is respected. We are working hard to ensure that the 16th edition of the Fair will continue fostering this supportive environment.”
The fair will host the display and judging of entries for two national textile competitions: the 9th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 5th Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition. The award ceremonies for the respective contests will take place on October 10 and 11.
Above Scenes from the previous edition of Likhang HABI Market Fair (Photo: courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council)
Scenes from the previous edition of Likhang HABI Market Fair (Photo: courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council)
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“Our traditional fabrics do not exist in a vacuum,” Ongpin says. “These are the expressions of a culture—people who share the same history, environment, values and traditions. Thus, every thread is a link to our treasured past. We are excited to welcome everyone to the Likhang HABI Market Fair to renew these links and strengthen our ties as we weave our future.”
The 16th Likhang HABI Market Fair will run from October 9 to 11, 2026 at Level 5, SPACE at One Ayala, Makati City.
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Franz writes about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Art Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright. But above all this, this Aether main spends more time in Teyvat than anywhere else.
