Cover These competitions seek to revitalise near-forgotten weaving practices for the modern age (Photo: Courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council; stylised with Canva)
These competitions seek to revitalise near-forgotten weaving practices for the modern age (Photo: Courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council; stylised with Canva)
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Take a look at the workings behind the 3rd Annual Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition and the 7th Annual Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition by HABI
Efforts to keep the traditional textile industry are alive and thriving, thanks to the efforts of cultural organisations like HABI: The Philippine Textile Council. This year, two events—the 3rd Annual Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition and the 7th Annual Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition—are leading the charge as platforms for cultural revival. Organised by HABI, they serve as opportunities for experienced artisans and weavers to showcase their earnestly honed skills.
Read more: What can natural dyes teach us about sustainability? A look inside the 14th Likhang Habi Fair
Each year, the two competitions ensure the ongoing evolution and revitalisation of these important indigenous practices, passing these on to future generations. Spearheaded by Adelaida Lim, president emeritus of HABI, along with Maribel Ongpin, chairman emeritus, they have long been champions of traditional Filipino weaving, sharing a vision not just to preserve heritage, but to inspire younger generations to explore and elevate these overlooked crafts.
“We [organised these competitions] to see if there were still young people who wanted to keep the tradition alive,” says Lim. “Every year, [a participant] showcases something new and exceptional, which is always the intention of these types of events.”
The winners were announced on October 19 and October 20 at the 14th Likhang Habi Market Fair.
The 7th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition
Above ‘Ugnayan’ by Ursulita Dela Cruz and Therese Angela Sulañgi (Photo: Courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council)
Above ‘Frame of the Philippines’ by Jannalyn N Rasonable (Photo: Courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council)
‘Ugnayan’ by Ursulita Dela Cruz and Therese Angela Sulañgi (Photo: Courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council)
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The Piña weaving competition, named in honour of Lourdes Montinola—chair emeritus of Far Eastern University and a passionate advocate for indigenous textiles—has grown into a significant trademark of the Likhang Habi Market Fair. As the country’s premier contest for piña weaving, it seeks to revitalise the native fibre in cloth production in the Philippines.
This year, one entry that stood out was a piece submitted by 24-year-old Jannalyn N Rasonable of Banga, Aklan. Using a photo on her phone as a reference, she crafted a design featuring the Philippine flag and a map. Rasonable went on to receive the competition’s Nadres Young Weaver Award. Lim notes that some young members of these rural communities have revived long-forgotten weaving techniques, bringing them back to life through their participation.
First place went to Piña Silk, Black, and Gold Sinuksuk by Edgar T Cornito, while Rosas de Paper with Rengue by Raquel R Eliserio won second place. The Filip + Inna Innovation Award was given to Ursulita Dela Cruz and Therese Angela Sulañgi for Ugnayan, their mixed media piña and seda piece.
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The 3rd Annual Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition
Above ‘Abaca Fino Barong’ by Rolly Arboleda (Photo: Courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council)
Above ‘Rugged Abaca and Delicate Ticog’ by Rolly Arboleda (Photo: Courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council)
‘Abaca Fino Barong’ by Rolly Arboleda (Photo: Courtesy of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council)
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Only on its third iteration, the Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition was launched with the goal of elevating the coarse and thick abaca fabric to the same level of popularity as piña, its finer and more delicate counterpart. It shares its name with the mother of couture designer-turned-monk Gang Gomez, now known as Dom Martin Gomez, OSB. In her memory, Gomez and his siblings spearheaded the competition to celebrate their mother’s lifelong advocacy for native attire and the use of locally woven fabrics.
This year, the first prize was awarded to Arlene Yamog and Mayra Ileda of Malinao, Aklan for their abaca macramé creation. Second place was given to Rolly Arboleda for his mixed media piece made of abaca and ticog.
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About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
Work
Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
