Cover Some of the entries for the previous Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition annually held at HABI Fair
Some of the entries for the previous Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition annually held at HABI Fair
1 / 1
HABI: The Philippine Textile Council is calling on weavers nationwide to showcase their mastery in piña and abaca craftsmanship for two prestigious national competitions culminating at this year’s HABI Fair.
Set to be the centrepiece events of the 16th Likhang Habi Market Fair—widely anticipated by enthusiasts as the annual HABI Fair—the competitions will run from October 9 to 11. The showcase will be held at Space at One Ayala in Makati City.
The council has officially opened the call for entries for the 9th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 5th Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition. Together, these platforms sustain a long-standing commitment to safeguarding, celebrating, and advancing the artistry of Philippine handwoven textiles. They honour the mastery and cultural legacy carried by generations of Filipino artisans.
Read more: Maribel Ongpin on HABI’s efforts to revive the Philippine cotton industry
Above Poster for the Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition
Poster for the Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition
1 / 1
Adelaida Lim, president emeritus of HABI, notes the creativity these contests consistently inspire. “The most encouraging aspect of these weaving competitions is the response of the weavers themselves—how they rise imaginatively to the challenge,” Lim says. “Each entry piece is pure delight. I always look forward to the surprises.”
The Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition is named after the cultural advocate and author of the landmark book Piña. It celebrates the evolving artistry of pineapple fibre weaving by accepting entries in three distinct categories:
Liniwan focuses on plain weave, demonstrating fineness, uniformity, and technical excellence. Pure Piña highlights the beauty and creative potential of pure piña fibre. Natural Fibre Blends encourages innovation through combinations of piña with silk (seda), jusi, cotton, or abaca. All piña entries must measure at least two metres in length.
Above Aurora piña
Aurora piña
1 / 1
Meanwhile, the Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition was established by Dom Martin Gomez, OSB (formerly haute couture designer Gang Gomez) and his siblings to honour their mother’s lifelong dedication to traditional attire. The categories for this competition are:
Resist Dye on Abaca features ikat and related resist-dye techniques. Abaca Craft showcases craftsmanship through macramé, crochet, tatting, bobbin lace, and related techniques. Abaca Nipis recognises fineness, uniformity, and weaving skill in sheer abaca cloth. All entries must be crafted from 100 per cent abaca fibre and measure a minimum of two metres.
Read more: Rich Rarities: Weaving—HSBC and the fabric of connection
Above Bueak ag Dahon (Flowers & Leaves) abaca
Bueak ag Dahon (Flowers & Leaves) abaca
1 / 1
Winners across each category will receive cash prizes and special citations. The competitions will also confer two special distinctions: the Nadres Young Weaver Award and the Filip + Inna Innovation Award, which recognise specific excellence in weaving practice and innovation. Entries will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of experts in fashion, heritage conservation, textile arts, and the academe, including the heirs of Montinola and Gomez.
All accepted competition entries will be proudly exhibited during the HABI Fair, giving the public a chance to witness the richness and evolution of Philippine textiles firsthand. The awarding ceremony for the Piña competition is scheduled for October 10, followed by the Abaca competition awarding on October 11. These ceremonies are expected to be a major highlight for attendees of the HABI Fair.
Above Some of the entries for the previous Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition
Some of the entries for the previous Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition
1 / 1
Maribel Ongpin, HABI Chairman Emeritus, emphasises the vibrant blend of old and new that the event brings.
“What is exciting are the different and higher quality designs that come from past tradition enhanced by modern ideas of decoration,” she explains. “We hope that many traditional weavers will join and that many younger weavers will be inspired to join, too. The combination of young and old, tradition and innovation, is always exciting.”
The competition is open to all Filipinos residing in the Philippines. Submissions must be sent to the HABI office at 962 May Street, Mandaluyong City, before the deadline on August 15. Those interested in experiencing this showcase of cultural heritage can find full competition details, entry forms, and updates on the upcoming HABI Fair at the official website, habiphilippinetextilecouncil.com.
NOW READ
Beyond the ‘banaca’: Ditta Sandico celebrates four decades of her impact on Philippine fashion
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.
Work
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.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
