7th Likhang HABI Market Fair scheduled on Oct. 20 to 22

DRIVEN by its genuine desire to promote the preservation and creative enhancement of the indigenous textile industry through entrepreneurship and synergy, HABI: The Philippine Textile Council celebrates the traditional Filipino who sustain the industry with the 7th Likhang HABI Market Fair.

Happening on Oct. 20 to 22 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City, the Likhang HABI Market Fair, the pioneer in market fair and advocacy for communities in the Filipino Artisan trade, will highlight some of the unsung heroes of the indigenous Filipino textile industry.

“This year, we want to pay homage to the very makers of the indigenous Filipino textile who are responsible for the development and growth of our locally woven products. With their innate creativity and love for the craft, they empower the local Filipino tradition, culture, and customs to thrive in the modern market,” said HABI Chair Maribel Ongpin.

Among the master weavers that will participate in this year’s fair is Raquel Eliserio of Kalibo, Aklan. Raquel, who works with pineapple, silk, and natural dyes, primarily produces high-quality piña-seda textiles. Raquel’s Piña Cloth in Balete, Aklan is in the advocacy of reviving the handwoven culture through school youth and self-earning individuals from communities in the province.

In 2016, the highest-seller in the fair was the Kalinga Weaving enterprise founded by Irene Bawer-Bimuyag. Since joining the bazaar in 2013, the pieces of Kalinga Weaving eventually progressed from small scale to sophisticated elegance.

“Irene’s success last year perfectly embodies HABI’s community-based advocacy and goal of raising the bar for weavers in terms of market knowledge, design innovation, and thriving and surviving in the modern market. We will be delighted to see an even greater level of success this year with our deserving participants,” said Adelaida Lim, president of HABI.

This year, with hopes of replicating the success of Kalinga Weaving, HABI has teamed up with Marlon Martin and his Ifugao heritage school to produce highquality, pure cotton textiles with Ifugao ancient symbols. Their works will be featured at the fair together with products from many more community groups.

The Likhang HABI Market Fair 2017 is also looking to increase and nurture awareness on the traditional hablon and patadyong through a fashion show on opening night.

Hablon, which means weaving or woven in Ilonggo, refers to textiles in piña and other gossamer fibers. Patadyong, on the other hand, is the typical tubular skirt of checkered patterns commonly worn all over Southeast Asia.