Discover the wonders of Philippine textile artistry at the 14th Likhang Habi Market Fair.
Local textile artisans are one of our community’s most underrepresented sectors. For years, they have demonstrated the talent and skills to succeed in the fashion industry—both locally and internationally. However, despite their tireless efforts to gain recognition such as constantly coming up with different designs and innovations, their plight has long been ignored. For HABI, it is their mission to amplify the voices of these local artisans.
HABI: The Philippine Textile Council is a non-governmental organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and enhancing Philippine textiles. One of its major events is the annual HABI Market Fair. The organization invites designers and artisans from all over the Philippines to showcase their textiles and designs.
New Iteration
Since its inception, the market fair has featured a different theme each year. This year, the theme of the Likhang Habi Market Fair is “Earth to Loom: Celebrating Natural Dyes in Philippine Textiles.” With increased consumer and creative awareness of the value of sustainability, the use of natural dyes—which are better for the environment—is becoming more popular worldwide.
“Though we know that not everything at the fair can be dyed naturally or will be dyed naturally, we think it’s important to highlight an aspect that is booming to support its eventual growth,” said Rambie Lim, HABI’s secretary.
In addition to promoting naturally dyed textiles through the fair, HABI will also hold the annual Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving and the Eloisa Hizon-Gomez Abaca Weaving competitions. Furthermore, entries for these competitions will be on display during the three-day fair.
From the Roots
HABI’s goals also include uplifting local artisans from the grassroots level. “What’s really valuable to me is watching the vendors grow. It’s not just about us and how our fair has grown. It’s more about observing how the grassroots weavers have expanded into becoming entrepreneurs in Manila,” says Mia Villanueva, HABI’s president.
HABI has a “Sponsor A Weaver” program that provides local artisans from remote areas the opportunity to showcase their talents in Manila. Furthermore, this sponsorship program has opened doors for local weavers and artisans to reach a wider audience. “It’s what gets the textiles out there, how people become interested, and how we can help our weavers through selling and entrepreneurial spirit,” Mia added.
The 14th Likhang Habi Market Fair will be held at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City from October 18 to 20, 2024.
All photos courtesy of HABI.
