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Beyond Shopping: The 15th Likhang HABI Market Fair Weaves Together Culture, Craft, and Community
Makati City – Celebrating its 15th year of fostering meaningful encounters, the Likhang Habi Market Fair returns with an even grander and more dynamic showcase. Organized by HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, this highly anticipated flagship event is scheduled for October 10 to 12, 2025. Bringing together around a hundred talented weavers, vibrant weaving communities, master artisans, and renowned designers from across the Philippines, the fair offers a truly immersive and culturally rich shopping experience. Visitors can explore an exceptional variety of traditional and contemporary handwoven textiles, crafts, and indigenous artistry, reflecting the country’s diverse heritage. For collectors, buyers, and enthusiasts with a deep appreciation for artisanal goods and profound cultural heritage, the Likhang Habi Market Fair 2025 stands out as a must-visit highlight on the annual calendar.
Ces Drilon hosting the Media Preview
“The Likhang Habi Market Fair is that one weekend each year when the weaving communities bring out the best products they have created using the latest technique they have developed – methods that will become part of our weaving culture and history, and our identity as a nation,” said HABI president Mia Villanueva.
The Likhang Habi Market Fair’s continued success for over a decade has revitalized the local weaving and textile industry in the Philippines, transforming it from a struggling sector into one that enjoys unprecedented popularity and support. This growth is highlighted by the fair’s relocation to the Space at One Ayala—formerly Hotel Intercontinental’s site—a modern venue with expansive function rooms, allowing for an increased number of vendors and visitors. Situated in Makati’s bustling shopping district, One Ayala provides easy accessibility due to its direct connections to the MRT, the Ayala bus terminal, major thoroughfares, and upscale malls. Additionally, the venue offers abundant basement parking, accommodating attendees traveling by car, and enhancing the visitor experience with its convenient location and upgraded facilities.
15th Likhang HABI Market Fair Press Preview
Kwentong Kultura: The HABI Lectures
With an expanded venue this year, the HABI Council will offer a diverse array of activities alongside the traditional marketplace. These include interactive workshops on various weaving techniques, live demonstrations by skilled artisans, and vibrant cultural showcases featuring performances and exhibits that highlight the rich heritage of Philippine textiles. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn directly from key figures in the Philippine weaving industry—including master weavers who preserve age-old traditions, artisans specializing in regional textile patterns, and contemporary designers who incorporate innovative approaches. A dedicated series of talks and panel discussions, titled Kwentong Kultura: The HABI Lectures, will provide in-depth explorations into local textile history, advances in weaving technology, the preservation of indigenous crafts, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing weavers in the modern marketplace. These lectures are designed to foster greater public appreciation and understanding of the cultural significance and evolving practices within the Philippine textile sector.
Clothing made from locally woven fabrics by various artisans.
The event commences on Day 1 with an engaging and insightful panel titled “In The Realm of Textiles: Young Voices Advocating Heritage in Fashion.” This session brings together a group of passionate individuals dedicated to promoting Filipino culture through fashion. Panelists include Stephanie Diputado and Joy Geocado, the visionary co-founders of Namnama Clothing, a brand acclaimed for its innovative efforts to weave traditional Filipino textiles, such as inabel and hablon, into contemporary fashion pieces that appeal to a global audience.
Joining them is Steffi Cua, the creative force behind Idyllic Summer, a sustainable clothing label celebrated for its commitment to both eco-friendly practices and the incorporation of heritage weaving techniques in modern apparel.
Habing Cavite
Also present is Catherine Diquit, founder of Likhang Maragondon, who is notable for her relentless work in reviving and bringing attention to the time-honored practice of Maragondon weaving—a significant aspect of her hometown’s cultural legacy.
Renowned Philippine fashion writer, editor, stylist, and serial entrepreneur Jane Kingsu Cheng will moderate the panel, drawing on her extensive industry experience to guide an in-depth discussion about heritage preservation, innovative design, and the challenges and future directions of textile-based fashion advocacy in the Philippines.
On Day 2, the dynamic program continues with a highly anticipated panel titled, “In The Realm of Textile: The Journey of the Entrepreneur in the Handwoven Textile Industry.” This insightful session brings together distinguished figures who are shaping the future of Philippine handwoven textiles, delving deeply into the unique challenges and triumphs faced by entrepreneurs in this vibrant sector.
The panel features Len Cabili, the visionary founder and creative director of Filip + Inna. Through her brand, Cabili has championed authentic partnerships with indigenous artisanal communities across the Philippines, integrating traditional weaving, embroidery, and beadwork into contemporary fashion. Her collaborations not only ensure the preservation of age-old techniques but also provide steady economic opportunities to the artisans involved.
Joining her is Carlo R. Eliserio, chairman of the Aklan Piña Artisans Association. Eliserio is celebrated for his tireless advocacy to preserve and advance the handwoven piña fabric traditions unique to Aklan. Under his leadership, the association has successfully organized local weavers, implemented skill development programs, and promoted piña fabric—renowned for its luxury and delicacy—both locally and internationally.
Also on the panel is the esteemed Lulu Tan-Gan, a pioneering Filipino knitwear designer known for merging contemporary silhouettes with traditional Filipino craftsmanship. Tan-Gan’s career spans decades of innovation, from establishing her namesake label to successfully introducing local handwoven materials to global fashion runways. Through her work, she has elevated the profile of Filipino knit and woven textiles in the international design community.
Moderating the discussion is Niña Corpuz, an accomplished broadcaster and passionate advocate of inabel, the iconic handwoven textile from Northern Luzon. Corpuz has made significant contributions in raising awareness of traditional Filipino textiles through her media work and community engagement, making her a fitting guide for this critical conversation.
With these industry leaders at the helm, the session promises an in-depth exploration of the journeys, innovations, and community partnerships defining the Philippine handwoven textile industry today, as well as a celebration of the resilience and creativity of its entrepreneurs.
Day 3 concludes with the panel “In The Realm of Textiles: Application of Handwoven Textiles Outside of Fashion.” The panel brings together prominent figures in the textile and design industries. Among the panelists is Rita Nazareno, the creative director of ZACARIAS1925, a brand celebrated for its intricately crafted, handwoven bags that blend traditional Filipino weaving techniques with contemporary design. Edric Ong, the president of the ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA), is a renowned advocate for sustainable design practices and heritage crafts, particularly within the Southeast Asian region. Tanya Fricke, a lifestyle consultant, specializes in incorporating Filipino artisanal crafts and handwoven textiles into modern interior design, décor, and daily living. Moderating the discussion is Wilma Huang, the president of Museo Pambata and a prominent textile advocate, who will steer the conversation to underscore innovative and practical uses of handwoven textiles that extend well beyond clothing. The panel aims to explore the impact of these textiles on art, homeware, design, and sustainable living, providing insights into how traditional craftsmanship can find renewed relevance and application in contemporary settings.
There will be a P200 fee for the lectures. Interested guests can register through this link: https://forms.gle/DypVoUT4AHkzx8tc6
Guests will enjoy a comprehensive range of cultural experiences, including traditional dance performances representing various regional communities and heritage storytelling sessions that delve into the rich history and significance of Philippine textiles. The event will also feature interactive weaving demonstrations, where master artisans explain and showcase intricate techniques such as backstrap and loom weaving, highlighting the processes involved in creating distinct indigenous textiles. Attendees can participate in hands-on workshops, including natural dyeing using locally sourced plant materials and textile pattern creation, offering a deeper understanding of the craft’s artistic and technical aspects. Together, these activities embody the HABI Council’s mission to “preserve, promote, and enhance Philippine textiles through education, communication, and research,” aiming to foster cultural appreciation and support the sustainability of local textile traditions.
Likhang Habi featured bags and textiles
Celebrating Craftsmanship through Competitions
The ongoing vibrancy of the weaving industry relies on local artisans who are able to balance innovative approaches with the preservation of age-old techniques. With this in mind, the HABI Philippine Textile Council—an organization dedicated to supporting the weaving traditions of the Philippines—has established two highly regarded competitions: the 8th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 4th Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition. These contests bring together weavers specializing in piña (derived from pineapple leaves) and abaca (sourced from banana plants), both iconic to the nation’s identity.
Maribel Ongpin is the Chairman Emeritus and CEO of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council
Participants from various regions submit exceptional works, each highlighting contemporary creativity within the framework of traditional craftsmanship. All entries will be on public display, offering visitors a closer look at fine weaving techniques, exploring the cultural significance of piña and abaca, and deepening appreciation for Filipino textile artistry.
Building excitement for the upcoming celebrations, the awarding ceremony for the Piña Weaving Competition will feature the family of Dr. Lourdes Montinola—a respected advocate, scholar, and Chair Emeritus of Far Eastern University (FEU). Scheduled for Saturday, October 11, this event will honor Dr. Montinola’s pivotal contributions to the preservation and continued appreciation of piña weaving, a traditional Filipino textile art.
Meanwhile, the Abaca Weaving Competition’s awarding ceremony is set for Sunday, October 12. The descendants of Eloisa Hizon Gomez, who championed abaca weaving, will present honors to the winners. Among them is her son, Dom Martin, formerly known as the celebrated fashion designer Gang Gomez—now a Benedictine monk—whose presence brings additional prestige. These ceremonies not only recognize artistic excellence in piña and abaca weaving, but also demonstrate lasting family and community dedication to preserving Filipino weaving heritage and promoting its significance for future generations.
Likhang Habi Market Fair Press Preview
A feast in more ways than one
Visitors attending the fair will find a much-expanded food and lifestyle section, now transformed into a vibrant culinary marketplace. This area includes more than 50 stalls operated by both local and international culinary artisans, each offering a variety of regional specialties crafted with family recipes and locally sourced ingredients like fresh seafood, heirloom vegetables, and artisanal breads. The experience is enhanced by daily live cooking shows, interactive food workshops—such as sushi rolling and cheese tasting—and panel talks by celebrated chefs. In addition to signature dishes from popular restaurants, the section also includes themed lounge areas and pop-up cafés where guests can enjoy their meals in comfort. Together, these offerings create an immersive and informative celebration of food, culture, and community at this year’s fair.
Chef Sau del Rosario
Chef Sau Del Rosario reigns over this vibrant gastronomic landscape as a visionary in Philippine cuisine. Known for both his innovative culinary techniques and his deep advocacy for the Kapampangan heritage, Chef Sau masterfully fuses ancestral flavors with modern-day creativity, transforming classic Filipino and Kapampangan dishes into contemporary experiences defined by elegance and depth. His passion for both preservation and progression is vividly reflected in every menu he curates. Over his multi-decade career, Chef Sau has founded and led iconic establishments like 25 Seeds, which channels farm-fresh produce into inspired creations; Café Fleur, renowned for reimagined Filipino favorites; Joop Joop, a tribute to playful yet sophisticated comfort food; and Sawsaw, a celebration of the art of traditional Filipino sauces. Each venue showcases a unique culinary vision and is imbued with his charismatic influence and dedication to culinary excellence.
Chef Sau was inspired to collaborate with HABI due to what he passionately describes as their “shared passion, vision, and commitment to championing Filipino artists and craftsmanship.” At the fair, his dedicated culinary zone will prominently feature an array of exquisitely curated dishes from Café Fleur. Each selection reflects the flavors and traditions that shaped his palate from a young age, inspired by his childhood memories, family recipes, and the vibrant food culture of the Philippines. As a culinary innovator, Chef Sau meticulously infuses each dish with artistry and meaning, transforming every plate into a story of Filipino heritage and pride. Through these deeply personal, creatively reimagined creations, Chef Sau seeks not only to honor but also to elevate the culinary legacy that is closest to his heart. Visitors are invited on an immersive sensory journey, where every bite offers a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of Filipino flavors, history, and untold culinary stories.
A fair like no other
Beyond simply serving as a traditional marketplace for buying and selling goods, the Likhang Habi Market Fair proudly cultivates a vibrant atmosphere rich with cultural exchange and personal connection. Visitors are not only welcomed by a diverse array of meticulously crafted products, but also by passionate vendors eager to share the stories, techniques, and heritage behind their creations. Whether attendees are drawn to striking handwoven fabrics, intricate beadwork, or distinctive artisanal crafts—be it for personal enjoyment or as special finds for their businesses—the fair offers a lively, immersive space where every interaction becomes an opportunity to learn. Traditions are openly celebrated, ancestral techniques are demonstrated, and heartfelt stories are exchanged amidst the colorful booths and bustling crowds. Ultimately, the fair aspires to be more than a marketplace: it is a vibrant gathering that nurtures genuine connections, inspires the flow and fusion of creative ideas, and leaves both buyers and sellers enriched and inspired by the cultural tapestry they share.
“The vendors get a lot out of being there and meeting their customers,” said HABI President Emeritus Adelaida Lim. “They get to see what the buyers are interested in and that dialogue helps them level up to what the market wants.”
According to HABI Secretary Rambie Lim, the best way to educate end-users about using local weaves is to have the weavers themselves present and explain their creations.
“All traditional textiles have meaning; have a purpose,” she stressed. This direct communication ensures that the products are treated appropriately, and that the cultures of the communities are honored accordingly.
Protecting the weave at its source
No indigenous textile could come into being without the lush ecosystems and diverse environments that nourish and supply every vital component. The supple cotton, spun into delicate threads, is painstakingly hand-cultivated from local fields where the earth is rich and the climate nurturing. Natural dyes—each unique in hue and vibrancy—are expertly extracted by artisans from a kaleidoscopic array of native herbs, tree barks, roots, and blooming wildflowers found nestled among the forests and meadows. To genuinely ensure the weaving industry thrives, we must also champion the conservation and stewardship of these precious natural resources, safeguarding the soils, waters, and flora that provide such irreplaceable materials.
Among the HABI Council’s most significant ongoing collaborations is its dynamic partnership with the Mahalina Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Mercedes Zobel and Dr. Patricia Araneta. Both Zobel and Araneta possess an unwavering devotion to the rich traditions and intricate artistry of Philippine textiles, which is reflected in Mahalina’s mission. Beyond their personal dedication, the foundation aligns closely with HABI’s advocacy for native cotton, immersing itself in community-driven projects that encourage the nurturing, cultivation, and sustainable propagation of Philippine cotton. This synergy not only uplifts and provides livelihood to local loom weavers across rural villages and remote communities but also strengthens the preservation of the nation’s weaving heritage, ensuring that indigenous fibers and time-honored techniques will continue to flourish for generations to come.
“Our first initiative with HABI was the presentation of weaves from the weaving community in Ibaan, Batangas two years or so ago,” shared Dr. Araneta. “These were made with HABI’s Philippine cotton and dyed with natural plant dyes collected by the weavers from their surroundings. It was also an exercise in enterprise development for the Ibaan weavers.”
Afterwards, Mahalina Foundation started growing and propagating cotton in Calatagan communities, though the project brought its own challenges. In the beginning, there was uncertainty about their ability to successfully cultivate the Philippine cotton seeds sourced from HABI.
“We were told that the soil and climate in Calatagan would not be suitable for cotton growing,” Dr. Araneta continued. “Since one of our programs is in the Healing and Regenerative Arts, we were practicing soil regeneration. We not only improved soil quality, we also sourced cotton seeds from the Tagabawa Bagobo in Bitaug, Bandalan, Davao del Sur and also from the Serukadang Manuvu in Don Carlos, Bukidnon. The cotton we planted from these grows profusely and Mahalina is moving ahead to develop community-based spinning and weaving projects with members of the ten baranggays it works with in Calatagan.”
Discover and purchase beautifully crafted local weaves at the Likhang Habi Market Fair.
The Likhang Habi Market Fair is more than a celebration of beautifully crafted textiles that highlight our rich cultural heritage; it is the culmination of a long and intricate process. This journey begins with the responsible stewardship of natural resources, ensuring that materials like indigenous cotton, abaca, and piña are sustainably and respectfully sourced. Preserving and recording age-old weaving traditions, passed from generation to generation within local communities, is essential. We also encourage artisans to innovate, blending traditional patterns with contemporary designs, while supporting their professional growth with skill development and access to modern tools. Central to this process is creating ethical platforms that ensure fair trade and connect weavers and artisans directly with conscious consumers and broader markets.
Textiles are living histories—tangible narratives crafted from the personal and collective stories of those who weave them. These threads come together to shape the rich fabric of our cultural identity. Supporting and preserving weaving traditions not only protects our heritage but also reinforces our commitment to pass it on to future generations, so that the intricate tales told in warp and weft live on.
Experience this legacy at the 15th Likhang Habi Market Fair, happening October 10-12, 2025, at Level 5, SPACE at One Ayala, Makati City. The event features a vibrant array of handwoven products by artisans from around the Philippines, interactive workshops and demonstrations, educational talks on textile history and sustainability, and chances to directly support these craftspeople through your purchases.
For more information, visit the HABI: The Philippine Textile Council website at www.habiphilippinetextilecouncil.com
Additional inquiries may be directed through HABI’s social media accounts
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HABICouncil OR
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/habicouncil/
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Beyond Shopping: The 15th Likhang HABI Market Fair Weaves Together Culture, Craft, and Community
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog
