Media Launch of the 15th Likhang Habi Market Fair 2025 (Makati City)

 

Likhang Habi Market Fair

Last September 17, the Media Launch of the 15th Likhang Habi Market Fair 2025, the premier showcase of Philippine textiles, was held at Hall A, Level 5 at the SPACE Events Hall of One Ayala (former site of the Hotel Intercontinental Manila) in Makati City. The three-day (October 10 – 12, 2025), highly anticipated fair, also to be held at the SPACE Events Hall of One Ayala, celebrates the fabric (habi refers to Philippine weaving) of our culture. The Fair, a flagship program of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, will be hosting a fast-growing community of close to a hundred artisans and weavers from all over the country, offering unique and innovative products fresh off the loom.

 

Media Launch at Space Events Hall

In a statement, HABI president Ms. Milagros “Mia” C. Villanueva said that the organization's mission is to preserve promote and enhance local textiles through education. Among the means to educate a broader audience is through the HABI documentaries and books on weaving and textiles, which helped people familiarize themselves with the value of weaves.

 

Bicol Sweetgrass Handicrafts

This year’s theme, “Sining ng Tela – The Art and Legacy of Philippine Textiles,” puts the spotlight on the creative forces behind the weaves that define our identity as Filipinos. With a growing focus on the educational aspect of their mission, the HABI Council, taking advantage of this new and spacious venue (they moved away from the nearby Glorietta Activity Center), will stage more activities beyond its annual market including an inaugural series of "Kwentong Kultura: The HABI Lectures"– a series of talks and panel discussions on design, entrepreneurship, and building a Filipino brand which will elaborate on Filipino textiles and weaving as a living art, as well as the unique experiences of artisans.

 

Masabel Iloco

Ms. Villanueva stated that "The HABI Lectures are an opportunity to share knowledge across the spectrum of the weaving community's stakeholders in a manner that is personal and practical."  For three days, the market fair will feature different textile stakeholders who will share their expertise and experiences on weaving.

 

Meticulously handcrafted gouache bags of Namarabar Ethnic Product Shop

There will also be, among others, presentations to highlight the rich cultures that produce the intricate weaves; screenings of the various documentaries that the council has created; and exhibitions of the entries to the 8th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 4th Eloisa Hizon-Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition.

 

Narda's Handwoven Arts & Crafts

Food will also make its debut at this year’s fair with a lounge and dining area showcasing culinary artisans, a variety of regional delicacies and featuring restaurants (25 Seeds and Café Fleur in Angeles City, and 180° by Chef Sau in Tagaytay) helmed by Kapampangan Chef Sau Del Rosario, a pioneering figure in Philippine gastronomy. During the launch, Chef Sau and his staff prepared delicacies, from his Cafe Fleur establishment, for the guests to try out.

 

Sandirit Pattern of Likhang Maragondon

Ms. Villanueva added, “Because we are in a new venue, we want our visitors to have a richer experience this year. Guests can expect a full spectrum of products using a wide range of indigenous weaves including handwoven textiles, garments, accessories, homeware, jewelry, and curated crafts. They can take time off from shopping by learning something new and interesting from the HABI lecture series, or sample a variety of regional delicacies from culinary artisans such as Chef Sau Del Rosario at the lounge and dining area.”

 

Silahis Arts & Artifacts

According to HABI Chairman Emeritus and CEO Ms. Maria Isabel “Maribel” G. Ongpin, a staunch supporter of the weaving industry, “We want to give voice and value to the hands behind every woven creation.” She added, “The artistry of Filipino weavers deserves a national stage.” In 2009, together with HABI President Emeritus Ms. Adelaida Lim and other fellow weaving advocates, she established the textile council to revive and revitalize what was then a dying craft.

 

HABI Chairman Emeritus Ms. Maribel Ongpin

More than just a venue to buy and sell, the Fair provides the opportunity for artisans and weavers to meet the people who actually use their products, understand their needs and improve what they can offer in the future. In turn, buyers and designers are introduced to the communities that produce the weaves, learn about the meanings behind the designs, and use the fabrics in ways that honors the culture that created it.

 

Chef Sau Del Rosario

The Likhang Habi Market Fair proper will have close to a hundred exhibitors, including 75 textile exhibitors, such as Binabatik, DITTA, La Bonne Vie, Likhang Maragondon, Namnama Clothing ,Nina Inabel, and Rubyroa. Institutional partners are DOST-PTRI, Philfida and Mahalina Foundation (co-founded by Ms. Mercedes Zobel and Dr. Patricia Araneta).

 

Visit www.habiphilippinetextilefoundation,com or contact Mr. Marc  Dennis de la Cruz (0917-5337216, marc@mgasiapr.com) and Ms. Gemma V. Batoon (0917-3181466, gemma@mgasiapr.com) for more information.  Additional inquiries may be directed through HABI’s social media accounts (www.facebook.com/HABICouncil and www.instagram.com/habicouncil/)