From Luzon to Mindanao, weaving communities have used pineapple, abaca, cotton, silk, banana, buri and pandan to produce their own particular weaves which will be featured in Likhang Habi: Inabel from the Ilocos region and La Union, Cordillera weaves from Banaue and Padcal in Benguet, t’nalak from Lake Sebu in Mindanao, piña from Aklan and Palawan, hablon and patadyong from Iloilo, Mangyan textiles and baskets from Mindoro, Yakan weave from Basilan, and mats and bags from Samar and Bukidnon.
With inputs from creative consultants, fashion designers and design workshops, traditional textiles and home essentials have been given a touch of artisanal creativity. Other items to look out for include blankets, mats, cushion covers, table runners, napkins, baskets, and trays.
This year’s market fair will feature the magnificent one-of-a-kind creations of Lang Dulay, Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee, designated a living Natural Treasure until she passed away earlier this year. Her family will showcase works of this Filipino craftswoman that still remain in their possession.
Opening night will also serve as the launch of Rara: Weaving “Mats of Dreams” in the Philippines, a book on our distinctive banig.
Habi, The Philippine Textile Council, founded in 2009 to research, promote and develop handwoven traditional textiles is the sponsor of the Likhang Habi Market Fair. Funds raised will go to the social outreach projects of Habi in weaving communities all over the country. The proceeds from last year’s fair allowed Habi, with technical support of the Philippine Fiber Development Agency (PhilFIDA), to fund cotton crops at their facility in Batac, Ilocos Norte.
The group also secured a grant from the NCCA to teach cotton spinning to producers in Miagao, Iloilo. This pilot study will result in a module that will help achieve Habi’s mission of encouraging weavers to go back to natural fibers.
For more information on Likhang Habi Market Fair, contact Norie Moldez of HABI at (632) 478-2765 and [email protected] or Irene Venturina of Philippine Art Events Inc. at (632) 831-0953 and [email protected]. Find Habi Fair on Facebook and Instagram (@habifair). Use the hashtags #lovethehabilifestyle and #supportthehabilifestyle.
