Over 60 vendors from all over the country are joining this weekend fair

Everyone is hoping that things will get back to normal. The Philippine Textile Council (HABI) has been championing Filipino creativity in terms of hand-weaving, even going online during the pandemic to help many Filipino artisans all over the country.

Meet grassroots entrepreneurs
While most only  know of piña as a proudly Filipino material, there are many more that are woven from cotton, abaca, and nito. All of these, and more, become works of art in the form of furniture pieces, accessories, and clothes. 
"We’re the first in this line of promoting indigenous fabrics as fashion. Second, while most of the other bazaars have reached a sophisticated level, we continue to go grassroots,” explains the council’s Founding Chairman Maribel Ongpin.
And most from the grassroots have little knowledge on how to run a business, more so marketing their products. This is where the fair comes in. “You bring them to the fair, especially first-timers, and they see for themselves the competition. They see what customers want,” says Ongpin.

Support fund-raising efforts
“The fair is one of HABI’s biggest fund-raising activities,” adds council secretary Mia Villanueva. In fact, Ayala Land and the Ayala Foundation, who are both staunch supporters, are giving their venue, Glorietta Activity Center, at reasonable rates. There is also a communal section for start-up exhibitors. Council Director Rambie Lim says, “As fair organizers, we always endeavor to keep our rental fees reasonable for our exhibitors.” As part of their endeavors, and because the council is a non-profit organization, the money they earn from the fair goes back to cover expenses and running next year’s fair.

Discover the best artisans
Aside from the annual fair, they also run the annual Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition. And this year, they also have the Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Competition. “This is our fifth year of holding the piña competition. And since we’ve had it, we’ve noticed that artisans working on piña have been leveling up,” says Council President Adelaida Lim.

Bring back the value of cotton
There was a time that cotton was commonly used, but polyester, a synthetic fabric, took over. It wasn’t a sustainable choice. Rambie Lim quips, “In the beginning, they stopped using cotton because they found it too expensive and less sturdy than polyester. As they started using it with our support and encouragement, they eventually want to only weave using cotton."
Council member Mike Claparols believes that, because of Likhang Habi, there are more and more weavers who have gone back to using cotton. It’s their advocacy that benefits weavers, consumers, and the cotton farmers. “Second, another important contribution of HABI is educating the public. A lot of consumers think that hand-woven fabrics are too expensive. Many try to bargain with weavers by asking for big discounts. What they don’t know is that weaving is a learned skill that requires time and dedication to master,” adds Claparols.

Attend workshops and shows
There will be pottery demos by Siegrid Bangyay, weaving workshops by Style Isle, and performances by Drum Circle PH, and the much-awaited awarding of the winners for the Eloiza Hizon Gomez Abaca and Fifth Lourdes Montinola Piña Awarding.

Savor the new displays
The council commissioned event stylist Kitty Bunag to bring to the venue a different vibe for shoppers. “Booths are all made of wood and canvas where each retailer can best display their products to communicate what their brand is all about, drive sales, and foster a great customer experience at the same creating one cohesive look for the entire venue,” she continues.
The overall look and feel for the Habi Market Fair will be inspired by outdoor souks and markets here and in other parts of the world.  Vendor booths will be made of wood and canvas where each retailer can best showcase their products. Textiles hanging from dried ornamental trees serve as the main focal of the venue. We’re creating a space that will be familiar for both local and foreign patrons.”

Likhang Habi Market Fair is set on Oct. 14 to 16, 2022 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City, featuring over 60 vendors such as Abek Home & Culture, Abre Linea, Accelerate Sulu, Adante Leyesa, Aishe Fashion, Angie’s Yakan Handloom Weaving, Anihan sa Ibaan, Aruga Handwovens, Balud Craft, Bicol Sweetgrass Handicrafts, Camisa Amana, Cariñosa, Casa Garcia, Coco & Tres, Crafted Pilipinas, Creative Definitions, Ditta Sandico, En Barong Filipino, Gifts & Graces, Habi, Helena Alegre Sculptural Jewelry, Idyllic Summers, Ifugao Nation, Iraya Mangyan Art, Jor-El Espina, Kalinga Weaving, Kaya Mana PH, Knitting Expedition, La Bonne Vie, La Herminia, Lakat Sustainables, Local Home + Art + Fashion, Mabaysay, MCV Designs, Milvidas, Monica Madrigal, Narda’s, Nina Inabel, Pidayit, Piesa, Pina Seda Primera, PNay, Provenciana, Raquel’s Pina Cloth Products, Ruby Roa with Lila Lifestyle, Rurungan Collective, Siegrid Bangyay Pottery, Silahis Arts and Artifacts, Style Isle, Tadeco Home, The Manila Collectible Co, Tinampuso, Tuwas Yakan Weavers, WeaveManila Inc, Woven, WVN Living, WYC Wear Your Culture, and many more.