By Poch Eulalia

Nothing shows a country’s identity more than the cultural traditions it has preserved through the years. Likha is an artisanal exhibit celebrating traditional Filipino crafts that does all that and more. After the success of its first event back in February, the event makes an epic comeback just in time for the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence. PATIENCE, PLEASE The art of woodcraft takes patience, as a portion of the wood is carefully carved off to create sculptures from once flat pieces of wood Gathering at the SMX Aura Convention Center, many local artisans band together to give new life to local artisanship. An array of traditional crafts made through the arts of embroidery, basket making, stone carving, shell crafting, metalwork, and pottery from across the nation line up the convention hall. To bring even more life into the room, skilled musicians of indigenous instruments, such as the kulintang, play away, bringing modern interpretations of various hits. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos opened the event, which the office of the First Lady helped make possible, with a speech highlighting the importance of the local artisan community. “The creativity of the Filipino is truly world-class. We excel in arts and culture… and everything Filipino,” she says as she partially quotes her husband President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s speech during the previous State of the Nation Address. After her speech, she personally visited each booth to look over what it had to offer. MINGLING WITH THE ARTISTS First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos circles around the vicinity of SMX Aura Function Hall 2 to speak with each artisan about their handiwork Each artisan at the event speaks proudly of their handicrafts, with many taking hours, if not days, to finish. Take, for instance, the tedious effort of mat weaving, wherein weavers must carefully take into account each line of the fabric they are working with to ensure the proper pattern is made. Many of the weavers come from various indigenous groups, such as the Ifugao from the Cordillera region with their Ikat patterns and the Jama Mapun of Palawan with their handwoven mats. Meanwhile, works involving stone, metal, and wood showcase the patience of each artist, chiseling away with their tools as they create art from its formerly lifeless chunks. Metalworker Tom Ramirez goes so far as to explain to each interested person how he uses fire and water to speed up the process of his art. PATIENCE, PLEASE The art of woodcraft takes patience, as a portion of the wood is carefully carved off to create sculptures from once flat pieces of wood A few of the more sought-after pieces from the convention are the various pieces of jewelry on display. One of the more notable ones, Strozzi Handcrafted Jewelry by Strozzi Abecel Rosende from Cebu, showcases bracelets, pendants, necklaces, and earrings made using brass metals. Each piece features various Filipino trademarks such as the nipa hut and the Philippine jeepneys. ARTISANS OF THE PHILIPPINES First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joins local artists from all over the nation at LIKHA 2, an event that hopes to breathe new life into Philippine artisanship Help support the local economy by purchasing from any of the artists present at the event! LIKHA 2 will take place at SMX Aura, Function Hall 2, in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig until Tuesday, June 13. More information can be found on its Facebook page, Likha: Crafting Communities.