Independence Day is just around the corner. It’s one thing to say you love the Philippines, but why not go the extra mile and support the people keeping our traditional roots alive? Likha is an event dedicated to showcasing the artistry of traditional Filipino crafts, offering a unique and immersive cultural experience.

Taking place at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City until June 11, the third edition of Likha is open to the public. To kick things off, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, whose office made the event possible, participated in the event’s opening ceremonies. Entitled “Likha 3: Likha Ko, Lahi Ko,” guests can expect 87 local artisans from different parts of the nation to show off their craft.

Each artisan present at the venue is eager to explain the working process behind their creations. Many come from indigenous groups, keeping the traditional works of their people thriving. Among them, inabal weavers from the Bagobo Tagabawa people in Davao del Sur show how patience is key when creating intricate patterns in their abaca-ikat weavings. Each pattern is meant to represent their culture and beliefs. You can truly sense just how highly they regard the art of the craft. Then there’s Aida Damlail, hailing as far off as Maimbung, Sulu, weaving away to create Saruk Kambigasans (Tausug fisherman hats). By weaving shiny split stems of nito over a nipa base, she creates colorful hats that help shield fishermen from the hot rays of the sun.

Aside from colorful fabrics, hats, and baskets, works that make use of wood, stone, clay, and silver are also present. From a plain block of wood, an Ifugao wood carver can be spotted demonstrating the precise strikes needed to bring a sculpture to life. Finished works by Ifugao carver Watzy Pagada Bulligan include furniture setpieces to liven up one’s home and carved anthropomorphic figures. Then there are the works of carver Luisito Ac-ac, coming from Laguna, whose wood sculptures feel almost lifelike. Mostly sculptures of the human form and religious figures, Ac-ac’s work has made waves as far as San Francisco and Los Angeles in the US.

Meanwhile, works of artisans from Pampanga show how a hammer is used to pound thin metal sheets of brass, silver, and gold to create beautiful patterns. Dubbed the puk-puk method, this traditional art technique is used to make decorations for church altars, mirror frames, candelabra, crowns, etc.

Celebrate Independence Day by supporting any of the artists present at Likha. Your purchases will come a long way in ensuring the artists’ livelihood and keeping the art scene alive in their respective communities. Likha 3 takes place at the forum tents of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City until June 11.