At a press conference held on Sept. 17 at One Ayala, the Habi: Philippine Textile Council announced the return of the 15th Likhang Habi Market Fair. This weekend, from October 10 to 12, the country’s most anticipated celebration of handwoven heritage will unfold at the same venue, bringing together nearly a hundred weavers, artisans, and designers from across the Philippines. The three-day showcase goes beyond shopping, offering cultural encounters and innovations in craft that highlight the resilience of Filipino weaving.

“The Likhang Habi Market Fair is that one weekend each year when the weaving communities bring out the best products they have created using the latest technique they have developed – methods that will become part of our weaving culture and history, and our identity as a nation,” said Habi president Mia Villanueva.

Now on its 15th year, the fair has outgrown its previous venues and will move into the expansive halls of Space at One Ayala, formerly the site of the Hotel Intercontinental. Its central location at Makati’s transport hub ensures accessibility, while the larger space allows for more vendors, workshops, and cultural presentations.

“The vendors get a lot out of being there and meeting their customers,” shared Habi President Emeritus Adelaida Lim. “They get to see what the buyers are interested in and that dialogue helps them level up to what the market wants.”

This year’s edition introduces Kwentong Kultura: The Habi Lectures, a three-day series of talks and panel discussions featuring voices from weaving communities, designers, and advocates. Topics range from the role of young creatives in heritage fashion to the future of textiles in entrepreneurship and their applications beyond clothing.

“All traditional textiles have meaning; have a purpose,” said Habi Secretary Rambie Lim. She emphasized that having weavers themselves present their creations ensures buyers understand the deeper significance behind each piece.

Alongside the fair are two signature competitions: the 8th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 4th Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition. Winners will be honored with the presence of the families who established these legacies, including Dra. Lourdes Montinola’s family and Dom Martin, son of Eloisa Hizon Gomez.

The expanded lifestyle section also promises a culinary feast, led by acclaimed chef Sau Del Rosario of Café Fleur. “Our shared passion, vision, and commitment to championing Filipino artists and craftsmanship,” he said, motivated his collaboration with Habi. His offerings will bring Kapampangan flavors to the fair’s dining spaces, bridging culinary and textile traditions.

Beyond the vibrant stalls and lively exchanges, Habi continues to champion sustainability. Its partnership with the Mahalina Foundation highlights efforts to propagate Philippine cotton and practice soil regeneration in weaving communities. “We were told that the soil and climate in Calatagan would not be suitable for cotton growing,” recalled co-founder Dr. Patricia Araneta. “Since one of our programs is in the Healing and Regenerative Arts, we were practicing soil regeneration. We not only improved soil quality, we also sourced cotton seeds from the Tagabawa Bagobo in Davao del Sur and the Serukadang Manuvu in Bukidnon.”

Through these projects, Habi underscores that each thread of cloth begins with protecting nature, honoring local culture, and fostering fair trade.

The 15th Likhang Habi Market Fair is more than a shopping event. It is a living narrative of Filipino creativity and resilience, where textiles tell stories of the past while shaping the future. As Mia noted, this is the one weekend every year when weaving communities take center stage, turning fabric into heritage and craft into culture.