First Liza Araneta-Marcos called on Filipinos to honor local artisans and celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage through creativity and craftsmanship as she led the opening of LIKHA 4 at the Foro de Intramuros on Thursday, June 5.
Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
First Lady Liza opens LIKHA 4, urges Pinoys to honor artists and culture
Philippines
National
First Lady Liza opens LIKHA 4, urges Pinoys to honor artists and culture
First Lady Liza opens LIKHA 4, urges Pinoys to honor artists and culture
Published Jun 6, 2025 10:32 am
At A Glance
- First Lady Marcos said LIKHA is designed to preserve, promote, and empower Filipino craftsmanship in an era of rapid modernization.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the ceremonial ringing of the bell to officially open LIKHA 4 at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila on June 5, 2025. Among the first guests were Mrs Lawrence Wong, the wife of Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who visited the country this week. (Mark Balmores/Liza Marcos/Instagram)
In an Instagram post, First Lady Marcos said LIKHA is designed to preserve, promote, and empower Filipino craftsmanship in an era of rapid modernization.
"This year’s exhibit is a beautiful tapestry of heritage and hope — where seasoned masters stand side by side with the next generation of artisans," she said.
Among the First Lady's guests was Mrs Lawrence Wong, the wife of Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who visited the country this week.
"Mrs Lawrence Wong and I spent a lovely afternoon at LIKHA 4 in the charming Foro de Intramuros — where Filipino artistry shines in every corner," she wrote.
"It was a joy to share this experience with Mrs Wong, as we continue to nurture the bonds between the Philippines and Singapore — not just through official ties, but through the language of culture, craftsmanship, and shared appreciation for tradition," she added.
In her speech during the event, First Lady Marcos shared a touching moment from her pre-opening walk-through of the venue, where she checked each display. At stall number nine, she met a family from Sarangani.
"They told me they walked eight hours from the mountains of Sarangani, down to the city, and then took a bus, another I don't know how many hours, took the plane to come here," she said.
"It's their first time to come to Manila, so I really want to say thank you for joining us," she added.
The First Lady then led the crowd in applauding the artists and artisans in attendance.
“Let’s give a big round of applause to our weavers, basket makers, artisans, all of you who joined us," she said.
"Maraming-maraming pong salamat (Thank you very much). I hope you come back again next year," she added.
According to Marcos, the venue, Fora de Intramuros, was recently converted into a community space "to honor culture and heritage.”
Running from June 6 to 8, LIKHA 4, short for Likhaing Filipino, is one of this year’s key events leading to the 127th celebration of Philippine Independence Day. The event is free and open to the public, with no pre-registration required.
LIKHA brings together 30 new artisans along with returning Likha graduates and established local designers.
The three-day exhibit features a curated collection of traditional techniques and modern innovations ranging from indigenous textiles to contemporary fashion, furniture, and crafts.
Through live demonstrations and direct interaction with artists, the event gives the public a chance to engage with the creative process and purchase heritage-rich, locally made products.
The event also serves as a platform for mentorship, helping emerging creators learn from master craftsmen and connecting communities through sustainable cultural entrepreneurship.
President Marcos earlier reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s indigenous traditions and cultural identity in light of technological and societal shifts.
In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office said LIKHA is more than just an exhibit.
"It’s a movement dedicated to empowering local artisans and preserving the richness of Filipino heritage," it said.
"The initiative aims to spark greater appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience behind Filipino craftsmanship," it added.
It said that through creativity, collaboration, and cultural pride, LIKHA 4 encourages Filipinos to support homegrown talent and help safeguard the legacy of Filipino artistry this Independence Day.