The HABI Lectures gather weavers, designers, and advocates in meaningful dialogue on heritage and craft.
To weave is to bind the threads of history to create the fabric of one’s culture. Since its inception in 2009, HABI: The Philippine Textile Council has been serving as the guardian of these threads, strengthening our nation with every story it preserves and passes on to the next generation.
These stories are set to take centerstage as part of the Likhang Habi Market Fair, the council’s flagship program, through a series of talks and panel discussions focusing on the unique experiences of the artists and artisans. Dubbed as the HABI Lectures, it will feature a mix of established and emerging members of the weaving community and their journey in creating their brands.
“Our mission is to preserve, promote, and enhance Philippine textiles and one of the key tools in doing so is education,” said HABI president Mia Villanueva. “In the past, we have produced documentaries showcasing the different weaving communities. We have also published books highlighting the variety of techniques and textiles. At this point, people have become more familiar with the value of the weaves and it is important to build on these gains and continue to grow a market that is more engaged.”
“The HABI Lectures are an opportunity to share knowledge across the spectrum of the weaving community’s stakeholders in a manner that is personal and practical,” Villanueva continued. “For three days, we will be gathering men and women who have made remarkable contributions to the industry who will share useful information to create a tool kit of experiences that everyone can tap especially in the face of challenges.”
Likhang Habi Market Fair will be held from October 10 to 12 at the Space Events Hall in One Ayala (formerly the Hotel Intercontinental) in Makati. The new venue offers a larger space that can accommodate guests of the HABI Lectures while still allowing eager buyers of beautifully crafted weaves to shop in comfort.
In The Realm of Textiles: Young Voices Advocating Heritage in Fashion
Headlining the first day (October 10) are Namnama Clothing’s Stephanie Diputado and Joy Geocado; Steffi Cua from Idyllic Summers, and Catherine Diquit from Likhang Maragondon. Moderating the discussion is writer, editor, stylist and entrepreneur Jane Kingsu Cheng.
Recognizing the perils of fast fashion with its unethical labor practices, Namnama Clothing was created with the belief in fashion as a force for good. It offers slow fashion that is ethically made with an emphasis on a transparent supply chain featuring Filipino textiles woven by local weaving communities. Co-founders Ms. Diputado and Ms. Geocado will talk about their experience as young entrepreneurs and the challenges they faced in building their own brand.
Idyllic Summer is a Manila-based fashion studio working at the intersection of materiality, conceptual research, and cultural authorship. Founded by Ms. Cua, her work integrates handloomed textiles, traditional Filipino handiwork, and experimental pattern cutting into contemporary womenswear. Given her experience working at Harrods and RainbowWave in London, she will be discussing the true cost of fashion, and why “local” can sometimes be expensive.
In a town where weaving was thriving as far back as the 1700s, Likhang Maragondon traces its roots to Ms. Diquit’s discovery that at the turn of the 21st century, only two elderly handloom weavers remained. Recognizing the potential of handloom weaving and bamboo processing in her hometown, she established Likhang Maragondon to empower the local community and save the town’s weaving heritage as well. For HABI Lectures, she will talk about her experience in building a brand with a cause at its core.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WPadMr0nmZibv99D6ovYYzns69tI8Cal/view?usp=share_link
In The Realm of Textile: The Journey of the Entrepreneur in the Handwoven Textile Industry
On center stage on the second day (October 11) are Filip + Inna’s Len Cabili, Aklan Piña Artisans Association Chairman Carlo R. Eliserio, and celebrated knitwear designer Lulu Tan-Gan. Moderating the discussion is broadcaster and inabel textile advocate Niña Corpuz.
Inspired by tradition, Ms. Cabili’s Filip + Inna has taken some of the most beautifully crafted textiles from Mindanao and created garments that fit seamlessly with the aesthetics of a contemporary Filipino. For the HABI Lectures, she will be delving into the imprint of our culture through textiles.
Hailing from generations of pineapple fiber producers and weavers, Carlo R. Eliserio dedicated his life to preserving and innovating the complex craft of piña weaving. He honors his roots by sharing his unique heritage and how it empowered his community.
Lulu Tan-Gan, known as the Queen of Knits, is a pioneering Filipino fashion designer celebrated for her artisanal knitwear and innovative use of the indigenous piña. A co-founder of HABI Council, her decades of expertise in the industry will provide valuable insight as she talks about her experience in crafting fashion.
In The Realm of Textiles: Application of Handwoven Textiles Outside of Fashion
On the final day (October 12), focus turns to ZACARIAS1925 creative director Rita Nazareno, ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA) president Edric Ong, and lifestyle consultant Tania Fricke. HABI advocate and Museo Pambata President Wilma Huang will be moderating the discussion.
Ms. Nazareno’s ZACARIAS1925 is a brand of hand-woven bags and home accessories that places a contemporary thrust in the traditional craft of hand-weaving. Each piece is made at the S.C. Vizcarra Workshop which was founded in 1925 by her grandmother. Rita is also co-Creative Director of Nazareno/Lichauco, a multi-disciplinary design studio. Her talk will focus on contemporary craft woven by hand.
Multi-awarded Malaysian designer of natural dye textiles, fashion and crafts, Mr. Ong is the Advisor and Immediate Past President of Society Atelier Sarawak, the Arts and Crafts Society of Sarawak in East Malaysia. He will be sharing his insights on the new wave of textile designs.
Ms. Fricke specializes in decorating homes, curating artpieces, styling, tablescaping, and all other aspects related to beautifying spaces. She has done visual merchandising, display windows, vignettes, and graphic design for Artemis, a fabric company owned by her mother Baby Girl Fricke. She will be sharing her experience in weaving Filipino heritage into our homes, one thread at a time.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nsYD8MgoN2kkZoYBBVQ7gDqOaVAjgBNW/view?usp=share_link
With the Likhang Habi Market Fair celebrating its 15th year, the addition of the HABI Lectures further expands the role of the HABI Council in bridging the gap between the weavers and the rest of the world.
“When you inform the public of the reasons why the weavers have a certain pattern, why they stick to these colors, why the textile can’t be used for some applications… when they are educated, it becomes easier,” Ms. Villanueva reiterated. “Everybody understands each other. And that’s our role. We are facilitators to start and provide a platform for a dialogue.”
The 15th Likhang Habi Market Fair is slated October 10-12, 2025, Level 5, SPACE at OneAyala in Makati City. For more information, visit the HABI: The Philippine Textile Council website at www.habiphilippinetextilecouncil.com
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