The 15th Likhang HABI Market Fair is returning this year with a bigger and bolder presentation of Philippine culture, craft, and community. The flagship project of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council will take place from October 10 to 12, 2025, at its new, sprawling venue: the Space at One Ayala in Makati City. The venue, which is easily accessible via the MRT, Ayala bus terminal, and shopping malls, will comfortably accommodate about a hundred weavers, artisans, and designers from all over the country.
More Than Just a Marketplace
The annual fair has been instrumental in strengthening the handwoven textile industry, which is now enjoying a high level of popularity. HABI President Mia Villanueva shared that the fair is the one weekend a year when weaving communities present their best products and latest techniques, methods that become part of the nation’s weaving culture, history, and identity.
Beyond shopping, the fair is designed to create meaningful encounters where vendors and buyers can establish a relationship, share ideas, and benefit from the exchange. HABI Secretary Rambie Lim emphasized that having the weavers present their creations is the best way to educate end-users on how to properly use and treat the traditional textiles, ensuring that the cultures of the communities are honored.
What To Expect?
Expanded Activities and Cultural Learning
With the larger space, the HABI Council is offering a variety of activities beyond the market itself.
The HABI Lectures: Kwentong Kultura
Guests can hear directly from members of the weaving industry, from weavers to designers, in a series of talks and panel discussions called Kwentong Kultura: The HABI Lectures.
- Day 1 opens with In The Realm of Textiles: Young Voices Advocating Heritage in Fashion, moderated by Jane Kingsu Cheng, featuring Stephanie Diputado and Joy Geocado of Namnama Clothing, Steffi Cua of Idyllic Summer, and Catherine Diquit of Likhang Maragondon.
- Day 2 continues with In The Realm of Textile: The Journey of the Entrepreneur in the Handwoven Textile Industry, moderated by Niña Corpuz, featuring Len Cabili of Filip + Inna, Carlo R. Eliserio of Aklan Piña Artisans Association, and knitwear designer Lulu Tan-Gan.
- Day 3 concludes with In The Realm of Textiles: Application of Handwoven Textiles Outside of Fashion, moderated by Wilma Huang, featuring Rita Nazareno of ZACARIAS1925, Edric Ong of AHPADA, and lifestyle consultant Tania Fricke.
There is a P200 fee for the lectures, and interested guests can register online. Guests can also look forward to cultural presentations, weaving demonstrations, and other workshops.
Celebrating Craftsmanship through Competitions
To encourage innovation and celebrate craftsmanship, two competitions will be featured with entries on display for the public:
- The 8th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition, with an awarding ceremony on Saturday, October 11.
- The 4th Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition, with an awarding ceremony on Sunday, October 12.
A Culinary Feast for the Senses
This year’s event offers an expanded food and lifestyle section, making it a true feast for the senses. This area will showcase culinary artisans, regional delicacies, and featured restaurants, complete with areas for lounging and dining.
Chef Sau Del Rosario, a pioneering figure known for promoting Kapampangan heritage through contemporary culinary expression, is at the helm of this area. Motivated by a shared commitment to championing Filipino artists and craftsmanship, Chef Sau’s culinary space will feature creations from his establishment, Cafe Fleur.
Protecting the Weave at its Source
The HABI Council also works to protect the environment that provides the raw materials for indigenous textiles, such as cotton and natural dyes. One of their key partners is the Mahalina Foundation, co-founded by Mercedes Zobel and Dr. Patricia Araneta. The foundation shares HABI’s advocacy for cotton and has been involved in a project to propagate Philippine cotton for loom weaving.
Dr. Araneta shared that Mahalina Foundation, through its healing and regenerative arts program, successfully improved soil quality in Calatagan to grow Philippine cotton, sourced from communities like the Tagabawa Bagobo in Davao del Sur and the Serukadang Manuvu in Bukidnon. This effort is moving toward developing community-based spinning and weaving projects.
The Likhang Habi Market Fair is the culmination of a comprehensive process that begins with caring for nature and culture, encourages innovation, and provides opportunities for fair trade. Ultimately, the goal is to preserve, promote, and enhance Philippine textiles.
The 15th Likhang Habi Market Fair is at Level 5, SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City, running from October 10 to 12, 2025.