Philippine textiles take center stage as the Likhang HABI Market Fair returns this year, bringing together weavers, designers, and brands from across the country.
The event will take place from October 9 to 11 at One Ayala in Makati City.
According to HABI president Mia Villanueva, the 16th edition will feature 100 booths representing 86 brands, weavers, and designers, all highlighting products and works connected to Philippine textiles.
Among the new attractions this year is a collaboration with the Benilde Fashion Museum, which will showcase 11 vintage gowns by renowned Filipino designers Pitoy Moreno, Ben Farrales, and Auggie Cordero.
The gowns feature traditional Philippine textiles such as piña and abaca.
“Benilde Fashion Museum will be bringing 11 gowns of Pitoy Moreno, Ben Farrales, and Auggie Cordero that are all using piña or abaca or textiles,” Villanueva said.
The fair will also feature an exhibit highlighting entries from HABI's annual weaving competitions.
Now in its 9th year, the Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition continues to recognize excellence in piña weaving, while the Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition enters its 5th year.
Winners of both competitions will be announced during the fair.
Aside from exhibits and competitions, visitors can also attend a series of lectures focused on Philippine textiles and weaving traditions.
HABI will likewise hold free film screenings in a dedicated function room through a program called “Teleserye ng HABI.” Four documentaries produced by HABI will be shown as part of the program.
The fair is also designed to be a family-friendly event through a partnership with Museo Pambata. While parents shop, attend lectures, or explore the exhibits, children can participate in workshops prepared by the children's museum. There will also be treats such as ice cream and taho available in the children's area.
For Villanueva, the event is also an opportunity to highlight the country's rich and varied weaving traditions.
“Weaving tradition in the Philippines is very diverse, so from north to south ay iba-iba 'yan,” she said.
The Likhang HABI Market Fair 2026 aims to bring these different textile traditions together in one venue, giving Filipino artisans, designers, and weavers an opportunity to showcase their work while allowing the public to learn more about the country's textile heritage.