(From left) Dr. Karen De Asis, Myrna Yao and Rosemarie Rafael. Handout
MANILA — Philippine weaving traditions will take center stage at the ASEAN Trade Expo 2026, where T’nalak, Yakan, inabel and other indigenous textiles will be showcased alongside handicrafts and products from across Southeast Asia.
The three-day expo, set for November 10-12 at Okada Manila, is one of the flagship events of the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairship and will bring together enterprises, artisans, buyers, investors and government representatives from the 11 ASEAN member states and partner countries.
Carrying the theme “Way of the Weave,” the expo is expected to feature more than 200 women-led enterprises and cultural industry participants, with the Philippine showcase highlighting the country’s diverse weaving traditions and their potential as both cultural heritage and sources of livelihood.
Among the featured Philippine traditions are T’nalak weaving of the T’boli, Yakan weaving of Basilan and inabel from Ilocos, along with textile traditions from Luzon, the Visayas, Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Aklan piña weaving will also be featured, alongside works by winners of the Amazing Weaves Distinction Awards 2026.
The Philippine showcase aims to demonstrate how traditional crafts can move beyond cultural preservation and create opportunities for local communities, artisans and enterprises to reach wider markets.
The expo will also feature country booths from ASEAN member states and Southeast Asian partner countries, allowing exhibitors to showcase textiles, handicrafts, cultural products and other locally made goods.
The Philippines and Singapore will each have a 24-square-meter country booth.
The expo is being led by WomenBizPH, the Philippine country local organization of the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs’ Network under ASEAN-BAC Philippines.
PCW Commissioner Rosemarie Rafael, concurrent chairperson and founder of Airspeed Group of Companies, serves as chair, with Myrna Yao, CEO of Richprime Global Inc. and concurrent PCW commissioner, as co-chair.
Dr. Karen De Asis, a 2025 ASEAN Women Entrepreneur Network awardee and founder of MKS Marketing Consulting, is also part of the organizing leadership.
Organizers said the expo will provide opportunities for visitors and businesses to explore products from across the region, with free visitor registration and opt-in business matching available.