With an ever-changing demand for products, the local weaving community continuously tries to adapt to what consumers want to see – from tapestries to hand-woven clothes, accessories, and even face masks. Although it’s challenging to pass on the art of weaving to younger generations who have not been exposed to the craft, Likhang HABI Market Fair continues to share the word every year to people in Manila. Now, to help sustain the local weaving economy even amidst a pandemic, the Likhang HABI Market Fair is going online for the first time via shophabifair.com from October 21-27, 2020 to keep the annual trade fair alive.

A pioneer in artisan fairs and local textile advocacy, you might have seen Likhang HABI Market Fair at the Glorietta Activity Center before. They showcase sustainable and ethical fashion and lifestyle products to help over 30 merchants representing various weaving communities from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.To keep the use of traditional textiles alive, here’s a step-by-step guide on how we can purchase different items via their soon-to-be-launched website, along with events that we can attend for more details about their industry:

SHOPPING VIA SHOPHABIFAIR.COM

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1. Visit shophabifair.com via desktop or mobile starting October 21, 2020.

2. Click on a collection you want to view.

3. Select a product, adjust its size, color, and quantity (if applicable) and add to cart.

4. Click on your cart on the upper right corner of the screen.

5. Check out the items and fill out the billing address and information needed.

6. Pay via debit card, credit card, Gcash, or GrabPay to complete your order.

7. A One-Time Pin will be sent to your mobile number for verification. Enter it via the website to proceed.

8. Wait for the email to be sent for confirmation.

And that’s it! It’s just like how we check out items via other e-commerce apps. All you need to do is sit back and relax until the parcel reaches your preferred address. Fuss-free purchase while minimizing human contact!

ATTENDING THEIR ONLINE SUMMIT

Aside from online shopping, we can also attend a series of webinars and their four-day online summit which aims to promote Filipino culture and heritage. This year, HABI is supporting Nayong Pilipino for Mga Hibla ng Pamana: A Summit on Weaving as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

HABI is also collaborating with CulturAid, Kularts, House of Gongs, and Museo ng Muntinlupa to present the first-ever international Voices from the Field Program that will feature a series of webinars on the topic of Filipino Identity and Contemporary Cultural Practice in the Philippines and the Diaspora. This webinar series aims to bridge interdisciplinary voices and encourage dialogue to better understand how our varied experiences as Filipinos have shaped the way we think, move, and learn.

For the complete schedule of talks and webinars, you may visit facebook.com/HABITHEPhilippineTextileCouncil.

JOINING THE 3^RD LOURDES MONTINOLA PIÑA PRIZE

Now in its third year, this competition recognizes exceptional craftsmanship and mastery of the delicate process of turning pineapple threads into works of art. The competition is open to all Filipino artisans who weave, dye, embroider or embellish piña. Interested participants can submit their entries until October 15.

Contrary to popular opinion, I’d like to continuously hope that the art of weaving in the Philippines won’t die. Part of Philippine history runs within every strand of those magnificent works of art. As consumers, let’s do our part to support local!

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