In case you haven’t noticed it yet: We’re now a month away from Christmas! While large gatherings and get-togethers may still not be an option for most of us, no challenge is ever tough enough to break the merriment brought about by the season of giving. As we all adjust to this “new normal” way of celebrating, here are more ideas on how to make the holiday season more meaningful and exciting – not only for us, but also for the whole Filipino community.
From November 23 to December 6, Shop HABI Fair will open its doors once again to showcase sustainable and ethical fashion and lifestyle products from various weaving communities all over the country. With the Likhang HABI Online Holiday Fair, the season of giving turns into a season of community and it’s one of the best places to get artsy gifts for our loved ones.
“We were delighted with the support for the first online edition of Likhang HABI Market Fair and for our local weavers and artisans,” says HABI president Adelaida Lim. “It inspired us even more to push for our goals at HABI to promote and sustain our local textile industry.”
The www.shophabifair.com website allows more people not just in the country but also in other parts of the world to support the Philippine weaving community and to contribute to the livelihood of local weavers and craftsmen.
“The HABI website is a great opportunity for all weavers and designers. Just as a weaver combines threads, HABI is connecting us producers to a market that helps make our businesses viable,” says Siegrid Bangyay of Sagada Pottery, one of the participating vendors for HABI Holidays.
For the holiday season, Shop HABI Fair will offer a wide variety of local products that are good for home use or for gift-giving this Christmas. There’s a variety of products to choose from – from fashion and lifestyle pieces to pottery and homeware – that friends and family alike will surely love. Here’s a list of our suggestions to give you an idea:
1. HABI Book Bundle
A nice bundle for people who love to read about the art of weaving and how the country is preserving this art. It’s a set of three books dedicated to promote and preserve the Filipino textile industry. Art and history majors would appreciate it!
2. Alcohol Dispenser by MCV Designs
A practical gift for friends and officemates: A refillable alcohol dispenser made with handwoven Inaul textile! It can be hung around the neck like a lanyard or around your bag so you won’t forget to disinfect. It’s wrapped and ready to go for Christmas in this festive Jute bag with small abaniko and solihiya card details.
3. Yakan Table Runners by Angie’s Yakan
Handwoven by Yakan weavers from Basilan and Zamboanga City, these table runners have intricate details and fabric that are nice for gift-giving. Yakan textiles are made of 80% cotton and 20% polyester and dimension is 17 inches width by 78 inches long.
4. Pitcher cover by MILVIDAS
The MILVIDAS pitcher cover, pitcher hugger, and glass huggers are hand-crocheted by the ladies of Aya’s GK Multinational Village. They are proudly made with locally sourced cotton thread and would suit our friends and family members who love putting a personalized touch to their items at home.
5. Christmas bundle from Maria Angelica Finds
A personal favorite! These Daily Life package earrings with pendant comes with complimentary non-tarnish regular chain that is 23’ long. They’re super nice for ladies who love accessories and adding life to their #OOTDs.
6. Holiday ornaments by Yakang Yaka Barter
These handwoven and hand-embroidered holiday ornaments and stockings are made out of upcycled textiles. Buying these ornaments can help support weaving communities from north to south! Yakang Yaka believes in no wastage – every piece of textile from their projects are upcycled. Sounds perfect for our friends who are trying to push for a sustainable lifestyle!
Found something you liked? Check them out at shophabifair.com today and let’s share the love to our local weavers and artisans as well!
For updates on our latest discoveries within (and outside) the Metro, don’t forget to follow Manila Millennial on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram. Happy Holidays!