The Likhang HABI Market Fair returns for its 16th edition from October 9 to 11, 2026, bringing Filipino weavers, artisans, designers, makers, and textile advocates together at SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City.
Organized by HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, this year’s fair carries the theme “Worth Every Thread,” highlighting the artistry, heritage, and continuing evolution of Philippine textiles. The three-day event will feature around 100 exhibitors, including micro, small, and medium enterprises from communities across the country.
Visitors can discover a wide range of handwoven textiles and contemporary products showcasing traditional techniques and locally sourced fibers. Featured textiles include inabel from Ilocos, suksok from Aklan, and t’nalak from Cotabato, alongside creative applications of traditional fibers such as abaca and pineapple.
HABI President Emeritus Adelaida Lim emphasized the cultural significance embedded in every handwoven piece, noting that the fibers, dyes, techniques, traditions, and aspirations of weaving communities are reflected in each strand of fabric.
Now in its 16th year, the Likhang HABI Market Fair has grown beyond a marketplace into a gathering place where members of the weaving community can exchange knowledge, develop their skills, share ideas, and build stronger connections.
HABI President Mia Villanueva described the fair as a family reunion of sorts, where exhibitors have witnessed one another’s growth over the years. Some small enterprises have expanded into full-range boutiques, while individual weavers have developed their skills and businesses to create opportunities for more members of their communities.
The fair will also feature Kwentong Kultura, a series of educational talks tackling the appreciation, preservation, curation, product development, and entrepreneurship surrounding Philippine textiles. The discussions will also provide the public with an opportunity to better understand the challenges and opportunities faced by weaving communities.
Adding to the program are screenings of documentary films about Philippine textiles, including special features produced by i-Witness of GMA News and Public Affairs.
Guests can also see the winning and participating works from the 9th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 5th Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition. The awarding ceremonies will take place on October 10 for the Piña Weaving Competition and October 11 for the Abaca Weaving Competition, showcasing the creativity and potential of the next generation of Filipino weavers.
For HABI Chairman Emeritus and CEO Maribel Ongpin, traditional textiles are expressions of communities shaped by shared history, environment, values, and traditions. Each thread therefore serves as a connection to the country’s cultural heritage while offering a way to carry these traditions forward.
Founded in 2009, HABI: The Philippine Textile Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping Philippine textile traditions alive and relevant. It brings together weavers, artisans, designers, educators, researchers, and communities through programs that promote local fibers, handwoven textiles, traditional skills, and the stories behind them.
The 16th Likhang HABI Market Fair will be held on October 9 to 11, 2026, at Level 5, SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City. Through its exhibitions, competitions, educational programs, and community initiatives, the fair continues to promote, preserve, and support the future of Philippine textile traditions.
