Likhang Habi market fair to go online, promotes traditional textiles amid new normal

Likhang Habi is set to go online for the first time since 2009 as they launch an online market fair that will run from Oct. 21 until Oct. 27.

During the official virtual launch of their online market, Habi members introduced their new website, where they would be posting items from local artisans.

Laida Lim, president of Habi - The Philippine Textile Council, said they had the same goal and mission for weavers, only this time they would be doing it online.

“When we used to have actual fairs it was really to help the weavers to get their products to a buying market and therefore since we can’t gather now in numbers, we are going to do this online,” she said at the virtual launch.

Laida said shoppers would have the “option to acquire beautiful things and things that speak identity and tradition” such as keepsakes and heirloom pieces.

Their annual trade which used to be held at Glorietta Activity Center will now be accessible to anyone online. The 7-day Likhang Habi virtual market fair will be available online starting Oct. 21.

The online event will have over 30 merchants from various weaving communities from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

They have several categories for shoppers including sustainable and ethical fashion and lifestyle products.

According to Habi chairperson Maribel Ongpin, even amid the new normal, their main goal is still “to make sure that our traditional textiles will still be a part of our modern lifestyle.”

Habi will also hold the third Lourdes Montinola piña weaving contest and continue their advocacy for weavers to use cotton for fabrics.

This year Habi will also be continuing its long-term commitment and advocacy to revive the use of pure Philippine cotton, partnering with Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority.

Through this partnership, they will give local farmers cotton seeds and threads and encourage more weavers to use pure cotton in their products.

Habi will also have a series of webinars and a four-day online summit to promote Filipino culture and heritage.

The online summit “aims to discuss how different sectors in the country are coming together to protect and conserve traditional weaving practices and traditions.”

According to Habi’s Patricia Paredes, this year there will be 20 vendors participating from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. – RC, GMA News