MAKATI CITY — The 16th Likhang HABI Market Fair is returning to Level 5 of SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City from October 9 to 11, 2026, running daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. This year's edition carries the theme "Worth Every Thread," a phrase that speaks to the labor, skill, and cultural meaning woven into every handcrafted piece. Organized by HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, the fair will bring together 100 booths representing 86 brands, weavers, artisans, and designers from across the country. Visitors can expect a curated selection of handwoven fabrics and contemporary applications, including inabel from Ilocos, suksok from Aklan, and t'nalak from Cotabato, alongside products made from abaca and pineapple fibers.
What to See and Experience
The fair offers more than shopping. A series of HABI Lectures, known as Kwentong Kultura, will feature talks and panel discussions on textile appreciation, preservation, curation, product development, and entrepreneurship, with an entrance fee of P200 for the public and P150 for students. The 5th HABI Book Launch will introduce "ABACA: The Philippine Fiber" by scholar Norma Absing Respicio. A major highlight is the exhibit and awarding ceremony for the 9th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 5th Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition, showcasing 40 entries from Filipino weavers. Visitors can also attend free screenings of documentaries on weaving communities, including selected i-Witness features, with talkback sessions led by broadcast journalists Howie Severino and Mariz Umali. An exhibition by the Benilde Fashion Museum will display vintage gowns by Filipino couturiers Pitoy Moreno, Ben Farrales, and Auggie Cordero, while Museo Pambata will host a children's booth with handloom weaving activities.
Why This Matters for Makati and Philippine Craft
Hosting the Likhang HABI Market Fair reinforces Makati's role as a platform for Filipino heritage and creativity. The fair has grown from 30 booths in its early years to 100 exhibitors, reflecting rising public interest in local textiles that are increasingly worn beyond special occasions. For Makati, the event draws visitors to One Ayala, supports MSMEs from weaving communities nationwide, and creates opportunities for cultural exchange. It also underscores a simple idea: that every woven piece carries the story of the land, the people, and the traditions behind it.
