16th Likhang HABI Market Fair Returns to Makati, Celebrating Filipino Textiles and Heritage | MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES — September 23, 2026 — The much-awaited 16th Likhang HABI Market Fair (LHMF) returns to SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City from October 9 to 11, 2026, bringing together Filipino weavers, artisans, designers, makers, and textile advocates for a three-day celebration of the country’s rich textile traditions.
Carrying this year’s theme, “Worth Every Thread,” the fair highlights the artistry, heritage, craftsmanship, and evolving future of Philippine textiles. The flagship project of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, LHMF offers visitors an opportunity to discover Filipino-made textiles and products while learning about the communities, skills, and stories woven into each creation.
Shop with Purpose
More than a hundred makers and textile artisans are expected to participate in the fair, representing grassroots weaving communities, small enterprises, established brands, and contemporary designers.
Visitors can explore a curated selection of handwoven textiles, fashion pieces, accessories, home décor, crafts, and other products that incorporate Filipino fibers and traditional techniques into contemporary designs.
Beyond shopping, the fair provides an avenue for consumers to directly connect with makers and support the communities that continue to preserve and develop Philippine weaving traditions.
Kwentong Kultura: Stories Behind the Threads
The Kwentong Kultura sessions will bring together speakers, practitioners, and industry voices for conversations on the many dimensions of Philippine textiles.
Discussions will cover topics including textile preservation, cultural heritage, curation, product development, entrepreneurship, and the challenges faced by weaving communities.
The sessions offer visitors an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the cultural significance of Philippine textiles and the work involved in keeping traditional practices relevant for future generations.
Entrance Fee:
• Regular: ₱200
• Students: ₱150
Exhibits, Workshops and Weaving Competitions
One of the major highlights of the 2026 fair is the exhibition of 40 combined entries from the 9th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 5th Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition.
The exhibition brings together finalists from across the Philippines, showcasing the skill, creativity, and technical mastery of Filipino weavers working with two of the country’s distinctive natural fibers.
The fair will also feature a mini exhibition of Philippine fashion heritage, curated by the Benilde Fashion Museum, featuring works and designs by renowned Filipino fashion designers from the 20th century.
Visitors can also look forward to special activities by The Mahalina Foundation and Museo Pambata, as well as workshops conducted by selected participating vendors throughout the three-day event.
TELAserye: Stories Behind Philippine Textiles
For those interested in the people and communities behind Philippine weaving traditions, TELAserye: HABI Docu Screenings will offer a special round-the-clock screening of documentaries focused on Philippine textiles and weaving communities.
Featured screenings include:
- “Kinakalingang Habi” followed by a talk-back session with journalist Howie Severino
- “Agkulol” followed by a talk-back session with journalist Mariz Umali
Admission to the documentary screenings and talk-back sessions is free, giving visitors an opportunity to hear directly from journalists and learn more about the stories behind the featured textile communities.
A Taste of the Philippines
The textile experience will also be complemented by a selection of Filipino food, regional specialties, artisanal products, and local treats from participating food vendors.
Among them is The Plaza Catering, which will offer Filipino-inspired culinary finds for visitors to enjoy while exploring the fair.
Experience “Worth Every Thread”
With its combination of shopping, exhibitions, competitions, workshops, discussions, documentaries, food, and cultural activities, the 16th Likhang HABI Market Fair offers an immersive look into the continuing story of Philippine textiles.
More than a marketplace, the three-day event brings together the people and communities behind Filipino textile traditions while creating a space where heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary creativity can meet.
The 16th Likhang HABI Market Fair, themed “Worth Every Thread,” will take place on October 9–11, 2026, at SPACE, One Ayala, Makati City.
