Spicy TGIF Edition

I calendared this event

23 days early after knowing about it. 

The schedule fell on the week when I also eyed a low-priority occasion.

So on October 10, I prayed for a fair weather and to be in good shape despite still convalescing from an injury. Additionally, making it pain-free on the first day of Likhang Habi Market Fair 2025 at One Ayala, Makati City might indicate that I’d soon be on full recovery.

A weekday, I didn’t have any companion unlike on September 28 when I went to Hímbon. My sons were all tied up so I just informed them that I’d be fine going alone. No one attempted to change my obstinate decision. 

Upon booking, I shared the Grab car link which was an SOP in our family every time one of us would commute. I had no doubt that my boys were relieved to see my safe arrival. Well, they were the only ones who were aware of my day’s sked. Shhhhhhh! 

As anticipated, Level 5 at SPACE  was capacious. Upon entering the main hall I spotted this weaving loom frame. I gravitated towards it right away! 

Being in an experiential fair, I had to give “weaving” a shot in this "loom," manned by this warm and obliging woman that goes by the catchy artist name Diwa Malaya. 

With a feline's decreased inquisitiveness now about the function of this display, I advanced my steps. Then, this multicolored booth stopped me in my tracks.

The artist’s bio poster was helpful in confirming that the person standing near the stall was THE founder and designer of Pidayit. 

Philip Dizon Torres was sooo welcoming when I requested for a photo with him. Did this picture give you friendly vibes? Lookin’ like bff’s, ain’t we? Ha.Ha.Ha.  

His renowned designs mirrored his effervescent and charismatic personality. Not anymore surprising if his clients were the who’s who in our country. 

From Pidayit I continued feasting on the other products. There I saw how the woven cloth transformed creatively and magically into dazzling clothes. And predictably, these outfits were dear! 

Forget about the high prices; it can’t be denied that almost everything was a feast for the eyes. Apparently I found immeasurable pleasure from simply “window shopping” and not binge shopping. *e-laughs* 

This visit likewise became a little jaunt around the Philippines and even to Southeast Asian countries like  Malaysia, Mynmar and India. Their products were as awe-inspiring as ours. 

The presence of these non-woven merchandise added to the visual appeal of the 15th Likhang Habi. Filipinos' ingenuity and artisanship would always strike me. 

Just like at the trade expos I went to before, Likhang Habi guaranteed distinctive memories and insights. Typically, interacting with these exhibitors would give me profound joy after hearing their inspiring journey and success story within this brief contact. In fact a serendipitous moment when I purchased my first set of woven earrings had me feeling this sheer ecstasy. 

Paula, the jewelry artist-owner of Piesa, happens to be a collaborator of my friend, favorite Bicolano handicraft designer-maker, and fellow BUHS (Bicol University High School) alumni — Nerissa "Ness" Basco. 

Image source: https://www.facebook.com/NessCraftsAndFineFoods

Ness is the very talented owner of NessCrafts  and a successful entrepreneur in Tabaco City, Albay. 

Taken: 10 October 2014

Taken: 22 April 2016

Seeing her creation, used as the abaca component in Paula’s earrings, gave me a surge of pride and priceless remembrance of owning her lovely native bags, ordering her Bicol-made souvenir giveaways (i.e., seashell rosaries, wallets, etc.) and having our chitchats during trade fairs.  

Readers, in case you didn't notice, I came to Likhang Habi wearing my first T’nalak earrings which I bought from one of the Kaamulan Festival stalls in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Look closely. I am now wearing my bolder and longer T'nalak earrings, created by Mary Ann Francisco, this adorable woman beside me. You bet! I left One Ayala in this statement jewelry. Whoopee! 

Frankly, I only bought these ethnic accessories and these lava rock bracelets for my sons’ safe journey. 

How I wish I had the luxury of money to buy this 20-thousand worth Pidayit Filipiniana top... 

... and this 25-thousand worth rag jacket which could have been a perfect attire during outrage demonstrations because of the plastic crocodiles that perfectly symbolize our corrupt Philippine government officials. Waaaaaaahaahahahaha!

 

On a serious note, I do a lot of restraint whenever I go to market fairs. It's a must that whenever I step out of our abode, I have clearly identified my needs and wants. Thus, I content myself in admiring and appreciating the works of these artists especially our very own. As we all know, admiration for people, their handiwork and accomplishments costs nothing. 

Videography credit:

Diwa Malaya