Local weavers, personal stories featured in weekend fair

The “love local” movement that started over a decade ago continues to gain ground with Filipinos proud to wear their heart on their sleeve. Whether it’s a modern barong Tagalog, a beautifully made terno or simply a patch with a distinctly local design, there are now dozens of options for Filipinos to choose from. From Oct. 9 to 11, Likhang Habi marks its 16th anniversary with a weekend-long market fair. The theme this year is “Worth Every Thread” and is the organizers’ short reply to the million-peso question: Why is it so expensive? At the press launch for the upcoming event, they talked about how much time and effort went into the weaving, dyeing and stitching of the different products. While traditional artists — painters, sculptors — are known by name, few weavers and craftspeople are recognized and compensated for their creations. This is why there is a move to include the names of the weavers for the pieces that will be sold at the fair. “For many years, we’ve been asked, ‘Why are weaves so expensive?’ I’m tired of that question,” Habi council president Mia Villa­nueva said. “When you understand what goes into making something by hand, using indigenous fibers and traditional skills,...