MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In a world increasingly dominated by fast fashion and mass production, the ancient art of Filipino weaving stands as a vibrant testament to our cultural soul. From May 16 to 18, Gateway Mall 1 will transform into a kaleidoscope of indigenous textiles as Habi Fiesta! 2025 unveils the breathtaking artistry that has defined our archipelago for centuries.
“Habi Fiesta! is our way of celebrating the Heritage Month of May,” Christine Diane Romero, Executive Director of the J. Amado Araneta Foundation said. “Our woven fabrics created by indigenous weavers from various parts of the country are some of the most important symbols of our heritage. It is an enduring tradition handed down over generations that links us directly to the past. These are reminders of the dazzling vibrancy of our culture and the undeniable talent of our people.”
This year’s Habi Fiesta! promises an expanded lineup featuring master artisans from across the nation’s weaving communities. Visitors can expect a sensory immersion that goes beyond commerce—the event includes live demonstrations where ancestral techniques materialize before your eyes.
Participating vendors include the meticulous craftspeople of Abel Kan Burda Ta Ka Itnegan from Abra, whose generations-old techniques produce textiles of exceptional durability and beauty. The innovative collective at Namarabar Ethnic Products (also from Abra) will showcase how traditional motifs can find new life in contemporary applications. Meanwhile, Laga Weaving Creations and the heritage custodians at Abella’s House of Crafts (Ifugao) bring their distinctive highland aesthetic to the urban center.
The event is a flagship initiative that supports JAAF’s culture and arts program which is anchored to the Gateway Gallery, the art museum of Araneta City. This year’s edition of Habi Fiesta! features a wider selection of vendors, side activities such as weaving demonstration, and more accessible payment with the vendors’ use of popular digital payment methods.
For more information about Habi Fiesta! Please visit and follow the pages of the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (Website, Facebook) and Gateway Gallery (Website).
