I began my journey with slow fashion when I attended my first Likhang HABI Market Fair in 2023. Back then, my wardrobe was filled with mostly fast fashion pieces and I hardly knew anything about local weaves.

Inspired by what I learned from the fair, I spent the next two years reducing my fast fashion shopping, recycling and upcycling my existing wardrobe, and investing in items that last longer. I started looking into vintage shops (not to be confused with second-hand shops) and local brands that support environmental practices and Filipino culture. When my social media algorithm led me to videos of landfills of fast fashion waste, that sealed the deal for me—I aimed for a more sustainable wardrobe.

I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go, but I’m glad the Likhang HABI Market Fair 2025 is here to help me refocus on my mission. It’s organized yearly by HABI: The Philippine Textile Council—a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of indigenous textiles threads, textiles, and fabrics.

Now on its 15th year, they’re moving to a new and bigger location—SPACE at One Ayala (former site of Hotel Intercontinental), just a short walk from their original location in Glorietta, Makati. This year’s theme is “Sining ng Tela: The Art and Legacy of Filipino Weaving.”

If you’re interested in getting into slow fashion but don’t know where to begin, the Likhang HABI Market Fair is a three-day event that can help kickstart your journey. Here are five things you can do at the fair:

Shop for Filipino textile fashion and home decor.

The truth is, slow fashion is much more expensive. But as I realized in the long run, the investment is worth it. A handwoven textile garment lasts longer compared to buying multiple cheap clothes that you hardly use and often end up in the landfills. A more thoughtfully-made designer bag lasts longer than a cheap bazaar bag that starts disintegrating (and not in an environmental way) after a year or two. Don’t get me started on knock-offs.

For beginners in the HABI world, I suggest starting with accessories like a woven strap (that can be used as a belt, bag, or guitar strap) from Panlipi Tribe Manila, artisanal jewellery from BJ Chavez, coasters from Likhang Yakan, a cute pouch from One Weave, and bags from MCV Designs or Gouache. Intermediate to advanced slow fashion shoppers can invest in key wardrobe pieces from designers such as Twinkle Ferraren, Namnama, Abek Home, and Yana’s Woven Textile. Those looking to spruce up their homes can check out the likes of La Bonne Vie, Abel Philippines, and Silahis Arts.

This year’s Habi Fair has over 80 vendors from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each brand, designer, and shop has a historical and cultural background behind their creations.

Look for handwoven textiles from your province.

Browse through clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories made from handcrafted weaves that represent different regional, indigenous, and ethnic groups all over the Philippines.

If you’re stumped on where to begin, ask about the weaving communities of your province or favorite travel destination. In my case, I’m looking forward to seeing the creations of Habing Cavite (Likhang Maragondon) and Bicol Sweetgrass Handicrafts. I’m also interested in seeing more Filipino weaves—Inabel from Ilocos, Hablon from Negros, and Hublun from Sulu.

Sign up for the HABI lectures and workshops.

If you’d like to learn about the Philippines’ weaving history from weavers and designers themselves, the fair has a series of talks called “Kwentong Kultura: The HABI Lectures.”

Day 1 (Oct. 10): Young Voices Advocating Heritage in Fashion featuring Namnama Clothing’s Stephanie Diputado and Joy Geocado; Steffi Cua from Idyllic Summer; and Catherine Diquit from Likhang Maragondon. Moderating the discussion is writer, editor, stylist and entrepreneur Jane Kingsu Cheng.

Day 2 (Oct. 11): The Journey of the Entrepreneur in the Handwoven Textile Industry featuring Filip + Inna’s Len Cabili, Aklan Piña Artisans Association Chairman Carlo R. Eliserio, and celebrated knitwear designer Lulu Tan-Gan. Moderating the discussion is broadcaster and inabel textile advocate Niña Corpuz.

Day 3 (Oct. 12): Application of Handwoven Textiles Outside of Fashion featuring ZACARIAS1925 creative director Rita Nazareno, ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA) president Edric Ong, and lifestyle consultant Tanya Fricke. HABI advocate and Museo Pambata president Wilma Huang will be moderating the discussion.

There’s a ₱200 fee for the lectures, and you can register here.

For something more hands-on, they have workshops for weaving, pottery, and other arts and crafts.

See the winners of the piña weaving and abaca competitions.

The three-day fair is a culmination of two competitions: The 8th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 4th Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition. The entries will be displayed at the fair and the winners will be announced on day 3.

Go on a Filipino food trip.

Don’t miss the food section that features culinary artisans and regional delicacies led by Chef Sau Del Rosario. Get a cup of latte from Cafe Fleur, kamote chips from Balay Baler, bean-to-bar chocolates from Plentitude Chocolate and Blackbird Farms, and explore other featured restaurants.

The Likhang HABI Market Fair will run from October 10-12, 2025 at Level 5, SPACE, at One Ayala, Makati.