In 2016, in a meeting with weavers from Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, Negrense entrepreneur Michael Claparols learned about the poor sales of their woven runners, shawls and placemats. The products used polyester threads which, although cheap, paled in comparison to the fine and nubby texture of cotton.In 2017, Claparols included the weavers in his Creative Definitions General Merchandise to help the weaving community.
Habi was founded to sustain and promote indigenous Philippine textiles, wean the weavers from synthetic threads to cotton, and to educate the public on the country’s weaving traditions. New to traditional textile crafts, Ongpin sought help from Felicidad Eguia Nadres, founder of EN Barong Filipino, the largest barong Tagalog factory in the country, to introduce Habi to weavers.
Habi has also been working with the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, an agency under the Department of Agriculture, which handles the research, development and marketing of natural fibers. Last year, the fair had some 80 exhibitors. Due to mall renovations, the number has been reduced to 50.
Yakan weaver Evelynda Otong is now a successful entrepreneur, with stores in Zamboanga and Basilan. She did a weaving demonstration recently at the Pause Fashion Hub during London Fashion Week.Irene Bawer-Bimuyag from Kalinga is known for intricate embroideries that can fetch six-figure sums. “Weavers should earn well so weaving becomes a viable livelihood. There’s no middle man when Irene does business. She wants to build a textile museum,” says Lim.
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