Are you in the hunt for discovering local brands or supporting fellow artisans who champion uniquely Filipino talents and products? If you’re up for the challenge, then local products lead the way in this three-day cultural showcase in Manila!
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Over 100 local artisans from across the country gather for “Likha: Likha Ko, Lahi Ko” inside the Likha Tent, Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, Pasay City. Now in its fifth edition, the much-awaited event is at its peak to showcase local craftsmanship, strengthen the local creative economy, and bring Filipino talent to the international stage.
This year, the event aims to introduce both new artisans and fellow creatives who have participated in previous editions. With this roster of talent, not only will they be able to support one another but also share a safe and inclusive space to learn from each other’s heritage and collaborate in the near future.
Here’s what you can find at “Likha: Likha Ko, Lahi Ko:”
We don’t want to overshare, but you’ll find A LOT of premium and proudly local products in this cultural showcase, spanning clothing, footwear, furniture, and decorative art, among others.
Photo: WhenInManila.com
If you’re searching for decorative art that feels personal yet uniquely Filipino, you can head to Perla Cajandab’s booth! A mathematics instructor and a self-taught artist from Allen, Northern Samar, she turns gantsilyo (crochet in English) into tactile textile art that you can display at home or buy as a memorable gift to someone this Christmas.
Perla proves that you can always return to a skill you were once taught. She recalled having sewing lessons when she was still a student, and when the pandemic hit, she decided to give crocheting a go! With her top-notch crocheting skills, she creates colorful and intricate crochet paintings inspired by Filipino festivals or religious imagery.
Photo: WhenInManila.com
Eventually, she scored both local and international clients who have found comfort in her crochet paintings. “I have realized the price of my work. Kasi dati, nagbigay lang ako [ng crochet painting] sa aking friend as a gift. She did not like it as a gift; binayaran niya po ako. That’s where I started to realize, may value pala ang ginagawa ko.”
Meanwhile, if you’re searching for art that is specifically unique to a province, head to James Liwanagan’s booth! A Moriones mask maker and artist from Mogpog, Marinduque, James shared that he learned traditional woodcarving from his father, the renowned artisan Salvador “Buddy” Liwanagan.
Combining traditional woodcarving with formal art training, he reinterprets the Moriones mask into something that feels more personal to him, while still reflecting Marinduque’s rich culture and vibrant art scene. In a way, the creation of a Moriones mask also speaks to the Filipino tradition of making the most of what is available—transforming existing materials into something new and meaningful.
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“Kung halimbawa, may mga natumbang puno dahil sa bagyo, nire-repurpose namin ‘yung kahoy. Stino-stockpile namin from six months to one year just to make it usable. Ginagawan namin ng paraan para hindi siya kainin ng anay… at doon namin sinisimulan ‘yung pag-carve ng mga piyesa namin,” he shared.
He also shared that all their intricately carved wooden masks are available for pre-order, emphasizing that each mask is crafted with care and purpose rather than falling into the impersonal nature of mass production.
“We give [the masks] more dignity, and it’s our little way of keeping our ecological footprint in check… na hindi dahil hanapbuhay namin ito, aabusuhin namin ‘yung available resources,” he said. “At the same time, it gives more value. Mas nagiging mahalagang bahagi siya ng cultural heritage naming mga taga-Marinduque.”
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to attend “Likha: Likha Ko, Lahi Ko:”
Don’t think twice, LIKHA 5 is officially taking place starting Friday, October 2, until Sunday, October 4, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
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The event is open and free to the public! You can bring your family and friends to discover new local brands, or you can shop solo (who knows, you might bump into a fellow creative and gain a new friend along the way). The venue is also accessible to PWDs and senior citizens.
Exhibits accept online modes of payment, but we recommend that you bring enough cash just in case the crowd becomes too big in the coming days. We also recommend that you wear light and comfortable clothing and footwear, even though the tent is air-conditioned throughout the duration of the event.
Don’t forget to eat a heavy meal or a snack before visiting the exhibits! But just in case you go hungry after hours of browsing through different products or discovering something new about our culture, there will be food stalls available at the Likhang Filipino Food Hub
“Likha: Likha Ko, Lahi Ko” is an initiative of First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos. Previously, Likhang Filipino was widely considered a rebirth of the PhilTrade Center, launched in 1979.
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