(From left) Deputy Consul General Ady Cruz, Consul General Senen Mangalile, and representatives from DOST-PTRI and Philippine Trade & Investment Center, New York, during the launch of KatHABI: A Textile Innovation Exhibition on June 25, 2024, at the Philippine Center | Photo courtesy of DOST-PTRI
NEW YORK—HABI: Discovering Possibilities for Philippine Fibers, an exhibit showcasing the unique qualities of Philippine fibers such as abaca, piña, and bamboo, will open on November 7 with a reception at Hayward Hall, Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The exhibit will run until November 26.
Organized by the Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-New York in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) and Thomas Jefferson University, the exhibit will promote the intersection of tradition and innovation, highlighting the modern applications of these fibers in fashion, design, and industry in the global market.
Consul General Senen Mangalile likened the HABI exhibit to “weaving together the stories of our past with the possibilities of our future just as each thread strengthens a fabric.” He said the exhibit “binds tradition and innovation, showcasing the craftsmanship of weavers and the potential of Philippine fibers in modern industries” and celebrates “artistry and the enduring spirit of the Filipino people, creating an intricate tableau that honors heritage and inspires possibilities.”
The November 7 reception includes a fireside chat, supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Office of Senator Loren B. Legarda, featuring Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, officials of the University, and other distinguished guests to discuss cultural preservation, sustainability, and innovation in Philippine textiles. It will also explore the global opportunities for Philippine fibers and their role in supporting local artisans’ economic growth.
The panelists are Trade Commissioner Benedict M. Uy, Director Julius L. Leaño Jr. of DOST-PTRI, Officer-in-Charge and Executive Director Evelyn B. Cagasan of the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, Curator and Cultural Critic Marian Pastor Roces, and Maison Métisse Founder and Creative Director Adrienne Charuel. It will be Moderated by Professor Marcia Weiss, Interim Dean of the Thomas Jefferson University – School of Design and Engineering.
Meanwhile, Uy reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Philippine farming and weaving communities. Through this exhibit, he “believes sharing these traditional fibers and textiles with the world, we can inspire fresh perspectives, drive innovation, and create new avenues for collaboration.”
For her part, Weiss is honored “to be the inaugural site for this important exhibition of Philippine textiles and products.” “With the Philadelphia Textile School legacy, this exploration of global textile traditions, fashions and interiors presents an exciting opportunity for our students across disciplines,” Weiss said.
