Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Juan E. Dayang Jr. welcomed the participants of the webinar who joined via Zoom and at the Philippine Embassy. The Filipino community members who visited the Embassy for the live viewing were able to visit an exhibit of samples and swatches of weaves.

In his welcome message, CDA Dayang remarked on the importance of knowing our weaving culture. “We Filipinos can be proud of our weaving culture. I believe that before we can love our country and culture, we have to know it.  The more we know our culture, history, and heritage, the more we can be proud of ourselves as Filipinos,” he said.

Filipino community members listen to the presentation of Atty. Evie Medina on Philippine weaves at the Philippine Embassy. (Embassy photo)

Atty. Evie Medina-Navarro, owner, founder, designer and artistic director of HapiHabi Wearable Weaves (HHWW), shared her knowledge and insights as an advocate of Philippine handweaves in her presentation. She discussed the different kinds of weaves in the Philippines – their origins, designs, patterns, materials, and the artistic weaving manner of indigenous people, and how these weaves could become wearable on a daily basis. She also addressed the questions raised by the participants on various topics about Philippine weaves. Among the traditional handweaves that were discussed include the Pinilian from Ilocos, Binakul from Abra, Piña from Aklan, T’nalak from South Cotabato, Inaul from Maguindanao, and several others.

The exhibit of samples of Philippines weaves at the Embassy Consular area. (Embassy photo)

The exhibit of samples and swatches of Philippine weaves was open to the public at the Embassy’s Consular area until 21 July 2023. The Embassy will continue to develop successive projects and activities to further promote the weaving culture of the Philippines in Tűrkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. END