For the first time, as part of its Likhang HABI Market Fair in October, HABI is introducing the Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Competition, which is open to all local abaca weavers.
The competition is inspired by its namesake–a prominent Kapampangan who actively encouraged the use of Filipino textiles, and is mother to popular haute couture ‘70s fashion designer Gang Gomez, now known as Dom Martin Gomez, OSB.
As the main man behind this competition, Gomez says the main goal of the event is to revive and encourage the weaving of abaca cloth, as practiced in Mindanao among the T’boli and other indigenous groups, the Visayas, and the Bicol region where the plant grows well.
“There is nothing like competition to stimulate our artisans’ creativity to strengthen and grow that industry, “adds Adelaida Lim, HABI president.
Aside from reviving and promoting the use of abaca, the competition also serves to remind us of the versatility of this fiber, which is also globally known as Manila hemp.
To join the Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Competition, participants must submit a panel measuring at least six meters long. There are no restrictions on the width; however, entries must be made of 100-percent abaca and based on a traditional pattern and/or weaving technique.
Each entry must also have a title, a detailed description, and a photograph showing the weaver working on his/her entry. Entries must be packed with care and submitted to the HABI Office at 962 May Street, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila. Deadline for submission is on Sept. 30, 2022.
Three winners will be announced at the Likhang HABI Market Fair on October 14 — 16 this year. They will each receive a prize of P50,000.00. The entries will be exhibited as part of the fair and sold, should the contestants agree.
In addition to inspiring more weavers to pass on a heritage tradition to the next generation, the competition would also contribute to the sustainability of the fashion industry, as abaca could cut the need to import polyester yarns created by the demand for fast fashion, which directly increases environmental pollution.
“Filipinos were already wearing clothes made from abaca weaves when the Spanish colonizers arrived. If we had only given abaca as much attention in its development as we have given to piña, can you imagine how much progress could have been attained by now? Hopefully, this annual competition will give the abaca weaving industry that much-needed push,” Gomez said.
