Dama Ko Lahi Ko, founded in 2021, collaborated with Likha, an initiative involving Filipino weavers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Likha 3, which began on June 7 and ended on June 11, 2024, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Forum, aimed to promote Filipino soft power through cultural heritage. The event, supported by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, connected traditional artisans with contemporary designers, ensuring the relevance and sustainability of Philippine textiles.
“Through our collaboration with Likha, we have witnessed the profound impact of storytelling in preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage. By sharing the rich narratives behind our traditional crafts, we not only honor our past but also inspire future generations to cherish and sustain these invaluable traditions,” said Len Cabili, Co-founder of Dama Ko, Lahi Ko, and Creative Director of Filip + Inna.
The collaboration centered around a two-day series of talks on June 8 and 9 under the theme “Sining ng Lahi, Yaman ng Bayan,” aiming to impart a cohesive story of cultural heritage and legacy.
The first day of talks on June 8 featured esteemed speakers Charisse Aquino-Tugade, who discussed Decolonizing Community; Walid Pangcoga, who shared insights on Heritage and Tourism in Lanao del Sur: A Focus on Tugaya; and Ahmad Nour-al-din Tamano, Jr., who talked about Meranaw Artisans.
Charisse Aquino-Tugade said, “Craft is the tangible representation of the knowledge that people pass down between generations.”
On June 9, the discussions continued with insights from Marielle Nadal Reyes on Designing Embroidery Patterns; Professor Mitzi Marie Aguilar-Reyes, who talked about The Role of Women in Weaving (Patadyong); Professor Rita Gudiño, who shared her Meaning-Making through Ceramic Sculptures, and Dr. Norma Respicio, who discussed Defining Community Cultural Identities through Textile Weaving.
Professor Aguilar-Reyes highlighted the sacrifice it takes to live a life of crafting: “To help augment the income of their husbands, the woman weavers acted as steadfast partners who persisted in weaving even during the wee hours of the night, do house chores, tend the farm, wash the clothes, cook, and look after children.”
The collaboration between Dama Ko, Lahi Ko, and Likha successfully highlighted the richness of Filipino craftsmanship and the stories behind these traditions. By merging the worlds of traditional weaving and modern design, this partnership not only celebrated the nation’s cultural heritage but also paved the way for its future sustainability.
