Likha 4 opens, showcases Filipino artisans, designers

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor, Philippine News Agency

‘LIKHA 4’. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the official opening of the Likha 4 artisanal exhibit at the Foro de Intramuros along Anda Street in Intramuros, Manila on Thursday (June 5, 2025). Araneta-Marcos was joined by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Trade and Industry Secretary Christina Aldeguer-Roque, Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Rehabilitation Jose Rizalino Acuzar, and Intramuros Administrator Joan Padilla. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – The fourth edition of Likha opened on Thursday with over 100 artisans, designers, and creative entrepreneurs gathering to celebrate local talent and cultural heritage.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the three-day exhibit that is part of this year’s Independence Day celebration.

In her speech, Araneta-Marcos honored the exhibitors for sharing their traditional crafts, sustainable designs, and contemporary innovations.

“In stall number nine, I was talking to this family from Sarangani and they told me they walked eight hours from the mountains of Sarangani down to the city and took a bus and took the plane to come here. It’s their first time to come here to Manila,” she said.

“So, I really want to say thank you for joining us. All of you who joined us, maraming maraming salamat (thank you). I hope you come back again next year.”

The exhibit showcased handwoven coconut midrib baskets from Negros, wood carvings from Banaue, and finely embroidered fabrics from Aklan, Bicol, and Laguna.

Also on display were guitars from Lapu-Lapu City, banig and nigo from Davao Oriental, Habul Tyahian satin fabrics by Sulu-based artists, and the traditional Lakub tobacco container of the Maranao people.

Brassmakers from Ifugao highlighted the Lingling-o pendant, once worn by the noble kadangyans. Artisanal goods such as Banwa pens from Iloilo, tikog sleeping mats by the Madaha people, Cadiwa nito hats, Sama tepo mats from Tawi-Tawi, and hammered knives from Ilocos Norte were available for sale.

Other featured items included Yakan weaves, Binaludan malongs, Damili pots, Lubena lanterns, Binakul textiles, Karatay baskets, Meranaw brasswork, and Tritik textiles.

Toursim Secretary Christina Frasco said Likha 4 plays an important role in the country’s tourism campaign as well.

“Napakahalaga ng event na ito dahil nabibigyan ng pagkakataon ang ating mga kababayan, communities, tribes, artisans, small and medium enterprises na makilala ng buong mundo at ng ating kapwa Pilipino (This event is important because it gives opportunity to our fellowmen, communities, tribes, artisans, small and medium enterprises to be known worldwide and nationwide),” Frasco told the Philippine News Agency on the sidelines of the event.

“We invite our fellow Filipinos to come to Likha 4 to discover the very many booths and communities that have come here from all over the country and to purchase their products that have been made with love.”

The exhibit is open to the public for free at the Foro de Intramuros, located along Anda Street in Intramuros, Manila, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.