Cebu exhibition showcases Filipino weavers prominently within the gallery setting
The ANTHILL Fabric Gallery's latest exhibition, "Habol, Hablon, Hinablon: Until Now, We Learn," is a vibrant celebration of Cebu's weavers and their craft, marking the gallery's 15th anniversary and a deeper commitment to honoring the people behind the weaving.
Curated by Kaye Yuvallos, a New York-based Cebuana designer and arts researcher, the exhibition presents contemporary interpretations of three Cebuano concepts related to weaving: habol (warm cloth), hablon (the act of weaving), and hinablon (the woven product). This thematic framework emphasizes not only the physical products but also the process and warmth embodied by the craft, making the weavers’ work a form of personal and cultural expression.
The show features collaborative works by Cebuano fashion designer Jessica Ouano Durano and master weaver John Rey Sanchez. Durano's piece "Luwas" (Safe) uses coarse abaca fibers to subvert expectations of comfort, while Sanchez's works, "Kahupayan" (Comfort) and "Pagsubang" (The Sun Rises), reflect familial tenderness and technical mastery. Sanchez's wife Mymy Sanchez also contributed to the creation of his pieces. The resulting works, "Unta" (Hoping for something to finally happen) and "Yano" (Basic), were exhibited at the end of the hour.
The exhibition is not about polished artifacts or fixed identities, but about making space for becoming—recognizing weaving as an ongoing, dynamic way for people to explore and express their identities and histories through their craft. The word 'hablon,' which traces its origins to 'habol,' a word for blanket, can symbolize comfort, warmth, and protection.
During the opening reception, both artists performed a live weaving session. Durano's "Diwa" (Spirit) series incorporates dried flowers and local materials to trace emotional transitions. Sanchez stated that the exhibition is about reclaiming dignity and space for the weavers.
ANTHILL's relaunch as a fabric gallery includes exhibitions, workshops, and educational tours. Anya Lim, co-founder and managing director of ANTHILL, stated that the transition from fashion brand to fabric gallery has been years in the making. The gallery's relaunch aims to shift public understanding of weaving beyond its utility and to honor it as an art form, a language of identity, and a medium of self-expression.
The exhibition reinforces Cebu’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Design, reinforcing the city's role as a hub for sustainable, innovative design that honors and uplifts indigenous artisanal traditions while situating them within the global creative community.
In summary, ANTHILL’s exhibition honors Cebu’s weavers by celebrating their skills as cultural and creative expression, highlighting the personal and communal stories woven into their textiles, promoting collaboration between master weavers and contemporary designers, positioning weaving as a living tradition that evolves and supports identity exploration, and contributing to the recognition of Cebu as a global center for indigenous and sustainable design innovation. This approach transforms indigenous weaving into a vibrant, respected art form and honors the people behind the craft as vital cultural bearers and innovators. The exhibition will run until Oct. 3, 2025.
- The ANTHILL Fabric Gallery's latest exhibition in Cebu, Philippines, titled "Habol, Hablon, Hinablon: Until Now, We Learn," showcases a deeper commitment to education about the city's weaving traditions and the people who uphold them.
- In addition to the physical exhibition, ANTHILL offers workshops and educational tours, serving as a platform for lifelong learning and exploration of the art of weaving in Cebu.
- The travel-focused visitors can also experience a cultural-travel journey in Cebu, as the city's status as a UNESCO Creative City of Design highlights its role as a hub for sustainable, innovative design, including fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden pieces inspired by indigenous artisanal traditions.
- By celebrating and honoring the weavers of Cebu, ANTHILL's relaunch as a fabric gallery supports the continued growth and evolution of the weaving community, while encouraging change and expression within the realm of this time-honored craft.
