Our very own First Lady of the Philippines spoke warmly and animatedly before an audience of well-dressed members of the diplomatic corps, cultural enthusiasts, artists, and craftsmen from the four corners of the Philippine archipelago at the recent opening of Likha 2, an exhibit celebrating Filipino traditional crafts, on the 125th anniversary of Philippine independence.
In her usual eloquent yet unassuming style, Liza Araneta-Marcos shared how the Office of the First Lady, in cooperation with the Office of the Social Secretary of Malacañang, among other cooperating government agencies and the private creative industry sector, had put together last February an exhibition “introducing the very talented weavers in our country.”
The initial effort, she said, has since expanded “to showcase not only talented weavers but also our skilled embroiderers, basket makers, woodcarvers, pottery makers and shell craftsmen,” among other Filipino artisans in cities, shores and hinterlands of our beautiful country.
“This is in keeping with the words of my husband during his State of the Nation Address when he said, ‘The creativity of the Filipino is world-class. We excel in arts and culture and everything Filipino,” she recalled.
“Likha 2,” according to its organizers, “hopes to provide an avenue for communication, innovation and co-creation to enrich our Filipino crafts. Beyond celebrating artistry, “Likha” hopes to initially help our local economy and eventually compete in the global market.”
Anyone who wants to “experience our culture and traditions through the eyes of our multi-talented Filipino craftsmen” may visit “Likha” 2 at SMX Aura Convention Center (Function Room 2), Bonifacio Global City, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until 13 June.