Hinabi’s Woven Worlds

In the warp and weft of a woven piece, one can discover stories of the spiritual and material ancestral sources of Philippine indigenous textiles and of the people whose hands wove them into being.

The Hinabi Project (THP), a north American organization based in San Francisco, is devoted to honoring textiles, fabrics, weavers, and the precious threads that bind them.

Founded in 2014, THP was inspired by fashion designer Anthony Cruz Legarda; educator and avid textile collector Edwin Lozada; educator and philanthropist Maya Ong Escudero; and historian, anthropologist, and educator Dr. Michael Gonzalez.

This hardy non-profit organization educates and fosters appreciation for indigenous Philippine textiles by organizing exhibits and events, supporting aging weaving communities, and training younger weavers.

On June 14, 2025 at Sentro Filipino in the heart of the SOMA Filipinas district, THP held its 2nd Annual Gala and Fashion Show titled “Bagong Likha” (New Creation) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute, and the Philippine Consulate General San Francisco. The Bagong Likha Fashion Show and Exhibit memorialized ancestral styles and colors with new designs and innovative fabrics.

The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute displayed their newest Abaca, Banana, Bamboo, and Pineapple yarn blends along with samples of yarns dyed with natural ingredients such as annatto, mahogany, turmeric, and coconut husk. They also enhanced THP’s existing textile displays with gorgeously handwoven fabrics from all over the Philippines: Ikat, from Lake Sebu in South Cotabato; Pinilian from Santiago, Ilocos Sur, and Kusikos from Ilocos Norte.

Samples of yarns dyed with natural ingredients such as annatto, mahogany, turmeric, and coconut husk (Photo by Lisa Suguitan Melnick)

Kusikos from Ilocos Norte (Photo by Lisa Suguitan Melnick)

Aligned with DOST-PTRI’s commitment to “support the Philippine textile, garment and allied micro-small and medium enterprises,” THP has deepened its longtime relationship with the weavers with whom it has commissioned new pieces.

“[This] program is more than a showcase of fashion—it is a testament to sustainability, cultural pride, and the power of collaboration,” stated Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer. “I commend The Hinabi Project for its continued dedication to uplifting indigenous weavers, promoting eco-conscious design, and strengthening the cultural bridge between the Philippines and the United States.”

Anthony Legarda and Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer (Photo by Eric Lee)

Julius L. Leaño, Jr., director of DOST-PTRI, explained that “(Our) engagement predates the formalities that now link THP and the Institute. It comes from several alignments and engagements that took years and miles to implement, grow, and foster.”

“Bagong Likha” featured three fashion designers. Nurainie Ampatuan is a narrative-based designer whose goal is to preserve and nourish the Moro Filipino handwoven fabrics through contemporary ready-to-wear and custom garments such as sweatshirts, denim jackets, and skirts.


The Hinabi Project (THP), a north American organization based in San Francisco, is devoted to honoring textiles, fabrics, weavers, and the precious threads that bind them.


Emi Legario Englis is a Filipino fashion designer, educator, and creative leader with over two decades of experience advancing innovation, sustainability, and cultural integrity in the design industry. He co-founded and is the current president of Davao Fashion and Design Council Foundation, which champions Luxe Resort Wear as a growing niche of Philippine fashion, promoting Philippine Tropical Fabrics for the global market.

Anthony Cruz Legarda is an award-winning Filipino American fashion designer and textile technologist whose visionary work bridges tradition and innovation. Legarda has built an international career that blends design excellence with cultural advocacy. He contributes to the development of Philippine Tropical Fabrics, elevating native fibers to elegant, modern expressions of sustainable fashion.

Bagong Likha Fashion Show (Photo by Eric Lee)

Bagong Likha Fashion Show Finale (Photo by Eric Lee)

THP just completed an educational, culturally enriching weaving workshop led by culture bearer Jenny Bawer Young and her apprentice, Lauren Benetua, during which they taught Kalinga backstrap weaving, THP will offer its second workshop to the San Francisco Bay area community August-September, 2025. Dana Sabaria will teach traditional Philippine weaving with a jack/table loom. The workshop will be held at Sentro Filipino, 814 Mission Street, San Francisco. (For more information, email: contact@thehinabiproject.org)

THP will continue with ongoing exhibitions and educational programming. It will also participate in the 2026 Philippine National Museum exhibit scheduled for November, 2026.

“The Filipino soul and consciousness long to know, connect, and celebrate identity that defy time and space,” Leaño said. “The Hinabi Project is a perfect example of this movement. It is not just fueled by curiosity or national pride, but also by its profound regard and respect for artisans, age-old traditions, and the evolving narrative of our creativity and artistry as a people.”


Lisa Suguitan Melnick is a third-generation Fil-Am of Ilocano and Cebuano roots. As a writer/author, Lisa considers story sharing one of the most powerful and beautiful ways to connect oneself with others. She serves as board secretary for The Hinabi Project.


Dr. Almira Astudillo Gilles, President of The Hinabi Project, is a Research Associate at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Her area of concentration is the 10,000 Philippine ethnographic collection, the largest in the Northern Hemisphere, which includes an impressive array of textiles.