Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Exhibit Opens in Frankfurt

(From right) Incoming Consul General to Frankfurt Evelyn D. Austria-Garcia, National Museum Assistant Director Ana Maria Theresa Labrador, Honorary Consul Torsten Griess-Nega, joined by Indonesian Consul General Toferry Primanda Soetikno and Malaysian Consul General Mukundan Madavan officially open the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Exhibit at the Design Offices in Frankfurt, Germany on 07 November 2018. (Frankfurt PCG photo)

FRANKFURT 29 November 2018 – Showcasing the rich textile and weaving tradition of the Philippines, the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Exhibit opens at the Design Offices in Frankfurt, Germany on 07 November 2018.

The month-long activity in Frankfurt is a joint project of the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the National Museum of the Philippines, and the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, which will feature lectures, weaving and embroidery demonstrations, and workshops.

Guests were provided the opportunity to see selected pieces of the piña-seda cloth from the National Museum’s collection. They also witnessed weaving and embroidery performed by artisans from Kalibo in Aklan and Lumban in Laguna.

Members of Filipino-German Community, consular corps, academe and business sector graced the opening ceremony.

Incoming Consul General to Frankfurt Evelyn Austria-Garcia, Philippine Honorary Consul to Hesse Torsten Griess-Nega, National Museum Assistant Director Ana Maria Theresa Labrador, who were joined by Malaysian Consul General Mukundan Madavan and Indonesian Consul General Toferry Primanda Soetikno officially opened the exhibit.

In her welcome remarks, incoming Consul General Garcia commended the National Museum for its initiative in mounting the exhibit, which has conducted successful stints throughout North America and Western Europe. She also thanked Senator Legarda for her support and leadership in promoting the artistry and tradition of weaving and embroidery in the Philippines with the global audience.

In her remarks, Dr. Labrador highlighted the unique qualities of the country’s famous pineapple silk cloth. She cited the National Museum’s efforts to preserve and promote the weaving practices of Philippine traditional textiles. She also stressed that the exhibit is a symbol of Philippine culture that Filipinos throughout the world should be proud of. 

Senator Legarda, in her message read by Dr. Labrador, underscored the Hibla exhibit’s objective of showcasing the indigenous artistry of Filipinos through traditional textiles.  She noted that people’s fascination with Hibla has enabled the exhibit to grow and include traveling exhibitions, which have allowed people from other countries to gain a better appreciation of Filipinos’ culture, including its weaving traditions.

Lectures, demonstrations, and workshops are open to the public, held at the Design Offices at 5th Floor, Wiesenhuttenplatz 25, 60329 Frankfurt, Germany, on 08 to 11 November 2018. END

(From left) Members of Filipino-German Community, consular corps, academe and business sector join incoming Consul General to Frankfurt Evelyn D. Austria-Garcia during the opening of the Hibla exhibit at the Design Offices in Frankfurt on 07 November 2018. (Frankfurt PCG photo)

National Museum Assistant Director Ana Maria Theresa Labrador introduces weavers from Kalibo, Aklan and embroiderers from Lumban, Laguna. (Frankfurt PCG photo)

Incoming Consul General to Frankfurt Evelyn D. Austria-Garcia welcomes guests at the opening of the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Exhibit. (Frankfurt PCG photo)