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Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco Supports the Hinabi Project’s Annual Gala and Fashion Show “Bagong Likha”

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Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer and designer Anthony Cruz Legarda (center) with PCMB staff Renz Katigbak, Tourism Attaché Soleil Tropicales, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil and Vice Consul Hannah Elloise Go (San Francisco PCG photo)

SAN FRANCISCO 20 June 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco proudly supported The Hinabi Project’s Annual Gala and Fashion Show, “Bagong Likha”, held on 14 June 2024 at Sentro Filipino. This landmark event highlighted the artistry and heritage of Philippine textiles, blending cultural tradition with contemporary design.

Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer, accompanied by Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, Vice Consul Hannah Elloise Go, and Tourism Attaché Soleil Tropicales, graced the event. Also in attendance were Philippine Honorary Consul to Alaska Evelyn Abello and her spouse Karl.

“Bagong Likha”, a collaboration between The Hinabi Project and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), forms part of a growing series of initiatives launched in 2024 to spotlight the innovation and legacy of Philippine weaving traditions.

Guests were welcomed by an elegant exhibit of Philippine tropical fibers, displayed in the foyer during the cocktail reception. The exhibit featured traditional handwoven textiles, emphasizing the cultural richness and craftsmanship of Filipino artisans.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Almira Astudillo Gilles, President of The Hinabi Project, extended gratitude to the farmers, weavers, designers, and community members who contributed to the exhibit. She also previewed exciting future initiatives, including a planned exhibition at the Philippine National Museum in partnership with DOST-PTRI.

Sentro Filipino’s Executive Director, Mr. Radi Calalang, warmly welcomed guests and highlighted the Center’s mission to serve as a vibrant hub for Filipino culture through ongoing events, workshops, and exhibits. He encouraged deeper community engagement with the Center.

In his address, Consul General Ferrer emphasized the cultural and historical importance of the evening: “As we watch the vibrant tapestry of Philippine tropical fabrics come to life on the runway, and explore the special exhibition here at Sentro Filipino, we are bearing witness to more than artistic expression. We are witnessing the story of our people told through every weave, every pattern, and every thread that connects our past to our present.”

He also underscored the vital theme of sustainability embedded in the promotion of native textiles and natural fibers, in alignment with the DOST-PTRI’s advocacies.

The fashion show featured the visionary works of Emi Legario Englis, Hilya by Nurainie Ampatuan, and Anthony Cruz Legarda, each of whom incorporated indigenous materials into modern, compelling designs. The evening was further enriched by captivating performances from Florante Aguilar, Charmaine Clamor and Greg Kehret, and a cultural presentation of a Cordillera Suite by the renowned Parangal Dance Company.

Founded in 2014, The Hinabi Project is a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Philippine weaving traditions and indigenous textiles through education, exhibitions, and meaningful collaboration with artisans, scholars, and cultural practitioners.

The Philippine Consulate General extends its appreciation to The Hinabi Project and its partners for advancing Filipino heritage in the diaspora and looks forward to future collaborations that celebrate Filipino creativity, craftsmanship, and identity. END

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