This year’s Independence Day celebration was bigger than ever. Last 6 to 8 June, artisans from all over the nation gathered together at Foro de Intramuros (located inside the historic Walled City) to celebrate their talent, rich artistry and cultural heritage in one monumental event — Likha 4. The country’s design, art, fashion and lifestyle sectors flocked to Intramuros to support this national assembly of communities of artisans.

The successful platform for collaboration is now on its fourth year and is spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady. The visionary initiative promotes and cultivates meaningful exchanges among master craftsmen, emerging artisans and local designers wherein traditional skills meet contemporary creativity in an effort to boost their work and advance through shared knowledge and experience.

A toast to creativity, collaboration and culture as Likha 4 featured 30 new artisans mixed into Likha graduates and other local designers. It was an enriching exposition of artisans at work, engaged in their creative process and support for locally made products. It was a tapestry of a nation where one can see our traditions and heritage through the outstanding and breathtaking colors of our weaves. Culture and history were woven brilliantly and masterfully into crafts that marked the essence and spirit of the Filipinos. Colorful smiles radiated with the passion and the communal spirit of bayanihan.

Likha 4 is a movement that protects and preserves the legacy of craftsmanship for generations to come. Nowadays, with the help of the First Lady and support from the private sector, it has really elevated these made-by-hand carfts from novelty items to a prime essentials. It is a way of life, a testament of the love and soul of the Filipino people. See you at Likha 5.