2005 Iloilo Kawayan Market week and the 1st Hablon Fashion Fair
Bamboo and hablon are two Ilonggo products acclaimed both here and abroad. It is also the most competitive in terms of product lines and one of the best materials used in fashion designing. From furniture to accessories, bags, apparels among others, these two products (bamboo and hablon) are assets for the global market. With this government agencies in partnership with the private sectors and some business establishment holds the 2005 Kawayan Market Week and the 1st Hablon Fashion Fair. A week long affair from November 14 - 20 at Robinson's Place Iloilo. Exhibits of these products, symposium, seminar on bamboo materials and preparations are among the activities. About 31 product exhibitors will participate in the event, 21 are on bamboo products, 8 on handwoven products and 2 on horticulture. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will also join to present some information and technologies about bamboo.
As of the 1st Kawayan Market Week last year that generated sales amounting to P1.06M, this year its target sales is P2.5M. It also heightened its emphasis on the local market and that it would create a strong domestic market base for the bamboo industry. Aside from the bamboo industry the hand woven products of the municipalities of Miag-ao, Oton, Dueñas, Igbaras and Arevalo and Iloilo City will be showcased. Also highlighting the event is the gala fashion show of contemporary bamboo costume jewelry and hablon dubbed Hablon Fashion show at 6pm on November 14. The show features the designs of PJ Arañador, an Ilonggo International fashion and lifestyle designer. His works has been known for the use of indigenous materials and earned him the nickname, 'The King of Hablon'. The show's goal is not only for entertainment but also for business, thus the apparels will be made available for the audience.
This event is in partnership of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Iloilo Office with the Iloilo Provincial Government, Congressman Raul T. Gonzales, Jr., Iloilo City Government, Municipality of Maasin, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority(TESDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), WESVARRDEC, University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) School of Technology, Iloilo SMED Council, Ilonggo Producers Association (IPO), Iloilo Furniture Manufacturer's Association (IFA), ABS-CBN and Metro Iloilo Dinagyang Jaycees (MIDJ).
Schedule of the activities are as follows: November 14 the Judging of the Best Booth Competition (10am), Opening Ceremony (4pm), Cocktails (5pm) and Hablon Fashion Show (6pm). Symposium on Bamboo (1-5pm on November 15) and a Seminar on Bamboo Materials Preparation (1-5pm November 16). The Launching of Maasin Kawayan Display Center (10-11am) and Demo on Bamboo Weaving Design and Techniques (1-5pm) on November 17. Lecture Demo on Bamboo Food Preparation (1-5pm) and the much awaited awarding Ceremony for the Best Booth Competition (5:30-6:30pm) on November 18. All Exhibits will open from 10am - 9pm for the whole week.