Philippine Embassy in Rome Celebrates Aklan Piña Handloom Weaving with Piña Exhibit and Workshops 

Ambassador Neal Imperial (left) and Ms. Caroline Marie D. Duque (right) during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of Aklan Piña Handloom Weaving Exhibit 

ROME 19 September 2025 — Fresh from the resounding success of the Bianchi  Contaminati Fashion Show on 05 September 2025, which reimagined the Philippines’  rich textile heritage through the lens of contemporary Italian design, the Philippine  Embassy in Rome, in collaboration with the National Museum of the Philippines  (NMP), proudly unveiled the Aklan Piña Handloom Weaving Exhibit at the  Embassy’s Chancery in Rome on 15 September 2025, as a companion event of the fashion show.  

The exhibit’s opening reception shone a spotlight on the centuries-old art of piña  weaving from Aklan, a tradition globally recognized when it was inscribed in 2023 on  UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The  showcase not only celebrated the artistry and resilience of Filipino weavers but also  underscored the Embassy’s enduring commitment to promote Philippine culture and  heritage through its world-renowned textiles.

The exhibit featured an impressive collection of handwoven piña textiles, tools, and  garments, showcasing the intricate artistry and cultural depth of this unique  Philippine craft. Through this celebration of Filipino craftsmanship, the Embassy and  NMP aim to raise awareness of the importance of preserving and transmitting  traditional textile arts to future generations. 

In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial underscored the cultural  significance of piña, stating, “Piña, together with other native fabrics such as jusi, has  long conveyed deeply rooted Filipino values of decency, propriety, and moral  uprightness—reflected in the way these garments shaped the sartorial traditions of  our society.” He added, “It is the Embassy’s hope that this exhibition will spark  greater appreciation for this exquisite fabric, highlight its place in our cultural  heritage, and inspire others to embrace it as a medium for cultural exchange and  dialogue.” 

In conjunction with the exhibit, the NMP conducted two embroidery workshop  sessions. The first session held on 15 September 2025, engaged Italian student  designers, while the second session on 16 September 2025, brought together second- and  third-generation Filipinos in Italy. These workshops offered participants a hands-on  introduction to traditional weaving techniques, fostering both intercultural dialogue  and appreciation for Philippine craftsmanship. 

During the workshops, participants were also treated to a screening of the  documentary Segunda Pulo: Filipino Heritage Through the Artisans’ Hands, directed  by talented Filipino filmmaker Seth Gagahina. The film pays tribute to the richness of  Filipino heritage and the enduring artistry of its master craftsmen, with a particular emphasis on the intricate beauty of Philippine textiles. By showcasing the  painstaking work behind these fabrics, the documentary reinforces the exhibit’s  message of valuing tradition while engaging new audiences. This cultural  presentation aligns seamlessly with the Embassy’s initiatives to promote Philippine  identity abroad and to encourage dialogue through shared appreciation of art and  heritage. 

The Aklan Piña Handloom Weaving Exhibit underscores the Embassy’s dedication to  promoting Philippine arts abroad, providing a platform for cultural exchange and  celebrating the enduring legacy of Filipino artisans. It also seeks to ensure that the  rich heritage of piña weaving continues to thrive across generations, both in the  Philippines and among the Filipino diaspora. 

The Aklan Piña Handloom Weaving Exhibit, will be on display from 15 September to  15 October 2025. Those interested in viewing the exhibit are encouraged to contact  the Philippine Embassy in Rome at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule a visit. END

Student-designers explore various embroidery techniques during the hand-on workshop

Second- and third-generation of Filipinos in Italy watch the documentary Segunda Pulo:  Filipino Heritage Through the Artisans’ Hands, a film that reconnects that to their roots  and celebrates the passing on of Filipino traditions

For more information, visit https://www.romepe.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinItaly/, https://www.instagram.com/phinitaly or https://twitter.com/PHinItaly.