Amman, Feb 4 (Petra) - Her Royal Highness Princess Wijdan Al-Hashemi, President of the Royal Society of Fine Arts, patronized, in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa bint Ali, on Wednesday evening at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts in Amman, the opening ceremony of the Philippine textile exhibition "KatHABI't Ugnayan: A Textile Exibit," marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jordan and the Philippines.

Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Wilfredo Santos said in a speech at the ceremony that the exhibition celebrates the rich heritage of Philippine fabrics and the cultural stories woven into every displayed piece.
He expressed his pride and appreciation for Princess Wijdan’s patronage of the exhibition, noting her longstanding role in the development and advancement of art in Jordan and abroad.

Ambassador Santos said the exhibition is more than a display of fabrics and designs, as Philippine textiles are powerful expressions of identity, history, and community. From shimmering pi?a woven from fine fibers to vibrant patterns reflecting age-old traditions, these works embody centuries of cultural craftsmanship and sustainable creativity, as well as the skilled hands of artisans who preserve the Philippines’ shared heritage and carry stories from its islands and communities.

He added that by opening this exhibition, these stories are brought to Amman as a bridge between cultures, where threads meet dialogue, and people meet understanding. He stressed that the exhibition also holds special significance as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen friendship between the Republic of the Philippines and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, marking half a century of mutual respect, cultural exchange, and friendship between the two peoples.

Santos said the eight-day exhibition is being held in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Jordan, the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Textile Research Institute, the Philippine Textile Council (HABI), and the Museo Pambata.

He thanked these institutions for their valuable support in promoting Philippine textile heritage and strengthening cultural ties between the Philippines and Jordan through art and tradition.

Director of the Philippine Textile Research Institute at the Department of Science and Technology, Julius L. Leano Jr., also delivered a speech highlighting the importance of reviving the Philippine textile industry and presenting it to a global audience.

Princess Wijdan and Princess Rajwa toured the exhibition, accompanied by Ambassador Santos, viewing the diverse displays of fabrics, textiles, and garments.

The opening ceremony was attended by a Philippine delegation comprising President of the Philippine Textile Council (HABI) Ma. Milagros C. Villanueva, President of Museo Pambata Wilma Santos-Huang, Supervising Scientific Research Specialist at the Philippine Textile Research Institute Zailla F. Payag, and Artistic Director of the Philippine Barangay Folk Dance Troupe Ronnie del Barrio.

The exhibition presents a comprehensive journey through the history of Philippine textile production, starting from natural raw fibers such as abaca, pineapple, cotton, and silk, through spinning and weaving processes, to finely crafted fabrics from various regions of the Philippines. It also includes textiles introduced by Muslims during the period of Islamic entry and the Islamic influence on the Philippines.

Attended by several Asian ambassadors and interested guests, the exhibition highlights how traditional knowledge and scientific research on raw materials are transformed into globally significant textiles used in contemporary fashion, sustainable design, and creative industries. It affirms that Philippine textiles constitute a living heritage that supports environmental sustainability, innovation, and economic growth.

The opening also featured a traditional Philippine dance performance by the "Kalinangan Amman" troupe.

//Petra// AF

04/02/2026 22:20:36