In a vibrant celebration of Filipino identity and ingenuity, Dama Ko, Lahi Ko (DKLK) once again served as the official storytelling partner of Likha Fair 2025, held from June 6 to 8 at the historic Foro de Intramuros.
This collaboration was the second in DKLK’s ongoing mission to harness Filipino soft power by highlighting local culture through the five senses: making it personal, meaningful, and global. It is proof of the possibility of including aspects of Filipino culture in everyday life: by supporting and highlighting its rich variety
Now in its fifth year, DKLK has become a dynamic cultural movement. From its initial launch collaborations involving local brands, media, and personalities, to its second year of celebrating everyday expressions of freedom in “DKLK Your Own Way,” to on-ground gatherings of cultural vanguards like Bayang Barrios, Artu Nepomuceno, and Ito Kish, and last year’s first partnership with Likha that featured members of the academe, DKLK has consistently spotlighted the richness of Filipino culture.[GU1]
This year, the movement leveled up its commitment by once again supporting Likha. This three-day public event honored traditional craftsmanship through immersive exhibits, live demonstrations, and heritage-driven products.
As Likha’s storytelling partner, DKLK amplified the fair’s message through a specially curated lecture series that brought together voices deeply rooted in Filipino tradition and innovation.
The lineup included Rambie Lim (traditional textile advocate), Miko Reyes (videographer capturing Filipino narratives), Abdul Gaffar (Maranao fashion designer), and Leigh Reyes (cultural creator and DKLK thought partner), each sharing their personal and professional insights on preserving and reimagining Filipino heritage.
This collaboration underscored a shared goal between DKLK and Likha: to reframe the narrative around Filipino identity by celebrating the everyday as important. This idea sets the tone for DKLK Year 5 in 2025, anchored on the belief that “The Filipino everyday has the potential to be iconic.”
From humble ingredients in the kitchen to time-honored crafts like weaving and embroidery, DKLK hopes to showcase how what may seem ordinary to Filipinos can inspire the world.
Likha Fair remains a vital hub where tradition meets innovation, and with DKLK’s continued involvement, both organizations hope to deepen public appreciation of Filipino culture: not just as heritage, but as a wellspring of creativity that fuels economic growth and national pride.
As the Philippines moves forward, Dama Ko, Lahi Ko reaffirms its belief: when Filipinos feel their culture, the world takes notice.
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