Reviving Traditional Crafts

Ascott Makati presents LIKHA: Ceramics and Puni, a celebration of Filipino artistry and craftwork.

Words Graziella Mateo
Photos courtesy of Ascott Makati
June 19, 2025

Ascott Makati proudly presents LIKHA: Ceramics and Puni, an exhibit that showcases the works of artisans who advocate for traditional crafts and Filipino artistry.

Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn of Pettyjohn Pottery unveil pieces that hold special meaning from their personal collection. Many of their featured works have a sculptural quality while maintaining functionality—a Pettyjohn signature in their ceramic art.

Inspired by the beauty of Palaspas and the rich tradition of Palm Sunday, Ascott Makati highlights the traditional art of weaving, folding, or braiding palm leaves. A practice formally taught in Malolos, Bulacan, Puni means to decorate or beautify in Tagalog. The exhibit featured two champions of the craft—Punique Handcrafts and Puni de Malolos.

Founded by Jonnah Garcia, Punique Handcrafts aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities as well as empower female weavers from her hometown of Bulacan through the revival of Puni art.

Under Marichelle Bernardo’s leadership, Puni de Malolos is a well-known proponent of palm weaving in Bulacan. The group has been actively teaching the art of Puni to inmates, students, and people of all ages across the country. They see the craft not only as a potential source of income, but also as a therapeutic and creative outlet.

To rekindle the vanishing art of coconut leaf weaving, the event includes a puni workshop that teaches participants how to make handwoven fish and flower arrangements.

LIKHA: Ceramics and Puni truly highlights the beauty of Filipino traditional culture for the community, by the community.