Rabat: The Philippine Embassy in Rabat opened a two-week long exhibit showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage and weaving traditions, aiming to strengthen cultural understanding between the Philippines and Morocco.

According to Philippines News Agency, the "Stories from my Grandmother: An Exhibit of Philippine Weaves" is open to the public at the Abla Ababou Galerie in Rabat from Feb. 24 to March 8. The embassy announced this in a news release on Wednesday.

The exhibit features textiles from the collections of Al Valenciano and Len Cabili, who are the founders of Balay ni Atong and Filip + Inna, respectively. It brings together handwoven pieces crafted by indigenous communities from regions such as the Ilocos Region with its inabel and Muslim Mindanao with its malong. The exhibit aims to take both Filipinos and Moroccans on a journey across the Philippine archipelago.

Additionally, the exhibit showcases collaborations between Filipino and Moroccan artists and artisans. Moroccan designer Jonathan Amar has incorporated abaca and pi±a lampshades into brass lamps, while the Alili Idaousmlal Women's Cooperative has added Amazigh embroidery to abaca and pi±a.

Philippine Ambassador to Morocco Leslie Baja expressed hopes that the exhibit would strengthen the relationship between the two countries. "Through this exhibit, we hope to weave a stronger fabric of relations between our two countries," Baja stated.

The exhibit is timely, coinciding with International Women's Day, and celebrates the women weavers whose efforts have made the exhibition possible.