About the Founder

Romae Chanice “Nice” Marquez is the founder of Hibla Philippines, a social enterprise dedicated to preserving and promoting Filipino textile traditions.

She graduated BA Mass Communication from the University of the Philippines (UP) Cum Laude. In her college years, she was active in school organizations including serving as United Students Organization (UNISO) Chairperson. She also served as chairperson in Save Our Schools Network, a group of child-focused NGOs, church-based groups and other stakeholders advocating for children's right to education.

Nice is a cultural advocate at heart, deeply passionate about bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern design. She sees Hibla as a platform to create opportunities for local artisans and to celebrate Philippine culture on a global stage.

In addition to running Hibla, Nice is finishing her Master's in Anthropology at UP Diliman, further deepening her understanding of Filipino heritage and cultural narratives. She plans to proceed with her PHD in Anthropology, and will focus her research on women-led social enterprises and weavers' livelihood, culture, and artistry.

She also teaches basic and intermediate weaving skills through the workshop series she initiated, Weave Your Way. This hands-on cultural experience introduces participants to weaving on its most basic structure while also guiding them into the iconic Binakol pattern, known for its optical illusions and deep cultural symbolism of protection and movement. Through these workshops, Nice bridges heritage and creativity, making weaving accessible not just as a craft but as a living tradition that connects learners to Filipino identity.

Under her leadership, Hibla Philippines is currently developing a garment-customization platform with DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI).