Philippine First Lady also heaps praise: “Filipinos are brimming with talent” ... “This event” captivates global buyers

【MANILA, Philippines — Correspondent Kim Jun-seok】“Ang gagaling talaga ng mga Pilipino” (“Filipinos are truly so talented!”)According to Philippine media reports on the 20th, First Lady of the Philippines Liza Araneta-Marcos attended a pre-opening event for the design and lifestyle sourcing event Manila FAME, held on the 14th at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Manila. She then praised the remarkable growth of the designers and artisans at the event in a post on her Facebook page.
Manila FAME, organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an export promotion agency under the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines (DTI), is one of the country’s leading international lifestyle trade shows. Launched in 1983, it has introduced products combining traditional crafts and contemporary design to overseas buyers and supported exports by Philippine manufacturers and artisans. Now in its 74th edition, this year’s event ran for three days, from the 15th to the 17th, under the theme “Bloom.” With around 400 companies taking part, the exhibition provided another opportunity to demonstrate the global competitiveness of the Philippines’ handicrafts and design industries. CITEM said it would continue to actively support Philippine artisans in developing overseas markets through distinctive design sourcing and an expanded network of international buyers.
Buyers from around the world continued to arrive at the exhibition hall that day.
Isaac, who works at the Taiwan subsidiary of a U.S. design company, told the reporter, “I first heard about this exhibition through the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA. I wholesale furniture and decorative items, and after coming to the Philippines, I’ve found many products to be of better quality than I expected, so I’m enjoying looking around.”
Vincent Zhang, who runs a trading company in China, said, “I was introduced to Manila FAME by the Philippine Consulate General in China, and this is my first time taking part. I’m keeping an eye out for decorative items and other products that could be supplied in large quantities to hotels, residences and offices.” Tim Fisher, a member of the consulate general’s staff who accompanied Zhang, said, “Interest in Philippine furniture and interior products has risen noticeably in China recently. Their distinctive craftsmanship and reasonable prices are a major draw.”
At this year’s Manila FAME, many distinctive brands drew attention with products that transformed local materials—including natural plant fibers native to the Philippines, freshwater pearls and wood offcuts—into contemporary art. In fashion and accessories, highlights included Idyllic Summers, which reimagines pineapple-fiber silk as eco-friendly fashion; Arnel Papa, known for avant-garde jewelry combining freshwater pearls with rugged metalwork; and Yvette, which showcased distinctive bags made by intricately layering thread.
In the furniture and home decor section, collaborative works—including bamboo furniture by Kenneth Cobonpue, regarded as a world-renowned master beyond the Philippines; lighting by Tony Gonzales evoking a volcanic-ash mood; and Tadeco Home pieces made with Manila hemp fiber—showcased the essence of Philippine traditional crafts and modern design, drawing the attention of global buyers.
Meanwhile, creative industries spanning handicrafts, design, and culture and the arts have become a key pillar supporting economic growth across the Philippines.
Major economic indicators, including those from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), show that the creative sector contributes about 7.8% of the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP). It also provides a stable livelihood for countless local artisans and small business owners, supporting about 17.8% of total employment.
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