Exquisite finds at Manila FAME 2018

MODES OF transportation made of bamboo; patterns representing daily life handwoven in blankets; recycled materials transformed into jewelry; and interesting pieces of furniture which serve as conversation starters are some of the products one could find among the 366 micro-, small- and medium-enterprises (MSMEs) showcased at the 68th Manila FAME fair last weekend.

The biannual event, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Mission (DTI-CITEM), aims to showcase various products — from fashion to home décor and furniture — for global trade markets such as the US, Japan, Korea, and Europe.

During walk around the World Trade Center last weekend, BusinessWorld noticed how Filipino craftsmanship transforms various resources into exquisite and sustainable products.

BANATTI’S THE GREEN FALCON SERIES

Meep, Inc.’s subsidiary Banatti (derived from the Filipino word “banat” or “pull tight”) showcased The Green Falcon series of bamboo electric motorcycles. Meep, Inc. president and COO Christopher Paris Lacson designed it as a “metro bike” for the city. It runs on batteries and may also be pedalled.

Website: www.meepney.com CRYSTAL SEAS

Promoting Mindanao’s handloom weaving and beadwork, Crystal Seas uses traditional textiles such as tinalak, yakan, and balud, as well as, pandan (screwpine) fiber for its products.

“Most of the souvenir products in Davao are not made there,” designer Carmela Alcantara told BusinessWorld. “So, it is a challenge to make beautiful things out of our traditional crafts and materials.

“We work with different communities. We don’t just buy from them but [we also] partner with them in terms of product development, improving the efficiency of processes, and inputting technology to make the materials more durable,” she said, adding that they are currently working on new products to be crafted by the disabled and out of school youth. Prices: P1,800 to P6,000

Website: www.facebook.com/CrystalSeas/

VIRTUCIO

Virtucio designs jewelry for women made from recycled plastic bags, made by women of the Kalipi Foundation in Bohol. The plastic is cut to pieces, pressed, and melted to achieve a mosaic-like detail.

Prices: P799 to P3,099

Website: www.facebook.com/virtuciodesigns/