Manila FAME unites regional artisans to showcase creativity
For its 68th edition, Manila FAME featured handcrafted products from over 60 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in a special setting dedicated to homegrown products from different Philippine regions. The Artisans Village served as a testament that creativity is a native trait among Filipinos as it made its foray into the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City last Oct. 19 to 21.
Under the Artisans Village were local designers and entrepreneurs that hailed from seven provinces, namely, Cebu, Antique, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Albay, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, and Marawi City. Exhibiting near the setting are also the delegations from Isabela and Palawan.
Manila FAME is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Mission (DTICITEM).
“Through the Artisans Village, trade buyers and visitors got to experience the Philippines’ distinct character and rich roster of traditions and talents from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” said CITEM executive director Pauline SuacoJuan.
Through their product exhibits, the skills showcased under the Artisans Village were weaving, wood carving, marquetry, sculpting, metal forging and other various forms of traditional crafts.
Albay showcased handcrafted soaps of various colors and scents, round bags and placemats woven from waxed cornhusk and plastic straws, and shoes made from crocheted abaca and wool.
Craftsmen from Isabela brought colorful velvet bags with leather straps, pillowcases, and chairs made from Narra wood. They also showcased their painted hanging lights as well as cups and other home products made from bamboo.
Palawan featured carved wood and other hand-painted human and animal figures (locally known as tinawtaw), masks, kitchen utensils, wall décor and shields. Also showcased were woven bags and dream catchers made from abaca.
As the country’s top exporting province in home and lifestyle, Cebu brought guitars made from different wood, such as narra, spruce, yakal, etc. ; elegant handbags made from capiz shells, decorative woven slippers, hanging decors made from sea shells, beaded bracelets, earrings and necklaces.
Antique featured woven placemats, baskets and bags made from repurposed pandan leaves, which are locally known as bariw.
Negros Oriental featured handcrafted jewelry boxes, furniture and kitchen utensils made from Capiz shells, jade, red stone and mother of pearl.
Artisans from Negros Occidental brought silk-made dresses and apparel, as well as flavorful food ingredients such as muscovado sugar, sea salt, and vinegar varieties.
Bohol also brought cute animal-inspired pins and carved statuettes made from wood. The delegation from Bohol also offered woven lamps, bags and placemats made of abaca fiber, as well as pieces of jewelry decorated with beads, stones and painted wood.
Marawi City staged an exhibit in partnership with the Magbassa Kita Foundation Inc. (MKFI) to showcase Folded & Hung’s Sarimanok collection designed by the Maranaos.
The Sarimanok is a legendary bird of the Maranao people, which originated from Mindanao, the biggest southernmost island in the Philippines. It comes from the words sari, which means cloth or garment with assorted colors, and manok, which means chicken.
A share of the profit from their exhibit goes directly to the people displaced during the Marawi siege that ended on Oct. 23 last year. The Maranaos also brought traditionally woven textiles, pearl jewelry, and home décor made of wood and brass metals.
Cagayan de Oro featured bags, paper made lamps and lightings, beaded earrings, wallets and baskets made from woven abaca.