RHEA MATUTE

As the Deputy Executive Director of the Value Creation and Promotions Department over at the Center of International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), Rhea Matute works closely with icons of the local and international design scene. She also leads the hunt for emerging talents and works with the Department of Trade and Industry and Manila FAME to promote local, homegrown art, as well as stay ahead of the curve in regional and international design showcases.

With the likes of Josie Natori, Budji Layug, Kenneth Conbonpue as brand ambassadors, Rhea is working with of some of the country’s leading design innovators. This environment not only fosters singular purpose to break barriers in design, it invites, even demands, other creators to do the same. The encouragement to produce locally designed and manufactured products, products that push the limits of quality and artistry, is equally important.

She is also driven by the belief that being bold and not being afraid to be different is key. But the success of CITEM is in no way solitary. With each success visible on new media, Filipinos all over the world are able to share in the success of Rhea and her team at CITEM.—AS