Manila Fame Has Been The Barometer Of The Philippine Design Scene For Over Three Decades. Now, With Pauline Suaco-Juan At The Helm, It Revisits Its Storied Past And Surges Towards An Inspired Future, Writes Marga Manlapig
A story that we need to keep telling” is how Pauline SuacoJuan, current executive director of the Centre for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), describes the biannual Manila FAME. Given Suaco-Juan’s background as a seasoned lifestyle journalist, the analogy seems amusingly apt on the surface—but it is also an analogy built upon the well-founded truth that Manila FAME is a way of telling the story of the ingenuity, creativity, and tenacity of Filipino small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) making their way into the global market.
Held twice a year, in April and October, since 1983, Manila FAME has served a number of purposes for the Philippine design community: a springboard for launching new talents; an active gauge for up and coming trends; a prime showcase for the best local artisans; and a way of promoting small and medium businesses centred on expert craftsmanship. Small wonder, then, that it is considered one of the longest running trade events within the Asia Pacific region and is the only Filipino event of its kind recognised by the Unione des Foires Internationale (UFI), the global association for the events industry.
However, with the growing number of similar trade expositions throughout the region over the past decade, coupled with the way other countries have been copying the designs of Filipino designers and selling subpar knock-offs on the global market, Manila FAME’s lustre has waned somewhat. This was not helped by the controversy that happened during its 66th run in October 2017 when netizens called out the organisers for what was perceived as cultural appropriation and the exploitation of a living national treasure: celebrated Butbut tribal tattoo artist Apo Whang Od Oggay.
This story is from the June 2019 edition of Philippine Tatler.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2019 edition of Philippine Tatler.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT
More women are taking back their birthing experience and their power-by challenging the institutionalised norms surrounding childbirth, honouring the healing process and leaning on the magic of sisterhood
YOUR EXCEL LENCY
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson gives a tour of her residence, personal life and why she loves her assignment in the Philippines
A GREAT HONOUR
For the first time, the Hispanic Society Museum and Library recognised the Philippines by awarding the Zobel de Ayala family the prestigious Sorolla Medal at its annual gala in New York
In the Long Run
Longchamp chairman and CEO Jean Cassegrain talks about championing sustainability, the value of women in the workforce, its plans for the Asian market By Maritess Garcia Reyes
LEADING LADIES
Tatler speaks to four beautiful, dynamic ladies who are more than just Senators' wives. Besides being a wife and a mother, they have their own careers and advocacies. Find out in this Tatler exclusive how they are forging their paths as well as how they are playing their part for the country
Driving Diversity
Steering towards an inclusive future, Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz merges diversity with digital innovation
Empowering Spaces
Audrey Go champions a new era in the construction and home furnishing industry, transforming spaces into symbols of empowerment
Global Gem
Kenneth Cobonpue continually impresses through groundbreaking work and a sincere passion to nurture tomorrow's talent
A Cut Above
During a sitdown with Tatler, Asian Institute of Management's president and dean, Jikyeong Kang, opens up about her academic and professional journey and what exactly inspires her today
Chasing Glory
The E Zobel Foundation, Inc (EZF) successfully held the 19th Enrique Zobel Memorial Polo Cup this year to honour the sport and the founder himself, Enrique Zobel.