MANILA FAME: THE PHILIPPINES' FINEST ARTISANAL SOURCE UNDER ONE ROOF

Ever since the design fair Manila FAME was launched in the '80s, I have looked forward to visiting this vast exhibit which brings to the fore the finest of Filipino design and workmanship, from furniture and furnishings to fashion, from one end of the country to the other.

- VICKY VELOSO-BARRERA

A living area vignette by Triboa Bay From left: (Seated) CITEM executive director Leah Pulido Ocampo; Kenneth Cobonpue; Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque; and Tony Gonzales; (Standing) Deputy executive director of the Design Center of the Philippines, Lucky Lopez; executive director for the Design Center of the Philippines, Rhea O. Matute; newly appointed deputy executive director of the DTI-Creative Industries Development Office, Paolo Federico Ramos; and Milo Naval

Why? Whatever gloomy weather and circumstances we may be experiencing as a country, Manila FAME is a mega dose of sunshine, a pure shot of happiness. I am elated, awed and inspired by our world-class designers who make me proud of being Filipino. Seeing the breadth and depth and scope of our ingenuity lifts my spirits because I see how we are world class in that respect. Given the right breaks, we are trailblazers who can lead the way in a global marketplace.

The press preview of the 73rd edition of Manila FAME, from Oct. 16 to 18 at the World Trade Center, further bolstered my convictions. With vignettes by Kenneth Cobonpue, Tony Gonzalez and Manila FAME 2025 curator Milo Naval, plus the unveiling of a colorful display of artisanal projects inspired by nature, we know that this year's exhibit will continue to stun foreign buyers and local visitors alike.

DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque welcomed guests with an encouraging speech where she vowed her department's full support for the creative and design industry, as part of the agenda for ASEAN 2026 which the Philippines will be hosting. She believes that the Philippines has an edge when it comes to artisanal craftsmanship.