Manila FAME trade show opens doors to foreign buyers once again

The three-day sourcing event runs from October 19 to October 21 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) officially launched the 71st edition of Manila FAME at the World Trade Center, Metro Manila, on Thursday, October 19.

The event has drawn over 5,000 local and international visitors throughout its three-day run. CITEM, the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), partnered with public and private organisations to bring this year’s trade show.

See more: Here’s what’s in store for Manila FAME 2023

CITEM executive director Dr Edward L Fereira opened the program together with DTI undersecretary Carol Sanchez, DBM secretary Amenah F Pangandaman, PHILEXPORT president Dr Sergio R Ortiz-Luis Jr, GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso, Philippine Airlines COO Capt Stanley Ng, FOBAP chairman Robert Young, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman William S Co, and Ms Manila FAME 2023 Deniece Cornejo.

Above Manila FAME opens to the public led by (left to right) Robert Young, Deniece Cornejo, Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso, Amenah F Pangandaman, Edward L Fereira, Stanley Ng, Carol Sanchez, William S Co, and Sergio R Ortiz-Luis Jr

Manila FAME opens to the public led by (left to right) Robert Young, Deniece Cornejo, Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso, Amenah F Pangandaman, Edward L Fereira, Stanley Ng, Carol Sanchez, William S Co, and Sergio R Ortiz-Luis Jr

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Fereira highlighted the agency’s efforts in helping Filipino talent and enterprises connect with the right people and open more growth avenues for businesses.

“MSMEs are the backbone of the export industry–they are at the heart of the long-running success of Manila FAME. Relentless in their pursuit of showcasing Filipino ingenuity, passion, and unmatched technical skills, they help bring to life impressive and quality products in the home, fashion, and lifestyle landscape—all of which have become synonymous with premium quality in the global market,” Fereira added.

Sanchez shared about the government’s efforts in providing local MSMEs with a healthy and conducive environment for growth. This is done through the digitization and digital transformation of MSMEs, which CITEM also implemented through Manila FAME’s digital counterpart, fameplus.com.

Ortiz-Luis expressed his appreciation for the close collaboration with CITEM. “Through our combined efforts, we were able to once again showcase the high calibre of Philippine products to the world. We are proud to have played a role in this success and are very positive that this will be replicated in Manila FAME. PhilExport is committed to continuing our collaboration in the years to come to cement the Philippines’ reputation as a go-to sourcing destination for premium quality goods and services.”

Above Amenah F Pangandaman, Edward L Fereira, and Carol Sanchez visit local artisans and manufacturers at the Manila FAME trade show hall

Amenah F Pangandaman, Edward L Fereira, and Carol Sanchez visit local artisans and manufacturers at the Manila FAME trade show hall

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Meanwhile, in his pre-recorded message of support, Representative Toff De Venecia of Pangasinan, who is also the chairman of the special committee on creative industries, underscored the 5-year Creative Economy Roadmap by The Creative Economy Council of the Philippines (CECP). He also shared the launch of “Taglay Pinoy” in Manila FAME. The content creation program aims to provide free creative direction and production support in creating compelling materials for local enterprises.

Senator Loren Legarda also sent her message of support, read by Fereira. She lauded CITEM for empowering Filipinos with exceptional skills and talent, signifying the government’s support for developing the country’s creative industry.

Creative Exchanges

Designers Tony Gonzales, Rita Nazareno, and Gabby Lichauco met with the media to discuss Design Commune, a showcase of new home, fashion, and lifestyle pieces from CITEM’s product development program. They collaborated with several local enterprises to design new products in time for Manila FAME this year.

Above Media briefing with design specialists Gabby Lichauco, Rita Nazareno, and Tony Gonzales moderated by trade industry specialist Pinky Parra

Media briefing with design specialists Gabby Lichauco, Rita Nazareno, and Tony Gonzales moderated by trade industry specialist Pinky Parra

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Gonzales explained the selection process for his collaboration aptly titled Blues on Blue and Naturals and White during his segment. He also expounded on his design processes and exchanges with local MSMEs. “After working for 30 years in the industry, my inspiration has always been the artisans. I speak with the workers whenever I visit them and ask for their input. It’s always a collaborative effort,” Gonzales said.

Meanwhile, Nazareno and Lichauco chose “utilitarianism” as the theme for their collaboration with local enterprises. Taking an archaeological approach to highlight this theme, the duo was inspired by artefacts and human activities like foraging and glamping.

“We want the companies to expand their market. Get out of their usual space. We listen to their needs and design from there. It’s always a fun process. The companies enjoy that process with us,” Nazareno shares.

The designers carefully chose who to assign their ideas to to ensure a match in ideas with the local enterprises. Lichauco said they studied the company’s needs and offerings and then exchanged them.

Another feature of Manila FAME is its series of talks that cover Filipino fashion, global trends, and market insights.

Manila FAME is the Philippines’ premier trade show for quality home, fashion, and lifestyle products. With its digital counterpart, FAME+ (fameplus.com), Manila FAME continues to promote the craft of Philippine artisans to even more markets worldwide.

Manila FAME 2023 was organised in partnership with PHILEXPORT, Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), Philippine Airlines, Jewelmer, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), DTI-EMB, ROG, DCP, FTSC, NCCA, the provincial government of La Union, and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda.

Go to fameplus.com/manila_fame for more details.

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