Photo: by Disenyo del Sur; courtesy of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines
Cover Photo: by Disenyo del Sur; courtesy of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines (MFPI)
Photo: by Disenyo del Sur; courtesy of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines

From Filip + Inna to Disenyo del Sur, the MaArte Fair 2023 showcases a new set of exhibitors boasting an eye for art and culture

A fundraising event is a great way to earn funds to support a cause—whether for the youth, the ill, or elderly care. The non-profit Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc (MFPI) knows this better than anyone else, spearheading the MaArte Fair since its beginnings in 2009 to help deserving individuals and support projects of the National Museum and museums across the country.

The way they incorporate nationalism into their causes, with them choosing to highlight local culture and identity in all their festivities, continues to be the drive that encourages Filipinos to support them wholeheartedly.

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This year, on August 4-6, the MFPI, The Peninsula Manila, and the 120 exhibitors invited to the fair—the organisers’ most extensive number of partner vendors yet—come into full bloom as they show a sophisticated display of solidarity and commitment towards helping everyone in the community by celebrating local talents and creativity. 

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Above Photo: courtesy of MFPI

“We are blessed to receive such huge support from local artists and artisans,” says MFPI President Danny Jacinto.

He further adds that over the years, “MaArte Fair has made a name for itself as a destination where collectors, connoisseurs, and fans of local culture can get their hands on rare and beautiful jewellery, apparel, accessories, and scents. Thankful for this, we want everyone to know that MaArte Fair has so much more to offer.”

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Above Danny Jacinto as he addresses everyone during the press preview

The organisers went all out this year. “We did our best because we believe that Filipino artistry and craftsmanship deserve nothing less,” Jacinto shares.

From exquisite delicacies to pottery, leather and—very skillfully made—furniture, this year’s three-day event will give attendees a better idea of how big and grand the local artists and artisan community are and how their love for their craft translates to the quality of their work.

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Above Filip + Inna is part of the exhibitors this year
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Above Disenyo del Sur joins the fray as well

The exhibitors, a few of which attended the preview, displayed their products for everyone to see. For them, the fair is an opportunity to boast the talents and skills of the Filipinos, and how our local products, if given the chance, can be on par with other countries.

“Love your own” is a term we often hear during events like these, but it’s something we’re willing to hear over and over again as it solidifies our nationhood. 

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Above F.A.B. (Fashion+Art+Business) Creatives joins this year’s MaArte at The Pen
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Above La Herminia Piña Weaving’s Arlene Tumbokon presenting her products

Among the exhibitors to look forward to are luxury handmade accessories brand by mother-daughter trio Becky, Amina and Rosanna Aranaz, Aranáz; proudly Filipino clothing company, Filip + Inna; Visayas-based fashion and home décor curator, Disenyo Del Sur; and a family-run, life goods company dedicated to providing high-quality products that are both natural and sustainable, Shepard Life Goods.

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Photo 1 of 6 Aranaz (Photo: courtesy of MFPI)
Photo 2 of 6 Disenyo del Sur (Photo: courtesy of MFPI)
Photo 3 of 6 La Herminia Piña Weaving (Photo: courtesy of MFPI)
Photo 4 of 6 My Domesticity (Photo: courtesy of MFPI)
Photo 5 of 6 Shepard Life Goods (Photo: courtesy of MFPI)
Photo 6 of 6 Disenyo del Sur (Photo: courtesy of MFPI)

The hardworking team behind the enduring MaArte Fair reminds everyone that is a fundraiser. “Every purchase you make not only helps the artist you’re buying from, but the community as a whole—because a portion of the profit goes into helping us fund our initiatives that are geared towards the preservation of our identity as a nation,” says Jacinto.

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Above Some of this year’s MaArte at The Pen exhibitors. Filip + Inna Founder and Creative Director Lenora Cabili, The Peninsula Manila’s Grace Lim, Disenyo Del Sur Co-Founder and Creative Head Amanda LuYm, Shepard Life Goods Co-founder Philip William Mugglestone, Pido’s Garden Designs founder Pido Villanueva, Godel Chocolate Representative Jeniffer Fernandez, La Herminia Piña Weaving’s Arlene Tumbokon, Shepard Life Goods CEO and Co-founder Jewelle Marlie Mugglestone, Museum Foundation President Danny Jacinto, BNME designers Akio Barreiro and Noel Marin, Kitchen Witchery’s Sales and Marketing Head Nikki May Andres

Through funds raised from theMaArte Fair, the MFPI has helped provide study grants to deserving individuals, fund shows and workshops that promote the Philippines’ native art and culture, and support the projects of the National Museum and its network of museums across the country.

The organisation also funded the restoration of Juan Luna’s world-famous painting, La Bulaqueña, and other major renovations at the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Natural History. Preserving our history, after all, is imperative in providing us a sense of place and maintaining continuity between our past and our present.


MaArte Fair at The Pen will be held from August 4 to 6, 2023. Admission is free. For more information, follow the Museum Foundation of the Philippines’ Instagram or visit their official website.

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Angela Nicole Guiral
Digital Editor, Tatler Philippines
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.