58TH EDITION OF MANILA FAME – CRAFTED IN THE PHILIPPINES, FOR THE WORLD

Manila FAME, one of the longest running trade shows for furniture and furnishings, holiday gifts and décor, and fashion lifestyle products in the Asia Pacific opens today, 17 October 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Philippines.

Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export marketing arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Manila FAME, through CITEM’s Design for Exports Program, seeks to strengthen the Philippines’ positioning as Asia’s design destination with high-quality and design-forward products at par with international standards.

The Design for Exports Program is a multi-tiered and multi-faceted assistance program of CITEM which provides Philippine exporters, manufacturers, and designers with a full range of design and product development services. These services cover most areas of product design, merchandising, export coaching in business planning, sales and marketing, and brand-building. The program brings together both local and international designers and business experts, as well as both young and seasoned industry players to create the next exciting level for Philippine export products.

“The Design for Exports program reinforces the country brand Design Philippines as it aspires to showcase the Philippines’ edge in developing innovative designs as well as support our efforts to position the country as a top-of-mind sourcing destination synonymous with quality, value, and reliability,” said CITEM Executive Director, Rosvi C. Gaetos.

CITEM works hand in hand with homegrown leading creative entrepreneurs under the creative direction of Budji Layug, to provide assistance to the country’s SMEs – creating a unique collaboration that further strengthens the Philippines’ claim as the region’s design trendsetter.

Now on its 58th edition, Manila FAME showcases various event highlights such as Manila Wear, a special setting that highlights artisanal fashion through the use of the country’s abundant natural materials:   DesignPhilippines - Crafted in the Philippines, for the world;

NeoTextiles Philippines - a vibrant display of contemporary Philippine textiles crafted from sustainable fibers by local weaving communities; the Craft Spots - a visual narration of Filipino artisans transforming the sustainable and versatile abaca fiber through live demonstrations of age-old craft techniques; the Top Brands in Motion - a show feature that puts the spotlight on the country’s homegrown retail brands ready for the overseas markets; and the maiden participation of DeXign Global Philippines - a melting pot of international exhibitors for home and fashion highlighting the ASEAN countries and their individual brand of design and artisanship.

Manila FAME runs from 17-20 October 2013 and will be held simultaneously with Design Week Philippines.

For more information, visit www.manilafame.com.

words:  Andro Yuson

released by: CITEM PR & Media Services

Katha Award Winners at Manila FAME 58th edition

Katha Awards honored product design and innovation excellence during the Manila FAME Networking Night on 17 October 2013 at HallONE: Design for Exports, ITC Complex, Roxas Boulevard corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Ann Ong's Buko Twigs Clutch by  Imperial Nova

Best Product Design which distinguishes innovative, purposeful, and artistically rendered interpretation of design, each from furniture, home décor, holiday décor and gifts, and fashion were awarded to: “Theo Cocktail Table” by Stonesets International Inc., designed by Vito Selma (furniture); “Lambat Curtain” by TADECO, designed by Maricris Brias (home décor); “Newspaper Pompoms” by Paper Capers, designed by Arlene Gaddi-Maceda (holiday décor and gifts); and “Buko Twigs Clutch Bag” by Imperial Nova, designed by Ann Ong Borromeo (fashion).

Vito Selma's Theo cocktail table by Stonesets Intl.

Industria won for Best Booth Display while the “Paper Wall Decor” by Far East Manufacturing Corporation won the Eco-Design Award, a special distinction conferred to a product developed with respect for a healthier and more sustainable environment.

The Katha Awards is considered as the most prestigious award in the Philippine design scene and is a significant platform where product design innovation and excellence is recognized. Its goal is to give distinction to ingenious designs and encourage exporters to raise their design standards for Philippine export products as well as to pursue a skillful exploration of earth-friendly materials and processes.

Newspaper pompoms by Paper Capers

Maricris Brias' Lambat curtain by TADECO

Industria's booth in Manila FAME 

Paper Wall Decor by Far East Manufacturing

“The Katha Awards is an emblem and a statement of the highest standards of design and quality that seeks to inspire and challenge exporters and designers to constantly create and develop original designs for furniture, houseware and furnishings, holiday décor and gifts, and fashion complements,” said Rosvi C. Gaetos, Executive Director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and organizer of Manila FAME.

The winners were announced by Patricia Fernandez, host, model, and beauty queen and were handed by Executive Director Gaetos, DTI Undersecretary for Trade and Investments Promotions Group Ponciano C. Manalo Jr. and DTI Undersecretary for Management Services Group Nora Terado.

The selection and evaluation of all the Katha Awardees is a collaborative effort of the Manila FAME Secretariat and the National Council of Industrial Designers of the Philippines (NCIDP). The winners were chosen by an esteemed board of judges from the fields of architecture, design, fashion, and the visual arts and communications fields led by NCIDP’s Rino Datuin, including Amina Aranaz, Isabelle Berenguer – Asuncion, Jean Dee, Gwyn Guanzon, Nikki Laurel, Loejai Lopez, Rachelle Medina, Eric Pineda, and Mitch Shivers.

For more information about the Katha Awards visit www.manilafame.com.

words: honeyleen novilla

released by:  CITEM PR/Media Services

The Art of the Craftsman at Manila FAME

The 58^th edition of Manila FAME, The Design and Lifestyle Event, puts the spotlight on Filipino artisans and their top-notch artistry and craftsmanship in its showcase of “The Art of the Craftsman” on 17-20 October, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Metro Manila, Philippines.

The Millennial Home living room as displayed during the March 2013       Manila FAME. Bamboo half-moon sofa by Budji Layug, pillows by Vito     Selma and Iñigo Elizalde for Catalina Embroideries, chair by Budji Layug for Pacific Traders, and tabletop accessory made from abaca   and copper wire by TADECO.

“Philippine craftsmanship has always sparked global interest because of the innate talents and ingenuity of our Filipino craftsmen. We intend to sustain this fascination for unparalleled design style made by Filipino hands through Manila FAME,” said Executive Director Rosvi C. Gaetos of the Center for International Trade Exhibitions and Missions (CITEM).

Bed and chandelier from Betis Crafts, ottoman stool
and pillows from TADECO, and chair by Pacific Traders.

Executive Director Gaetos added that buyers and guests can expect more extraordinary and unique product offerings and exciting show features in the October. One of the show’s crowd favorites is the Craft Spots, where visitors can see local artisans at work, doing live demonstrations of age-old traditions and disciplines of craftsmanship, and have the opportunity try it out. In The Marketplace, distinct products and crafts made from various indigenous materials by the country’s craftsmen will be showcased. Presented in cooperation with Philippine local communities and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), The Marketplace emphasizes sustainability and through its Green Crafts, highlights local communities’ initiatives that transform urban ecologies into self-sustaining and pro-environment society.  Manila FAME, the country’s premier trade show is now on its third decade of offering high-quality export products in furniture and furnishings, holiday gifts and décor, and fashion, all designed, developed and manufactured in the Philippines.

  

As a special setting, Manila FAME will present Design PH, an installation that transcends the boundaries of product innovation, Philippine style. Here, established manufacturers collaborate with seasoned and young designers to produce works of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. This is along another edition of Manila Wear, a branding initiative for apparel and fashion accessories that aims to create a design sensibility that is purely Filipino and synonymous with tropical/resort wear and headlined by a select group of Filipino fashion designers creating extraordinary pieces for the global market. Within Manila Wear is a vibrant display of modern Philippine textiles, crafted from sustainable indigenous fibers – DESIGN TXTILE. Targeted to be the “Contemporary Philippine Textiles,” it is ethnic-inspired yet versatile, artisanal yet progressive and most importantly, distinctly Filipino.

             White hanging lamps made of coco shells by Marjol Manato
                  for Catalina Embroideries, chairs by Budji Layug for Pacific
            Traders, tabletop accessory made from abaca and copper
                 wire by TADECO, nesting table by Luisa Robinson, and floor
 accessories by Vito Selma.Add caption

Aside from these show-stoppers, Manila FAME will mount the Christmas Village, a holiday-themed setting of vibrant creations that showcase the latest products and freshest ideas in gifts and holiday decor.

Over the years, Manila FAME has become a reputed and established international sourcing hub for outstanding craftsmanship and unique designs and products patronized by leading lifestyle stores and retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Armani Casa, Harrods, El Corte Ingles, Neiman Marcus, Pottery Barn, Tangs, and Etoile Design, as well as notable personalities like Queen Rania of Jordan and Hollywood power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Organized by the CITEM, Manila FAME is the only trade show in the Philippines recognized by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. For more information about Manila FAME, visit www.manilafame.com or e-mail manilafame@citem.com.ph.

Words: MarCom, CITEM

Luisa Robinson’s Arum and Calla Hanging Lamps Inspired by Lilies for Bon-Ace

Hanging lamp made from raffia by Ito Kish

Hanging lamps by Kenneth Cobonpue

Home Fashion Philippine Exporters in Maison et Objet, Paris, France

Elon Musk's HYPERLOOP is a breakthrough for Science, Physics, and Design rolled into one. The machine will take a commuter from Los Angeles to New York in just 35 minutes.  It boasts of a modern futuristic, fashionable and functional design making you travel faster with comfort than any transportation available in the whole world.  Hyperloop fashion is rendered with impressive commuter benefits as designed by Elon Musk.  Fashion is applied everywhere, be it consumer or industrial.  Unbelievable but true, no one can ever appreciate something without its fashion attributes.  Fashion Trend setters inspire us in trying out the latest products and services available in the market, the ones that will best suit one's need and satisfy the want all together.

Philippines on the other side of the globe, the South East Asia, is haven for renowned Artisans' innovation and ingenuity when it comes to Home and Apparel fashion.  After some years of absence in the much acclaimed design trend setter event for Home Fashion, Maison et Objet, the Philippine exporters and designers finally united themselves to form a delegation and showed their designer home crafts made from raw materials endemic to the Philippines.  Artistic and eccentric, traditionally ethnic yet modern inspired, with function and aesthetic combined - home fashion products from the Philippines were sensationally striking and was the talk of the industry in the recently concluded Maison et Object in Paris, France. Held in Paris Nordic Villepinte last 6-10 September 2013, organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Foreign Trade Service Corps France and the Philippine Embassy.

The relaunch in Maison et Objet featured twelve upcoming Philippine young designers and export manufacturers, under the Design.ph brand, paraded their most acclaimed home collections: Betis Crafts' Gustavian chair; Celso Advincula Jr and Kenneth Cobonpue's Nature inspired lamps; Industria's Jude Tiotuico and Eric Paras' Living Room Bee Web accent pieces; Ito Kish' Gregoria Lounge Chair and Basilica Side Table; Luisa Robinson's decorative vases made of shell; Wataru Sakuma's wall paper art made of salago and paper mulberry fiber; CSM Philippines' Mayumi Fine Bone China dinnerware collection; Rene Alcala's Domicillo wall metal votive holders; Kalikasan Krafts' Schema Octa trays, jars, and lamps; Tadeco's T'nalak pillows and Mangrove bowls and trays; Triboa Bay's wood chairs and lamps; and Vito Selma's Geo furniture pieces.  

Working with Interior Designers, Industrial Designers, Architects, and Engineers during my past jobs in private corporations gave me an eye for reviewing home and hospitality products based on aesthetic and performance.  Product Features and advantages likewise play major roles in selecting raw materials to come up with a finished good for selling. I have witnessed actual production of home products in other Asian countries and I could say that the Philippine designers and manufacturers have more passion for unique designs with western Influence on product specifications.  With this sensibility, Philippine design evolved in hybrid types of home pieces without sacrificing the performance.  Our Artisans would always come up with amazing product innovations, even with minimal source of raw materials available at hand.  Each piece of their collection tells a story of whom, how, and why they were made.    

All twelve exporters delicately handcrafted their masterpieces and collections with expertise that awed most buyers, guests, industry influencers, and media who visited the Philippine pavilion in Maison et Objet.  These products will be remounted in the upcoming 58th edition of Manila FAME in SMX Convention Center, Philippines on 17-20 October 2013.  Manila FAME is the only design and lifestyle event all over Asia.  Organized as well by CITEM, DTI.  More information about Design.ph on www.manilafame.com.

US-based Food Group in IFEX PHL

US-based food association sees potential in Philippine export products

 

Officers of the US-based Asian Food Trade Association (AFTA) expressed their belief that Philippine export products are more than ready to tap into the US food market during their visit to the 9^th International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines.

 

“It’s really important that the Philippines understands its great potential. May be you see a rock, but in our eyes we see diamonds right here,” AFTA President Damon Chu said during a meeting with the officials of the Center for International Trade Exposition and Missions (CITEM) at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines on 17 May 2013.

 

Chu also pointed out that Philippine products suit the discriminating palates of US-based Asians and Hispanics, especially the all-natural sauces and coconut-based desserts such as buco pandan and buco salad. Local food exporters could also benefit from the current campaign of US First Lady Michelle Obama against obesity as Philippine food exports are mostly organic and all-natural.

 

The AFTA delegation is in consensus that with more push and a more aggressive marketing approach, the Philippines can break into the vast and demanding US food market. They also emphasized the importance of having the country’s food exports certified for hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), to meet the US Food and Drug Administration regulations.

 

Officials of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) headed by Executive Director Rosvi Gaetos (4th from left) met with the officers of the US-based Asian Food Trade Association (AFTA) headed by Mr. Damon Chu (5th from left) to discuss how the Philippines can tap the Asian-American food market during the 9th IFEX Philippines on 17 May 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the first day of IFEX, the AFTA delegation has already ordered 50 container loads of goods from Filipino exhibitors and has promised to bring more of its members in the next IFEX Philippines in 2015.
 

AFTA has 200 members and caters to both the food service industry covering 5,000 Chinese restaurants and the food distribution sector that includes 1,500 supermarkets and retail stores in the West Coast.

 

Coordinated by Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Los Angeles Trade Representative Archie C. Gomez with Chu, the AFTA delegation is composed of key food sourcing companies in the West Coast that include Wing Choi, President of Sun Hing Foods; Jacklyn Sher, President of HC Foods, Inc.; James Tsai of Hocean Inc. and the founder of AFTA; Jimmy Kwang, President of Chevalier International, Inc.; Mike Ongchi of V8 Commercial Co., Inc.; and Sugi Suherman of Agiloc International Inc.

 

Chevalier International Trading, Giant Union Co., HC Foods, Inc., Hocean Inc., Sun Hing Foods, and V8 Commercial Co., Inc. are food importing companies in search of new products they can introduce to the Asian community in the United States. Joining them is Agiloc International Inc., a customs brokerage company that can handle custom clearance of import shipments on all US ports.

 

Consumers in the US spend approximately US$1 trillion annually on food or nearly 10 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 

“This is a very promising start. Once we are able to get a slice of the huge US food market, our worry will be how to meet the demand,” CITEM Executive Director Rosvi C. Gaetos said.

 

IFEX Philippines 2013 is the biggest food sourcing hub in the country and is the gateway of foreign businessmen to the vast Asian food market. It is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and co-organized by the Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS).

 

For more information about the show, visit www.ifexphilippines.com.

Words: CITEM Marcom, Honeyleen Novilla

IFEX Philippines opens in SMX, 16 may 2013

The show tour by the DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo (center) at the opening day of IFEX on 16 May 2013 together with the CITEM Executive Director Rosvi Gaetos and the Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. 

IFEX is a biennial international trade sourcing show for processed and natural food produced and manufactured in the Philippines. Homegrown brands such as OISHI, San Miguel, Goldilocks, Sarangani Bay, and many more. International brands from around the world participated in this event. There are 650 local and international exhibitors with an estimated 1000 visitors from around the world came on the first day. The trade show ends on 19 May. 

Organized by CITEM in partnership with the Dept. of Agriculture and other DTI bureaus. Visit www.ifexphilippines.com

IFEX philippines Business Solutions

IFEX Philippines offers innovative business solutions

for food exporters and importers

The Grocers Exchange, one of the notable and innovative show features of the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2013, gathered 30 of the country’s elite food exporters to explore possible partnerships and business ventures with some of Asia-Pacific’s top retail chain operators.

Melt Foods Inc., Markenburg, RFM, San Miguel, and Universal Robina Corporation were provided the opportunity to do business transactions such as private labeling agreements and export order taking with international food industry players like Australia’s Metcash/Metfood and Woolworths, China’s B&S Company, Beijing Hualien, Olive Tree, and Shanghai Dong Feng; Korea’s Cheil Jedang, E-Mart, and Pulmuone; UAE's Carrefour and Emke/Lulu; UK's Harrods; and US-based Sysco.

The Grocer’s Exchange Program, through its setting, the G-Mart, hopes to encourage the participants to look more closely at the huge prospects of private labeling as a market entry strategy and as a way to increase export volumes.  This will also particularly benefit the small players who may not currently have the resources to create their own brands and undertake promotional initiatives to introduce their brands to the market.

Companies who already have established brands and are interested in penetrating or expanding their share of the retail sector may also participate in the program but should be willing to enter into private labeling arrangements, should the buyer require it.

“I commend the Center for International Trade Exposition and Missions (CITEM), for their innovative idea of coming up with the Grocers Exchange Program that brought in buyers and top grocers from all over the world to transact with the Philippines’ top retailers. Our exhibitors are fortunate to be presented with this opportunity to expand their market internationally,” said Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo.

The Grocers Exchange Program is an offshoot of IFEX Philippines’ Very Important Buyer (VIB) Program which brings together top grocers from all over the world to source for Asian food products and raw materials at the country’s premier food fair. The VIB Program, which began in 2006, is dedicated to top Asian and global food retailers that have high influence in the food distribution business. It aims to attract major food company 

decision-makers to conduct business with the world’s top food suppliers through pre-arranged business meetings with pre-screened foreign and local exhibitors in the event.

IFEX Philippines, now a biennial event, serves as the country’s premier platform for showcasing Asia’s tropical food and ingredients. It is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export marketing arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and co-organized by the Department of Agriculture – Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), which helps small and medium enterprises find a market for their farm produce.

IFEX Phililppines 2013 will run until 19 May 2013 while its next edition is set on 21-24 May 2015. For more information on the show, visit www.ifexphilippines.com.

Source:  CITEM Marcom

Writer:  Honeyleen Novilla

Manila FAME features the MILLENIALS / Gen Y

Manila FAME showcases the Millennial Home

For its 57th edition, Manila FAME explores what tomorrow’s home will be like through its special showcase of the Millennial Home from March 14 to 17, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Metro Manila, Philippines.

The Millennial Home is a representation of today’s market demographic crossroads which is a crossover of the Baby Boomers and the Millennials. It explores how this transition of influence affects the design industry in terms of living and space through design, form and function.

Design icons Budji Layug and Kenneth Cobonpue lead the group of talented designers for Manila FAME’s special setting of the Millennial Home.

Budji Layug is an acclaimed furniture and interior designer who has built his reputation on his holistic approach to design. His designs are largely organic in form and material, using natural materials from the Philippines.

Kenneth Cobonpue is a multi-awarded furniture designer who has been dubbed “rattan’s first virtuoso.” He and his work have appeared in countless international periodicals and many of his designs have been featured in both film and television.

The Millennial Home is a collaboration of Layug and Cobonpue with renowned designers Jinggoy Buensuceso, Wataru Sakuma, Olivia D’Aboville, Leeroy New, Iñigo Elizalde, Eric Paras, and Ito Kish.

“I think this is very good for young designers and seasoned designers to come together and to come up with new products that would be more global, more vibrant, and more youthful,” Layug said.

Manila FAME, The Design and Lifestyle Event, is the country’s premier trade platform for exports and design and is one of the flagship events of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export marketing arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It is one of the longest running trade shows in the Asia-Pacific, featuring the latest Philippine-made creations from artisans and manufacturers and is the only trade event in the country approved by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

For more information about the show, visit www.manilafame.com.

by:  MarCom, CITEM