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