Manila FAME 2025 Offers a First Look into “Objects of Nature”
(L-R) Milo Naval; Kenneth Cobonpue; Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head of CITEM and Design Center of the Philippines, Al Valenciano; Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque; CITEM Executive Director, Leah Pulido Ocampo; Executive Director for the Design Center of the Philippines, Rhea O. Matute; Tony Gonzales; Deputy Executive Director of the Design Center of the Philippines, Lucky Lopez; Deputy Executive Director of the DTI-Creative Industries Development Office, Paolo Federico Ramos; and Manila FAME Project Director, Marjo Evio
Manila FAME offered an exclusive early look into the creative vision behind its upcoming 73rd edition, themed “Objects of Nature.” Set against the historic backdrop of Centro de Turismo Intramuros, the immersive media preview and guided walkthrough gave guests a glimpse of what to expect at the country’s premier home, fashion, and lifestyle sourcing event.
This year’s theme draws from the Philippines’ rich natural environment — its flora, fauna, landscapes, and bodies of water — and intertwines them with Filipino culture, craftsmanship, and creativity. Through this convergence, Manila FAME 2025 celebrates how nature continues to inspire design and innovation across the archipelago.
Design Inspired by Nature
The preview’s main installation — unveiled through a dramatic curtain drop — showcased key highlights from Design Commune, Artisans Village, and Philippine Components, three of Manila FAME’s signature platforms that spotlight the diversity of local design talent.
Design Commune, the show’s product development program, featured select pieces that represent the Philippines’ evolving design identity:
Poppy-inspired table and floor lamps from Camila Faye
Anahaw leaf rugs from Weavemanila
Accent tables with metal leaf legs and wave-detailed chairs from Jed Yabut
Ocean wave-inspired fruit trays from Nature’s Legacy
Giant bird’s nest lamps from Dela Cruz House of Piña
Metal twig tabletop with perched birds and candle votives from Artifeks
Artisans Village, which highlights regional craftsmanship, featured works from Bohol, Ilocos Sur, Quirino, and Tarlac. Among the standout displays were:
Stone stools and floral vessels from Oricon Corporation
Fossilized flowers from Maddela Flowers and Crafts
Nature-inspired placemats and table runners from Tubigon Loomweavers
Bamboo placemats from ADDS Bambutek Handi Crafts
The setting was guided by Global Trend Ambassador Patti Carpenter and Product Development Specialist Rachelle Dagñalan.
Meanwhile, Philippine Components showcased laminated rattan claddings by Yrezabal and Furniture, curated by acclaimed designer Tony Gonzales, underscoring the country’s mastery of materials for interior and architectural design.
Empowering Filipino Creativity
In her message, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to nurturing the creative economy.
“Through strategic programs by the DTI and CITEM, we are empowering our MSMEs, artisans, and creative entrepreneurs, equipping them with essential mentorship, design innovation, and access to international markets,” she said.
CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo led the unveiling of the installation and introduced the featured designers.
“From being industry youngbloods who placed Filipino design on the global map, they are now regarded as design masters — mentoring the next generation to carry forward the legacy of Filipino excellence,” Ocampo shared.
Notable attendees included Kenneth Cobonpue, Tony Gonzales, and Milo Naval — globally renowned designers and pioneering members of Movement 8, the collective credited for elevating Filipino design to international acclaim in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
What’s Next for Manila FAME 2025
Beyond the Design Commune, Artisans Village, and Philippine Components, new products from the FASHIONPhilippines in Milan mentorship program—first unveiled at the September Fashion Week—will also be featured during the event.
The 73rd edition of Manila FAME will take place on October 16–18, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City. Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Manila FAME continues to serve as the country’s premier platform for showcasing Filipino craftsmanship, creativity, and design innovation to the world.
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