Pinoy tradition, discipline shine at Manila FAME

Indigenous materials, age-old tradition and centuries-old discipline were showcased in the most recent edition of Manila FAME, a four-day exhibit themed "The Art of the Craftsman equals the Soul of the Philippines.

 

Ten design houses featured settings created by internationally acclaimed Filipino designers: Milo Naval, Ito Kish, Iñigo Elizalde, Stanley Ruiz, Vito Selma, Wataru Sakuma, Amina Aranaz, Robert Alejandro, Daniel Latorre Cruz and Olivia d’Aboville. 

 

"These designers used the country’s indigenous materials to create works of art that are functional and visually appealing," said a press release from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, organizer of Manila FAME, which was held from October 17 to 20.

 

CITEM, the export authority of the Department of Trade and Industry, said the exhibit "not only impressed many visitors and buyers from all over the world but also instilled pride in our fellowmen by presenting the finest design products and unparalleled Filipino craftsmanship."  

From parol to paper mache

 

The exhibit's Craft and Style Spots featured live presentations of age-old tradition and centuries-old discipline, including parol making of Pampanga, embroidered lace of Iloilo, taka or paper mache of Paete, Laguna, and rice basket weaving of Palawan. 

 

Meanwhile, the Hibla Pavilion of Textiles and Weaves of the Philippines highlighted weaving traditions like the B’laan tradition of mother-of-pearl beaded tribal wear, and the T’Boli tradition of producing beaded belts. 

 

It also featured the intricate embroidery traditions of IP communities, such as the T’Boli traditional cross-stitching in Mindanao, the panubok embroidery tradition of the Panay Bukidnon in the Visayas, Ivatan and Gaddang traditional weaving, Antique abaca/bariw mat weaving, Iraya Mangyan traditional nito basketry, and Hanunuo Mangyan weaving.

 

At the Fashion Pavilion, Manila Wear focused on designers JC Buendia, Rajo Laurel, Dennis Lustico, Jojie Lloren, Jun Artajo, Maco Custodio, Adante Leyesa, Oj Hofer, Lally Dizon, Kristine Dee, Emi Jorge, Ken Samudio,  Dita Sandico-Ong,  Malou Romero,  Nicole Whisenhunt, Joyce Makitalo, Yako Reyes, Arnel Papa, Patrice Ramos–Diaz, Joel Escober, Amina Aranaz, under the curatorial leadership of internationally renowned designer Josie Natori.

 

"Manila Wear positions the Philippine fashion industry to cater to an emerging set of global fashionistas living the jet-set-meets-gypsy lifestyle," the release said.

 

Meanwhile, the Garden Pavilion exhibits featured unique and al fresco set ups with four identified expressions of Asian, American, Britannia and French design. These exhibits "provided an escape from the busy technology-driven lifestyle to a quiet breathing space and simple visual aesthetics that replenish the soul," CITEM said.

 

Around 350 Philippine exhibitors showcased their high-quality and design-driven products such as Christmas decors, furniture, jewelry, and textiles.

 

"Each year, Manila FAME takes Filipino artistry, creativity, and ingenuity to a higher level by inspiring more designers, artisans, and local brands to harness their innate talent and continue to come up with even more impressive products we Filipinos can be proud of," CITEM said. 

 

Manila FAME's 57th edition will be held from March 14 to 17, 2013. –CGL/KG, GMA News