Manila FAME is Best-kept Secret of Global Lifestyle Brands

As one of the longest running trade shows in Asia, Manila FAME in its 35 years of service to the Philippine exports industry has earned its reputation as a premiere destination for design and lifestyle products.

“Though not familiar to many, Manila FAME is already one of the best-kept secret sourcing hubs of big global names in the industry. With its decades of experience, Manila FAME has witnessed many locally-manufactured products to be featured and sold in major boutiques and retail outlets all around the globe,” said Pauline Suaco-Juan, Executive Director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

International brands source some of their products in Manila FAME.

Some of the major companies are the Gordon Companies, Inc.; Williams Sonoma; Crate and Barrel; Pottery Barn; TJX – USA; In-Sattva Ventures, Inc.; Nan Inc.; and Silk Road Bazaar from the USA. Manila FAME also caters to brands in Asian countries such as Japan and Singapore. Some of them are the Conde House Co. Ltd., Casselini, Craft Hiro Co. Ltd., Nonaka Co. Ltd. and Abiste Corporation from Japan while Shangri-La Singapore, Miaja Design Group and Super Donut Studio are from Singapore.

Canada’s Craft Talk and Cambio & Co. and United Kingdoms’ Harrods, N. Studio Ltd., Suki Cheema Studio Ltd., and Land Union likewise buy from the Manila FAME. The show also welcomes buyers from Ancora Designs, Issara Designs Australia, Kalahari Fair Trade and Darlin Aust PTY. Ltd. from Australia and Al Abbas Group, CDA Exports, Javaherian Group, Leader LLC, Deco Vision Company and Fakih Group of Companies from the United Arab Emirates.

“I have attended almost 18 Manila FAME’s, and, in each visit, I am seeing products that are upgrading every time. Every year, the show is giving more and more emphasis on eco-friendly products. Philippine arts and crafts are a current trend in the UAE because based on all the hotels and restaurants, a lot of architects and designers are now promoting Philippine designs and models, shared Fakih N.P., Managing Director of the Fakih Group of Companies, a buyer from UAE.

“Your designers are really unique. Congratulations for putting up a good show with excellent product categories. Global designs can take inspiration from the Manila FAME,” he added.

First-time buyer Lindsey Van from the Navy Exchange Stores based in the Island of Guam also visited the Philippines and the Manila FAME for the first time to source products for a pop-up concept shop they are planning for their customers who travel around the world.

“I think your products are really phenomenal. We are very excited about your unique collection of products and I think the organizers have done a really good job of curating them from all over the Philippines to cover multiple categories of business,” Van explained.

“I’ve shopped for fashion apparel, accessories, home decor, home goods, and furniture. I really enjoyed the wide variety and elevated level of products that your country offers. This is a great first-time experience for me,” she ended.

The Manila FAME is slated on October 17-19, 2019, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. It will gather more than 300 exporters and manufacturers of home and lifestyle products. Exciting features such as the Design Commune’s Heritage Reimagined, Artisans Village, Eco-Lifestyle and the Fashion E-Tailer special setting are just some of the highlights to look forward to in the upcoming show.

The Manila FAME is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its export promotion arm, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). The Manila FAME also received a funding support from the congressional initiative of Former Senator now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda who serves as the Congresswoman of the lone district of Antique.

Recognized as the home of Filipino creatives and manufacturers, Manila FAME is the Philippines’ premier sourcing destination for high-quality artisanal products. The show serves as the cultivating ground and springboard for innovative, top-of-the-line Philippine products and the gateway for designers to break through key international markets. Visit www.manilafame.com for more information.