Rediscover the True Nature of Design at Manila FAME 2025

Rediscover the true nature of Filipino design at Manila FAME 2025

 

As the second-longest-running trade show in Asia, Manila FAME has built a legacy as the must-attend international sourcing event for Filipino artistry and craftsmanship. For its 73rd edition, happening on October 16-18 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, the country’s premier trade fair for all things home, fashion, and lifestyle is returning to the core and diving into the roots of Filipino design.

 

With the theme “Objects of Nature,” this year’s iteration is set to be a celebration of everything that makes Filipino artistry sought after all over the world. “The word ‘nature’ refers to our physical world, and it can also mean the qualities that are basic or inherent to a person or an object,” CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido-Ocampo explains. “Within these contexts, ‘Objects of Nature’ has Manila FAME going right into the heart of what we do best. In the process, we unveil the unique selling propositions of our products that have made the Philippines a must-visit sourcing destination for design.”

 

Reconnecting with community and the environment through design

The trade show’s theme takes into account the current international trends, all of which point to nature as a dominating key element for 2025 and 2026. From the use of recycled and upcycled materials to bolder, more playful aesthetics and nature-connected living spaces, the prevalent direction puts a strong focus on sustainability and biophilic design, with the latter a concept that nurtures the relationship between people and the environment.

 

The intrinsic qualities of Filipino design make it a natural fit for this prevailing movement. Thus, Manila FAME 2025 promises to showcase Philippine-made objects inspired by design’s original muse, nature.

 

Visitors can expect a fresh take on design that provides a counterpoint to the increasing influence and impact of technology and AI on daily life. Find meticulously handcrafted items made from natural and indigenous materials, creatively conceptualized and executed using community-based production processes. Discover their multiple iterations, inspired by our rich cultural diversity and heritage. Fall in love with products that are as adaptable as they are unique, thanks to the Filipino pasadya culture that results in bespoke beauty.

 

Highlighting not just products but also people and processes

Since communal effort and cultural influences are innate aspects of Filipino design, Manila FAME’s signature features rightly put the spotlight on the people and the heritage that shape it.

 

Merging artisanship with innovation and sustainability, Design Commune once again has a selection of local manufacturers and brands working under the expert guidance of a renowned designer—this time, with one of Manila FAME’s frequent collaborators, Tony Gonzales. See how the hard work of 21 exhibitors from the lamps and lighting, furniture, home decor, and holiday and seasonal decor categories pushes the boundaries of product development at a dedicated exhibit. Check out the new items that feature the creative use of raw materials, resulting in clever and functional designs.

To cultivate the export capabilities of Philippine artisan communities and enterprises, the capacity-building program Artisans Village provides marketing and technical assistance to regional MSMEs in the handicraft sector and, in the process, highlights products from featured provinces and regions, including their use of indigenous materials, local crafts, and innovative techniques. For 2025, participating MSMEs are fortunate to have Global Trends Ambassador Patti Carpenter making factory visits to help them conceptualize and develop pieces that match their branding while also sharing her vast knowledge of the design business. The design expert is working with local artisans from the following provinces to explore how they could maximize their signature materials and expand their product lineup: Bohol (natural fibers and materials), Ilocos Sur (inabel), Quirino (woodworks and fossilized flowers), and Tarlac (wood, stone, clay, and rattan).

 

Visitors will also get to learn from design and business experts and thought leaders at FAME Talks. Through forums that tackle timely topics, such as “Innovative, Versatile, and Sustainable Approaches to Designing Products for the Home, Fashion, and Lifestyle Sector” and “Global Design Trends for Fashion Accessories,” attendees can delve deeper into the dynamic world of design, gain creative and actionable insights, and develop innovative strategies for navigating an evolving landscape.

 

Elevating how trade shows are done

Guests can look forward, too, to exclusive features that will further enrich their ManilaFAME experience.

 

From a simple product category, Philippine Components, which made its maiden showcase last year, is now an exhibit that focuses on the fundamental building blocks of design: coverings, parts, and fittings. With Tony Gonzales also at its helm for 2025, guests can expect an immersive presentation of specially developed architectural fittings and components developed exclusively for Manila FAME by 15 companies, in the spirit of the pasadya culture.

 

CITEM also brings two of its innovative programs to Manila FAME to showcase a more integrative approach to exporting design. First is CREATELab, an on-site design clinic where professionals offer branding and marketing guidance to participating exhibitors. It is a joint project by CREATEPhilippines, a content and community platform for the Philippine creative industries, and the Communication Design Association of the Philippines (CDAP). Next, with “sustainability” a key concept this year, it’s only right that Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX), the country’s first platform promoting sustainable practices, resources, and technology to the world’s essential industries, makes its return to Manila FAME to showcase MSMEs that incorporate circularity into their business practices.

 

Attendees looking to see more of the intersection between traditional crafts and contemporary creativity can also drop by LIKHA, an artisanal exhibit spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady. Marking its fifth edition by participating in Manila FAME 2025, LIKHA will offer the public the opportunity to witness artisans at work, learn more about their creative process, and support locally made, heritage-rich products.

 

Manila FAME 2025 will be a reminder why the Philippines was regarded as the ‘Milan of Asia’ during the ‘80s and the ‘90s,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Al Valenciano says. “We are optimistic that it will generate international sales for our exhibitors, boosting the Philippine design industry to become an even bigger contributor to the country’s economic growth and a bigger player in the global export market.“

 

With all of the programs and features this year’s trade show has in store, buyers and visitors alike can expect to see the best of the best of Filipino artistry and craftsmanship across a wide range of products: fashion; personal care, beauty, and wellness; furniture; home decor and houseware; lamps and lighting; holiday and seasonal decor; gifts, souvenirs, and corporate giveaways; and components.

 

Marvel at these “Objects of Nature” and more up close at Manila FAME 2025 by registering at the trade show’s official website, fameplus.com.

Smart Powers 7-Eleven Run 2024 to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle for Filipinos

PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) powered 7-Eleven’s Run 2024 staged simultaneously in three major cities across the country – Manila, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro last weekend.

Smart has been the exclusive telco partner of the 7-Eleven Run -- which usually averages ten categories ranging from 1KM to 42KM for run enthusiasts of all levels – for the past seven years.

“In this year’s 7-Eleven Run, we are happy to provide 5G and fiber-fast internet at the three serving sites of this year’s run in Manila, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro enabling our participants, partners, and guests to seamlessly connect to the internet, post their photos, videos hassle-free, and share their fun experience during the event using our leveled-up PLDT & Smart wireless networks,” said Chito M. Franco, Consumer Sales VP and Head of Key Accounts at PLDT and Smart.

Runners were also able to visit the Smart booths equipped with charging stations, a lounge area to rest, and participate in fun activities to win some special giveaways.

PLDT and Smart customer Shaid-Ali Mohamad from Marawi City is an avid 7-Eleven Run participant. He joined the 16KM category in Cagayan de Oro. “This year, I convinced my wife to join me. Actually, last year, I also participated in the fun run in Manila. I joined the 7-Eleven Run for health reasons, since we are not getting any younger. The second reason is to bond with family and friends, or meet new people as part of the running community,” he said.

Iloilo runner Dr. Faye Palmares said that running early in the morning brings her joy. “It refreshes you and instills a sense of tranquility. We purchased as a group and registered through the 7-Eleven CliQQ Mobile App. My running experience was very calm, and I felt very safe, which is quite rare in our running events, so I appreciate 7-Eleven for the great experience."

From supporting the 7-Eleven Run before the pandemic, and when the event transitioned into a virtual run during the COVID-19 lockdown era, until finally making a comeback for a face-to-face event once the restrictions eased, Smart’s partnership with 7-Eleven Run has enabled the telco to promote an active lifestyle to its customers, particularly at a time when health and wellness have become such an important aspect of their lives.

“We are grateful to have Smart as our constant partner even beyond the 7-Eleven Run, ensuring that we can help provide the telco needs of our customers and elevate their experience in our stores,” said Jose C. Ang, Jr., General Merchandise Head at Philippine Seven Corp, the local licensee of 7-Eleven.

This partnership also underscores Smart and its parent company PLDT’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainability Development Goal #3: ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. 

Preventing Kidney Diseases by making Heartful Choices

Manila, Philippines – It is true what they say we are what we eat. Food is not just fuel that sustains our bodies but also becomes fragments of our cells that affect how we do, think, and feel. Most of the time when people notice slight changes in their physical appearance, their immediate response is to look for commercialized products that will give them the best results. However, rarely do people realize that changes in the physical body can sometimes be a manifestation of what goes on inside our vital organs.

One of the leading causes of disability in the Philippines is chronic kidney disease (CKD). In fact, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) estimates that one Filipino gets diagnosed with it every hour. (Source: Kidney Health Plus)

The kidneys are one of the hardest-working organs in the body, where millions of filters work together to turn excess waste into urine. A person with CKD may experience warning signs like low urine output, swollen lower extremities, and extreme fatigue, as waste builds up in the body.

In celebration of the National Kidney Month last June, pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. champions the health of Filipinos by giving them access to information that promotes kidney health. CKD, as described by the company, is known as a “silent killer”. Many of its symptoms might not show up until the later stages of the condition, causing people to go about their lives undiagnosed and oblivious to further complications.

Boehringer Ingelheim makes a significant contribution to public health by reinforcing the need for prevention and early detection. One way to allow better management is to do regular routine health checks. The attending physician may order a few kidney function tests in ways of blood work procedures and urinalysis to gauge how efficiently your kidneys are working. 

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is also key to combating CKD. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 150 minutes of physical activity per week is enough to help keep adult bodies healthy. On top of this, following a diet specific to one’s needs can also be an effective way to prevent CKD.

Limiting sodium intake can help manage conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which in turn can support kidney health. Choosing food close to nature like fruits, leafy vegetables, whole grains, and the like, can be the first step toward reversing CKD symptoms.

Making conscious decisions in our everyday lives can lead us to reach our potential. When our bodies are healthy and our well-being is assured, our power comes from within knowing we can live life to the fullest.

To know more about chronic kidney disease prevention, visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/chronic-kidney-disease.

MEET SigeGo: THE OMNICHANNEL TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE PLATFORM

Consumers today demand convenience and best-in-class digital experiences from all the apps they use, so it is no wonder brands are increasingly looking to adopt a platform mindset to how they interact and service their customers. 

This change is exactly what the SigeGo team had in mind with their new lifestyle platform: “SigeGo is poised to be the super omnichannel platform of the Philippines. Powered by the technology of Simplenight, it allows anyone to book an experience in a matter of clicks and swipes in a way the country has never seen before,” said David Palmieri, President and CEO of SigeGo and acting Chief Commercial Officer of Simplenight. “We envisioned an omnichannel platform that will be every Filipino’s go-to for everything and anything under the sun with its impeccable user experience, wide breadth of bookable products and services, and proud Filipino roots.” 

After its full launch in October, Filipinos can begin seamlessly booking flights, accommodations, tours and activities, appointments, dinner reservations and more via the SigeGo platform. Users can tick off a plethora of items; from cultural hotspots and outdoor activities within the Philippines to popular destinations outside the country like South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and beyond. “Whether it’s your bucket list or your to-do list, SigeGo makes it easy for you to find, book, and just go,” Mr. Palmieri affirmed.

SigeGo had its debut event at the Revel at the Palace in BGC. The occasion was hosted by car aficionado James Deakin with entertainment from DJ Ace Ramos and Ronnie Orallo, and was well-attended by prominent figures from both the public and private sectors as well as suppliers that distribute their services through SigeGo. “The night was about getting everyone together to introduce SigeGo and give people a taste of how big this thing will get and just how much of an impact it will have,” Palmieri remarked. “Guests in attendance gained access to the Beta version of the platform, where they could be a part of the initial Beta soft launch so that the Filipinos can help take us through the last mile, give us their feedback, and truly make it their own.”

The SigeGo app will be downloadable from both Apple’s App Store and Android’s Google Play in October. 

For more information on SigeGo, visit https://sigego.ph/ or email info@sigego.co.

SigeGo TO CHANGE THE FACE OF TRAVEL AND MORE

Manila House,  May 25, 2023 - Following the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, the urge to travel left practically everyone grabbing at the opportunity to go on more frequent trips at bigger budgets after being homebound for some time. As people gradually get back to their pre-pandemic lifestyle, travel is now easing back to normal. People are more conscious of their travel plans, giving careful consideration to their budget and scheduling to ensure they get the best deals.  With these factors, 2023 will see a lot of travel trends unfolding:

Purchasing power will be the driving force behind travel. Inflation is expected to grow in 2023, forcing households to rethink the way they travel and look for bang-for-buck deals. 

• 
  

The end of ‘Revenge Travel’. We will see more stabilization in 2023. After the reopening of many destinations saw major hikes on flight and accommodation bookings, the market is finally returning to normalcy. 

Cultural cities will continue to be top destinations. According to a study on upcoming future travel trends by Hotels.com, Abritel and Expedia, the highest demand growth on Expedia are bustling cities rich in culture like Paris, Milan and New York.

• 
  

Film tourism will prevail. The old town of Dubrovnik is now known as the location of ‘Game of Thrones’. Likewise, the Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines gained popularity due to the film ‘Avengers: Endgame’. These locations saw visitor growth in the past years and 38% of travelers have taken the plunge and booked already this 2023.  A further study by Hotels.com, Abritel and Expedia revealed that two-thirds of travelers worldwide thought of booking to destinations after seeing them in films. 

• 
  

Responsible travel. Studies confirm that over 60% of tourists will travel responsibly, reducing their carbon footprint. This includes supporting local merchants, choosing to travel by train rather than plane, and staying longer. Travelers are paying close attention to respecting the environment and local traditions. This type of tourism is becoming popular among millennials. 

• 
  

Wellness vacations. People now see the importance of their physical and mental wellbeing. According to a study, 79% of respondents see wellbeing as synonymous with their free time and is a non-negotiable priority. This is reflected in the way people travel. The tourism industry has seen this opportunity to reinvent the customer experience and are now investing heavily in spas, wellness and detox retreats.

• 
  

A need for nature. We now see a trend on camping, trekking and glamping trips as old-timers and first-time adventurers want to feel close to nature.

• 
  

Solo travel. Going solo is fast becoming a travel trend. Flight and hotel comparator Kayak reported that searches for solo travel during the last quarter of 2022 have increased by 20% vs. 2021. "Alone time" will become a popular concept with nearly a third of travelers considering a solo trip next year. 

With all these travel trends, Simplenight has seen vast opportunities in the Philippines and is set to launch SigeGo in June.  

Simplenight is CEO Mark Halberstein’s vision grown from personalizing concierge services into a vast network of bookable goods and services through its omni-channel platform technology. It connects global vendors across numerous categories to a bookable system of e-commerce. 

SigeGo is poised to be the omni-channel platform of the Philippines. Powered by the technology of Simplenight, it allows anyone to book an experience in a matter of clicks and swipes in a way the country has never seen before. The platform is being finalized and will go live after its launch in early June.

Once fully implemented, SigeGo will revolutionize the way one explores and experiences the Philippines, be it Filipinos or anyone else in the world. SigeGo will initially offer travel experiences where hotel reservations, flights, transportation, tours and activities, and things to do will all be available. 

 

But this is only a glimpse of things to come. What will set SigeGo apart from others is its user-friendly technology and its vast offerings of bookable products and services beyond the travel sector. SigeGo will disrupt the current landscape by giving Filipinos access to a bookable future. Whether you are canvassing for a yacht or looking for a budget-friendly staycation, SigeGo can help you get wherever you are going.

“One of the driving forces of SigeGo are the Filipinos. The Philippines runs on tourism and grit, which makes it primed for something like SigeGo to be implemented because it can take all of the unique content the Philippines has to offer, centralize it onto one platform and use it to support Pinoy businesses and brands. Now is the perfect time because consumers are ready for something to point, click, and buy. SigeGo will be disruptive and will become a way of life,” said David Palmieri, President and CEO of SigeGo and acting Chief Commercial Officer of Simplenight.

He added, “We now see a stabilization in the market and consumers are becoming more conscious of their travel spendings. After fulfilling their bucket list, people are now more selective in seeking lifestyle-focused travel. It doesn’t matter where you start from, it matters how you get to where you are going. SigeGo is not just about the bookends, but on every aspect of the journey. ”

Stay tuned for more announcements in the coming weeks. 

*****

@Aquila is the holding company for Simplenight founded by David Palmieri. @Aquila is an international growth consultancy within the broader travel space that provides both strategic guidance and execution to scale businesses and is made up of industry veterans that have proven their ability across sectors. Its roots stem from commercial aviation and Palmieri’s experience in the airline industry.