The Manila Hotel Blooms with “Flores de Primavera Y Filipiniana” Exhibit

In celebration of National Heritage Month and Flores de Mayo, The Manila Hotel, in partnership with Designers Circle Philippines, unveils “Flores de Primavera Y Filipiniana,” a captivating fashion exhibit at the Grand Dame of the Philippines.

Inspired by the idyllic beauty of the Filipiniana, the exhibit highlights the vibrant intersection of culture and creativity. The collection presents an exquisite blend of Terno and Maria Clara designs, influenced by the radiant hues and festive spirit of Flores de Mayo, rightly regarded as the “Queen of Philippine Festivals.”

Selected members of Designers Circle Philippines have transformed the storied Grand Lobby and Art Gallery into what the organization describes as an “effervescent Eden of floral Filipiniana,” where heritage fashion takes center stage amid the grandeur of the historic hotel.

The participating designers are Edwin Uy, Rafael Gonzalez, Alfonso Emmanuel, Jasper Adorador, Precious Jewel, Rhael Garcia, Alistair Balane, Gus Villa, Adonis Ara Samson, Ganda Anore, Bepz Torres, Joy Aaliwin, Gian Abrigo, Maila Alog, Jayme Yap Bravo, Medel Batingal, Will Salvador, Brad Shilver Agarano, Pencil Diestra, and Jennica Castro, with special pieces from the late founding chairman Johnny Abad.

“Flores de Primavera y Filipiniana is more than a fashion exhibit. Showcases like this serve as a bridge between our country’s past and present. We are committed to ensuring that Filipino traditions are not only honored today but preserved for generations to come,” said Edwin Uy, chairman of Designers Circle Philippines.

“Through initiatives such as this, we are pleased to partner with Designers Circle Philippines as The Manila Hotel continues to champion Filipino culture and craftsmanship by providing a platform where tradition and contemporary creativity flourish together,” says Marvin Kim Tan, The Manila Hotel’s vice president for sales and marketing.

Flores de Primavera y Filipiniana is on display at the Grand Lobby and Art Gallery of The Manila Hotel until June 11, 2026. Admission is free.

For more information, call +632 85270011 or +632 53015500, email info@themanilahotel.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph. 

DTI Encourages Filipino SMEs to Explore Cross-Border e-Commerce

The DTI through the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and E-Commerce Office (ECO) organized the Cross-Border B2C E-Commerce online information session on 17 August 2022. In photo (clockwise, left to right) Shayma Carim-Musor, TIDS of DTI-EMB; Cristy Olboc, DTI-ECO; Maria Teresa Loring, CTIDS of DTI-EMB; Arselyn Palad, TIDS of DTI-EMB; Rey Lugtu, Founder and CEO of Hungry Workhorse; and Wea Bohol, OIC of DTI-ECO.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and in partnership with the E-Commerce Office (ECO), conducted an online information session on Cross-Border B2C E-Commerce on 17 August 2022. The webinar was attended by more than 100 participants from both the public and private sectors.

The activity aimed to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through capacity building and enhancing their awareness of the importance of cross-border e-Commerce. The event also promoted opportunities for Filipino exporters hoping to penetrate the international market via e-Commerce.

“As our country continues to recover from the pandemic, e-Commerce remains to be the catalyst towards economic recovery and growth,” Director Christopher Lawrence Arnuco said in his opening remarks.

Ms. Wea Bohol, Officer-in-charge of the E-Commerce Office, provided budding entrepreneurs with the government mechanism to help SMEs navigate the digital market. Mr. Rey Lugtu, Founder and CEO of Hungry Workhorse, shared essential insights and current trends on cross-border e-Commerce, as well as a practical perspective to enable businesses to succeed.

Mr. Lugtu highlighted the need to update websites, strengthen the presence of entrepreneurs in social media, explore marketplaces in new geographies, and the importance of creating products and services for millennials and Gen Z.

"E-commerce is not limited to physical products. Services is one area where Filipino companies could expand their business beyond the Philippines," Mr. Lugtu added.

The session also featured the success story of Cambio and Co., an e-Commerce fashion platform that carries unique accessories designed and handcrafted by Filipino artisans to markets like Canada and the US. Its CEO, Ms. Gelaine Santiago, shared her experience as a businesswoman and advocated for e-commerce. She aims to dispel the colonial mindset that 'imported is better' through her business model and campaign #WearYourHeritage.

There is a largely untapped opportunity from cross-border e-commerce for Filipino SMEs. According to Google, Temasek, and Bain, Southeast Asia's Internet economy is expected to triple from US$100B to US$300B in 2025. Meanwhile, the survey by Amazon Global Selling in 2021 showed that the Philippines has the highest percentage of domestic e-commerce sellers at 70.02 percent, compared to other ASEAN countries.

To watch the recording of the info session, you may visit the DTI Export Marketing Bureau Facebook page using this link: https://fb.watch/e_GJtWoaSt/.