Manila FAME 2025 showcases the Philippines' natural beauty through craftsmanship
Manila FAME—a home, fashion, and lifestyle trade show running since 1983—has always been a destination for Filipino creativity and craftsmanship. Now, with a growing love for local products and a stronger consciousness of sustainable design, there has never been a more perfect time to showcase the talent and resources the Philippines has to offer.
The 73rd edition of Manila FAME, set for Oct. 16-18 at the World Trade Center, centers on the theme "Objects of Nature," a concept that celebrates the country's abundant physical resources: flora and fauna, landscapes, and bodies of water.
"With each handcrafted piece, we are showing the best of our rich biodiversity and the warmth of our people. Many of these creations are made with recycled and upcycled materials, showing that sustainability and beauty can go hand in hand," Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cris Roque said during the press conference.
Visitors will experience the Design Commune, which showcases new ideas in form and function developed by industry veterans Tony Gonzales and Milo Naval in collaboration with local exporters and young designers. There's a poppy-inspired table and floor lamps from Camila Faye; Anahaw leaf rugs from Weavemanila; an accent table with metal leaves as legs and chairs with wave details from Jed Yabut; a fruit tray featuring ocean waves from Natures Legacy; lamps inspired by giant bird's nest from Dela Cruz House of Piña, and a metal twig tabletop with perched birds and candle votives from Artifeks.
The Artisans Village, headed by global trend expert Patti Carpenter and product development specialist Rachel Dagñalan, will bring regional craftsmanship and unique material stories to the forefront. Here you can find stool and flower vessels made of natural stones from Oricon Corporation, fossilized flowers from Maddela Flowers and Crafts, placemats and tablerunners with nature-inspired patterns from Tubigon Loomweavers, and bamboo placemats from ADDS Bambutek Handi Crafts.
Also on view is the second edition of Philippine Components. Curated by Gonzales, this explores fresh applications for architectural elements. such as Yrezabal and Furniture’s claddings made of laminated rattan.
And finally, Manila FAME also features pieces developed by 11 designers through the first-ever FASHIONPhilippines mentorship program in Milan.
The return of Movement 8
The trade show will also feature the finest enterprises and bring back influential design masters from the Movement 8 group to lead its signature showcases. Formed by CITEM in 1999, these designers previously spearheaded the country's presence in Manila FAME and numerous international trade events.
Renowned furniture designer and Manila FAME Ambassador Kenneth Cobonpue has returned after a 10-year hiatus, driven by a desire to reconnect with its unique energy.
"I just miss Manila FAME," Cobonpue shared to PhilSTAR L!fe, calling it a "good barometer of Filipino design" that encompasses everything from fashion to furniture and lighting.
"There's an energy in it, you know? And I think to feel the pulse of Filipino design, it's important to be there," he said.
He noted that while the show was historically created for the international market, a significant and positive shift has occurred.
"Now we have a very strong local market, and I think that's not necessarily bad—it's good," he said, reflecting the current public passion for supporting local creators.
Meanwhile, Naval, who is co-curating the "Home at FAME," collaborated with 10 local manufacturers in the furniture and lighting industries.
Naval, whose first curatorial stint was in 2007, finds this second time particularly exciting because the industry is adapting to a global need: saving the Earth.
"Why are we adopting the consciousness and sustainability to objects of nature? It is because you want to save the world," he explains.
He emphasized that designers and manufacturers are aligned with this goal.
"Mas aware na tayo, mas conscious na tayo about the environment and use of the materials," Naval told L!fe.
Gonzales, meanwhile, is spearheading the "Elements of Nature" showcase within the Design Commune, where his role goes beyond instruction to active collaboration.
Gonzales tapped young creatives—interior designer Uzel Alconera, furniture founder Jim Zarate Torres, and product strategist Jaime Brias—to mentor and collaborate with. Together, they developed product designs for selected exhibitors in Bulacan and Pampanga.
"It's exciting because I'm not only teaching, I'm also getting inspiration or advice from them. Just to see also how young designers think," he shared.
Through Manila FAME, Roque said that the DTI is "on top of promoting Philippine design and craftsmanship to the world."
"Manila FAME has become a powerful platform to celebrate the creativity and the very soul of the Filipino identity. As the nation's premier design and lifestyle event, you are ensuring that our homegrown talents receive the spotlight they have rightfully earned. Manila FAME has paved the way for iconic brands, elevated countless artisans, and woven the vibrant narrative of Filipino design that can be both soulful and sustainable and that can be popular and known locally and globally," she said.
Tickets to the Manila FAME are priced at P500 (general public), P400 (senior citizens & PWDs), and P250 (students).
