DTI’s Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo: A celebration of creativity in every form
BrandedUp in partnership with
Pinoy creativity and ingenuity are alive and well.
This spirit resonated at the SMX Convention Center Aura, where the Department of Trade and Industry, through the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council Secretariat (PCIDCS), staged the Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo (MPEx).
Held from September 3 to 7, the event provided a platform to address challenges, celebrate achievements, and fuel growth across the country’s artistic and cultural sectors.
It brought together the nine domains defined under Republic Act No. 11904, or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act.
Shaping creativity, crafting culture
Sustainability and style took center stage at the Design Pavilion, from Kenneth Cobonpue’s sculptural furniture to eco-friendly innovations and fashion highlights.
Style aficionados were in their element, enjoying dynamic showcases from the Philippine Fashion Coalition and the Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines.
The Visual Arts Pavilion added another layer, with Ramon Orlina’s glass sculptures standing alongside collections from the UP Fine Arts Gallery and Scarletbox.io.
This blended classical techniques with contemporary expression.
Creative services rounded out the experience, with Canva Philippines’ interactive photo booths, the British Council’s design-driven learning tools, and hands-on demos from local studios.
Filipino storytelling goes digital
Another crowd favorite was the Performing Arts Pavilion.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines showcased programs advancing Filipino artistry, while Newport World Resorts highlighted "Shrek the Musical."
Not far from this, the Audiovisual Media Pavilion drew attendees to SIKAP exhibits backed by Wacom, Ynzal, and Eastern Telecoms, with ToyCon PH presenting life-sized figures of Darna and Manny Pacquiao.
Virtual realities also brought the Digital Interactive Media Pavilion to life.
Workshops by the Game Developers Association of the Philippines and the Film Development Council of the Philippines underscored how Filipino storytelling is evolving in the digital age.
A journey through Filipino heritage
The Publishing and Printed Media Pavilion gave literature its own stage, with the National Book Development Board curating classics, contemporary works, and more.
For those eager to explore heritage in one space, the Traditional Cultural Expressions Pavilion delivered.
Visitors discovered Baguio City’s weaving and jewelry, learned Iloilo City’s finest delicacies, and watched the Manila International Dance Festival perform folk dances like Tinikling and Pandanggo sa Ilaw.
The Cultural Sites Pavilion also anchored the expo with history and pride.
It featured the Department of Tourism’s cultural tourism programs, interactive painting sessions by the Intramuros Administration, and works by Fernando Amorsolo plus curated merchandise from the Ayala Museum.
The nine creative domains came alive in a vibrant mix of festival, marketplace, and cultural showcase.
MPEx went beyond celebration, merging tradition and innovation to highlight a vision of a globally competitive, inclusive creative nation.
* * *
Editor’s Note: This article was provided by the Department of Trade and Industry.
