Global Filipino design on the rise: 5 things to watch out for at Manila FAME 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Brace yourselves as Manila FAME comes back to its pre-pandemic energy, featuring 1,000 newly designed products debuting on October 17 to 19 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

In its 72nd edition, Manila FAME brings outs the best of new Filipino brands and alongside globally renowned names, such as Kenneth Cobonpue, who is known for his contemporary designs using natural materials.

During the media preview, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) Executive Director Leah Ocampo shared the magnitude of this year’s event: “We anticipate welcoming close to 7,000 local and international buyers, exhibitors and visitors from all over the country and from over 60 countries. We have close to 350 Philippine enterprises presenting a wider range of artisanal products from across the country.”

Here are the key highlights to watch for at Manila FAME 2024:

Ocampo describes the Nostalgia segment as a tribute to iconic products that defined Filipino design in the 1980s and 1990s.

“We want to showcase all of these iconic products that brought us to fame in the 19th century, to inspire people to go back to their roots and know what made the Philippines the best out of Asia? Maybe the younger generation would be able to reimagine all of these iconic pieces,” she noted.

This special vignette will feature 22 pioneering companies that contributed to the vibrant Filipino industry, showcasing classic designs like the peacock chair, handwoven furniture, shell clutches and sinamay hats.

Rita Nazareno—together with Gabby Lichauco—leads this year's Home and Lighting category, which once again promises a diverse lineup to excite local and international audience.

Catch highly anticipated brands such as Hacienda Crafts, Venzon Lighting, Prizmic and Brill, Nature’s Legacy, Zacarias 1925, Vulcan Resources, Triboa Bay Living and Paperbound.

Nazareno’s own company, Zacarias 1925, pays homage to traditional hand-weaving and has made waves internationally, joining prestigious shows like Maison et Objet in Paris.

“For Design Commune, Gabby and I put together this concept that when we wanted to reimagine but also go beyond reality. So the concept for