Last week, I had the pleasure of attending Manila FAME. I was excited because as a blogger, they let me in as media and I was able to take pictures of the beautiful things that caught my eye so I can share them with you!
I haven’t been to FAME in a very long time, but I remember going with my aunt when I was younger where I would always stock up on super fabulous jewelry from Cebu. The jewelry was always so unique and eye-catching that I would be asked about it whenever I wore it. This time though – married, with my own home – I came back with another interest: Furniture and Decor. I was not disappointed!
I just want to show you the highlights – the best of the best! There was so much talent in Manila FAME that my senses were overwhelmed!
Triboa Bay Living
The fluid lines of this buffet is just beautiful! And the compressed walnut tray is only P1,500. So much better quality for something of the same price in a mall.
This is truly my kind of art. This Abyss Wall Art is made of solid reclaimed mahogany wood. It comes in different colors and textures. I’m loving this yellow one.
The Rising Chair by Robert Van Embricqs was a highlight for me in the Triboa Bay display. I have seen the videos of this groundbreaking design since I was in Berlin. I never expected to see it first hand because the designer is from Amsterdam.
Kenneth Cobonpue
Of course, the biggest name in the furniture industry, Kenneth Cobonpue, had a massive display. Kenneth Cobonpue counts Brad Pitt as one of his customers. He ordered a bed for him and his former Mrs., Angelina Jolie, and a crib for Shiloh. His signature organic pieces, inspired by nature, have a playful and fun twist.
Manila Precious Moments
This award winning brand makes the most beautiful decor with pineapple fiber materials and beads. These angels are perfect for the Christmas tree.
These would make for gorgeous wedding decor that can also be used a giveaways.
Selma Vito
I love versatile home pieces like these Nova lights which can be manipulated. The wood can be folded out, or into itself to create different shapes of stars while letting out different amount of lights.
The one with the child was available for pre-ordering with proceeds going to a charity.
Vito Selma learned from masters like Kenneth Cobonpue when he was young. He then studied interior architecture in San Francisco, worked in Johannesburg, and took up his masters in industrial design in Milan.
Vito Selma has made waves at a Philippines International Furniture Show, where his marvelous Remini bookshelf won for Best Contemporary Furniture Design and his Nova lamps were hailed Best Home Accessory.
His designs seem fluid and in motion. I like that the look can be change according to your mood.
Hacienda Crafts
We saw a familiar face from our time in Germany – the Hacienda Crafts and Negros-based owners who were at Manila FAME. I absolutely love this envirosocial company because not only do they make beautiful unique pieces, but their pieces tell stories – of local tribes and artisans, environmental sustainability, and of programs for women, education and other people in need. Isn’t that just heartwarming? The seaglass votives are especially close to my heart, because I will always be an island girl.
A.Garcia / +TEAK
Filipiniana take on modern chairs in a Vitra-style showcase by A. GARCIA and +TEAK from Pampanga.
Love this modern use of solihiya (traditional weave used in traditional Filipino furniture) and this stool that is inspired by… can you guess? … a champagne cork cover!
Haute Home
Love these Haute Home plate chargers. Just brings so much oomph to the table. They are custom made and can be ordered in different colors with so many designs and matching napkin rings to choose from. If after a few years you change your color motif, you can easily have them change the color of your chargers for a fee. Awesome right?!
The Peacock Chair Redux display
The Peacock chair is an iconic Philippine chair and it was interesting to see how teams of different artists and manufacturers reinterpreted and modernized it. Check out the different materials and concepts!
Manila FAME did not disappoint. It was thrilling to be in the midst of such artistry, talent and craftsmanship. It was indeed a feast for the senses that the Department of Trade and Industry’s CITEM arm can be proud of. They do Filipinos proud and showcase Filipino talent at it’s best.
Kiculo
These beach bags from Kiculo are the epitome of class. In my book, the perfect chic white beachbags! OMG I so wanted to buy the one- unfortunately it was just for display at the moment. Must order soon. 
At 30mins before closing time I rushed over to the fashion hall and got myself a Filipiniana bag from LARONE (Can you believe this is only Php800 or ca. $16?) and tons of toddler-friendly necklaces from ISLAND GIRL.
IslandGirlPH
I may love uniform dressing in very basic pieces but I adore my jewelry! As a new mom, I’ve missed wearing necklaces, because my little hulk always grabs it. The Island Girl rope necklaces were exactly what I was looking for! Fabulous enough for mom and sturdy enough for my toddler to play with. #WinWin
ASEAN Crafts to the World Pavilion
Master Craftsmen from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam presented innovative applications of traditional techniques and native materials. This massive yellow creation that looks like a top and a lemon juicer is a toy for kids to exercise balance.
Manila FAME
The Philippine’s premier design and lifestyle event, Manila FAME is a bi-annual showcase of craftsmanship, design innovation, and artisanship in Philippine products. It features finely selected furniture and home furnishings, holiday gifts and décor, and fashion accessories designed and crafted in the Philippines for the global market.
Manila FAME is organized by the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). It is the second longest-running trade show in the Asia-Pacific, and is the only trade event in the country that is approved by Union des Foires Internationales (UFI), or the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, a Paris-based association of trade fair organizers founded 90 years ago in Milan, Italy in April 1925.
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