Through the past decades, the world has taken notice of our country due to a wide spectrum of reasons—politics, sports, beauty contests, culinary, arts, fashion, and so on. It is easy for anybody to see that these things have propelled the Philippines into the world stage, giving us an edge over many of our ASEAN neighbors.
This is why it is such a joy to see new locally made products that are truly Filipino in design and craftsmanship, with world-class quality and charm. So, when a friend, Marc de la Cruz, invited me to a press preview of locally made “odds and ends” on display at The Peninsula’s Salon de Ning, I didn’t have second thoughts about going.
The event was actually just a teaser of the MaArte oPen House, a yearly fair which will take place at the hotel next month. What I find unique is the way the items will be laid out during the fair for the public to appreciate.
Remember the legendary open-door parties of the North Syquia Apartments at the start of this century? Known as an enclave of the metro’s popular fashion designers, artists, artisans, publishers, and other creative individuals, at a date designated by its residents, the North Syquia Apartments would be transformed into one big party venue and guests could move from one apartment to the other, to socialize and have fun.
That will also be the set up on August 16-18, when 41 guest rooms on two designated floors of The Pen will showcase exclusive limited edition pieces of home décor, food, men’s and women’s fashion, and accessories made by Filipino craftsmen.
Museum Foundation of the Philippines Inc. (MFPI) resident Albert Avellana proudly announced that it certainly will be a different, unique shopping experience for customers.
Featuring more than 60 vetted exhibitors, the three-day event will highlight Pinoy creativity bannered by locally produced but globally appealing designs of the masterpieces on display. It also aims to create more opportunities for local businesses, the main reason why The Pen continues to support it, now in its third year.
The hotel’s director of Public Relations, Mariano Garchitorena, grinned from ear to ear as he witnessed the potters from Sagada, the weavers from Lake Sebu, the bag makers of Davao, and the jewelers of Muntinlupa, among many others, preparing their attractive and enviable masterpieces for the event.
This eagerly awaited yearly event is actually a fundraiser organized by the MFPI, a non-stock private sector initiative dedicated to helping preserve and promote our country’s rich artistic and cultural heritage by way of funding and supporting projects of the National Museum and other museums in the country.
Proceeds of this yearly fair have enabled MFPI to help fund the transformation of the old Department of Tourism building along T.M. Kalaw Street in Ermita, Manila into our new National Museum of Natural History, which is now enjoyed by many. In gratitude, the National Museum dedicated to and named after MFPI its foyer located below the iconic Tree of Life.
Museums play an important role in our growth and progress as a nation. They are not just repositories of relics, but are treasure houses of our memories and hopes as Filipinos. They are the precarious link between our past and our present. Artist and MFPI vice president Phyllis Zaballero declares that MFPI’s core values support the proper management and further study of these priceless cultural resources so that they may be appreciated by more people.
More information on the MaArte Open House at The Peninsula Manila, August 16-18, may be obtained from Marc de la Cruz at marc@mgasiapr.com or through 0917-5337216.
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.
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