Let’s Go to the MaArte Fair

August 27, 2015 posted by Vicki in Dot Dot Dot

Filipinos have always been known for their fine natural handicrafts, furniture and embroidery. As a young girl, I remember going to Pasay City with my parents to visit the Christmas bazaars or handicrafts fairs. There would be rows and rows of vendors down the long hallways selling their embroidered linens; shell picture frames and jewelry boxes; mother of pearl spoons, placemats and napkin holders, rattan sofa sets and coffee tables; woven rugs, handbags and other household items. Many of these were exported to European markets and sometimes you would see them in US department stores with the label “Made in the Philippines.” These items were so plentiful and found everywhere so Filipinos found them to be ordinary and instead longed for European or US furnishings and home decoration items.

T’nalak tinalak and ikat throw pillows

Today, this is no longer the case as this scene has expanded and is certainly thriving. Yes, the natural material is still around, but today these crafts and artisans are managed by a new generation of owners or made by designers who are exposed to a more international design aesthetic and may have even studied, lived or traveled abroad, influencing this art and bringing them to a whole new level.

Casa Mercedes fans and Adante Leyesa bags and jewelry

Locally made and designed products are still not only being exported to other countries but now the local market has embraced these items are proud to show them off in their home or on themselves. As I’ve said previously here on thegypsetters.net, when I travel I like to take a few of my Filipino designer clothes and accessories with me and they always seem to merit an ooh here or a “Where did you get that?” there.

Gorgeous pieces by Michelline Syjuco

Tomorrow marks the start of The Museum Foundation of the Philippines’ MaARTe Fair, a food, craft, art and design volunteer-run bazaar that will showcase indigenous, handcrafted and artisanal Philippine arts and crafts that aren’t being sold in commercial spaces. Here you will be able to find home décor such as T’nalak throw pillows, Casa Mercedes fans, Statement Theory home accessories such as throw pillows and cake stands, Adante Leyesa jewelry and bags, gorgeous intricate pieces by beautiful jewelry designer Michelline Syjuco and even The Gypsetters’ friend and fellow blogger The Spoiled Mummy’s Grace Home products.

Nipa Foods Cashew Butter and Standford Shaw Ginger Ale

Furthermore, enjoy organic goodies from Hindy Tantoco’s Holy Carabao, drinks from Standford Shaw or take home items like Nipa Foods’ cashew butter for all the family to enjoy. So don’t forget to make time to head over to the MaARTe fair this weekend, tomorrow until August 30, from 10AM – 9PM at the Rockwell Tent, Makati. See you there!

The Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. is a non-stock, not-for-profit membership and volunteer organization dedicated to developing greater awareness and appreciation of the Philippines’ rich artistic and cultural heritage, in partnership with the National Museum and its divisions and branches. To learn more about their projects, visit their website.

For more updates on the 2015 MaARTe Fair, follow them on Facebook and don’t forget to tag your Instagram posts #MaArteFair.

Holy Carabao’s guyabano and chia shake and quinoa stir-fry