The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will showcase the world-class designs and works of 15 brands, artisans, artists from the Philippines at the upcoming French trade fair Maison et Objet on Jan. 18 to 22 in Paris.
The DESIGN Philippines Pavillion, dubbed as "ARTIPELAGO," will feature unique pieces, particularly furniture, lamps and lighting from participating companies, highlighting the way Filipino designers transform ordinary items into functional art forms.
The collection aims to flaunt and promote Philippine culture and heritage through modern design using techniques such as woodcarving, veneer and marquetry, and weaving, as well as utilizing abaca, bamboo, raffia, rattan, capiz, pineapple, and banana fibers.
The 15 Filipino companies included are JB Woodcraft, Finali Furniture, South Sea Veneer, A. Garcia, Weavemanila, Jireh Forge, Venzon Lighting & Objects, Indigenous, Zarate Manila, Mejore, Aerostone, Nature’s Legacy, Tadeco, and Vito Selma.
To help visitors engage with the featured products, the showcase will be curated by designer Anton R. Mendoza.
CITEM said it has also forged a partnership with the Office of the First Lady to unveil a special gallery setup at the ARTIPELAGO, showing paintings and artworks by Filipino artists such as Dino Gabito, Marrie Saplad, Pong Bayog, Demi Padua, Jigger Cruz, Manny Garibay, Cedrick Dela Paz, Arnold Lalongisip, Ciron Seneres, Chino Yulo, Mark Copino, Arce, Bryan Teves, and Jana Benitez.
CITEM Executive Director Edward L. Fereira said the agency is looking forward to the ARTIPELAGO at the Maison et Objet "that exemplifies the dynamic and vibrant local design scene that has emerged from our unique geography, history, and cultural influences."
"We aim to demonstrate through this participation that Philippine-made products can compete globally in terms of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation,” he added.
Aside from viewing the physical pavillion, the works and companies will also be shown on Maison et Objet's digital platform MOM throughout this year.
The Maison et Objet is considered as one of the major trade events in Europe and the design industry, gathering more than 6,000 visitors from 147 countries worldwide.
CITEM said it is the ideal space to promote Philippine-made designs to the European market, and strengthen Filipino firms' connections in the international design space.
The ARTIPELAGO at the trade fair was made possible in partnership with the DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group, and the Foreign Trade Services Corps, along with support from Philippine embassies and consulates in Europe.