If there’s one thing the Philippines can truly call its own luxury, it’s the richness of its natural wonders. Every island in the archipelago is home to unique flora and fauna, landscapes, and bodies of water that have long been the sources of materials—and inspiration—for many Filipino artisans and designers. That’s exactly what the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) aim to spotlight at this year’s Manila Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers' Exchange (FAME), the creative synergy between nature and artisans.

“The word ‘nature’ here has a duality. On one hand, it refers to the natural physical world. The Philippines’ abundant resources have always inspired designers to transform what’s native and organic into something refined, functional, and truly world-class,” CITEM executive director Leah Pulido Ocampo tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “On the other hand, ‘nature’ also refers to what’s intrinsic to Philippine design itself—something deeply embedded in our creative DNA. Filipino craftsmen are, at their core, masterful material manipulators. Their technical skill and artistry breathe new life into local and natural materials, turning them into globally appealing products that still bear that unmistakable Filipino soul.”

With the theme “Objects of Nature,” guests can expect to witness the beauty of Philippine nature through the lens of Filipino visionaries as they translate it into various design applications. During its preview on Oct. 8, 2025, at the Centro de Turismo Intramuros in Manila City, Manila FAME offered a first look at what will be on display at its upcoming showcase.

Many of the exhibitors are from the Manila FAME’s Design Commune, a curated showcase of the show’s product development program that supports local brands and manufacturers in designing for the global landscape. The premier trade show will also present the works of the Artisans Village, its regional spotlight, highlighting the provinces of Bohol, Ilocos Sur, Quirino, and Tarlac. Meanwhile, the Philippine Components will showcase local manufacturers’ expertise in crafting bespoke elements for architectural and interior applications.

Also present at the preview were Filipino design luminaries Kenneth Cobonpue, Tony Gonzales, and Milo Naval—the pioneering members of Movement 8, an ensemble of creatives that propelled Filipino design to global recognition from the late 1990s to early 2000s. Tony and Milo are among the key leaders of this year’s Manila FAME, spearheading the product development for the show’s Design Commune Elements of Nature and Home at FAME, respectively.

Complementing the Design Commune, Artisans Village, and Philippine Component showcases is the new creations from the FashionPhilippines in Milan mentorship program, which was previously unveiled during September Fashion Week.

As the export promotion arm of DTI, CITEM believes initiatives like Manila FAME not only put the Philippines on the global map, but also allow “younger creatives to carry on the work of exemplifying Filipino excellence.”

"Through strategic programs by the DTI and CITEM, we are empowering our MSMEs, artisans, and creative entrepreneurs—equipping them with essential mentorship, design innovation, and access to international markets," DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque says.

Manila FAME is the second-longest-running trade show in all of Asia. Its 73rd edition will take place from Oct. 16 to 18, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Scan the QR code to learn more about our conversation with CITEM executive director Leah Pulido Ocampo.