The Philippines has long been home to world-class talent, producing export-quality goods that span arts and craft, fashion, home and furniture, and food. Yet, as an archipelago, access to these creations has often been fragmented. With the reopening of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, that gap begins to close, offering a permanent space where Filipino creativity converges under one roof.

Led by the Office of the President through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the reopening fulfills Executive Order No. 75, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to strengthen the country’s export promotion efforts. Supported by the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the halls were officially launched on Jan. 15, 2025 at the International Trade Center Complex along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.

Designed as a year-round exhibition, retail, and incubation facility, the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls house six galleries that showcase more than 2,000 products from nearly 200 enterprises. All participating brands are vetted exhibitors from CITEM’s flagship trade shows, Manila Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers’ Exchange (FAME), and International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines, offering visitors a curated view of Filipino design excellence and export readiness.

“It’s going to be a ground zero for creativity,” DCP executive director Rhea Matute told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. She added that the halls aim to foster a culture of design-driven innovation by providing an open and collaborative space for Filipino creatives.

Gallery 1, known as the Black Box, serves as an immersive and experimental venue for special exhibits and the Design Library. It traces a 50-year history of Philippine design, beginning in the 1970s, and situates the work of Filipino creatives across disciplines such as furniture, graphics, gifts, houseware, and film. Its inaugural showcase features art chair pieces inspired by the “New Buri” works of DCP founding director Arturo Luz, reimagined by contemporary designers and manufacturers.

Rhea also said that this location can be an events space for different artistic shows and programs, such as student exhibitions, workshops, and even fashion shows.

Gallery 2 focuses on traditional arts and crafts, celebrating the enduring artistry of indigenous communities and master artisans. Here, heritage meets innovation through handwoven looms, baskets, wood carvings, musical instruments, ethnic accessories, and antiques that reflect cultural identity and craftsmanship.

Modern interpretations take center stage in Gallery 3, dedicated to fashion, textiles, and accessories. The space features ready-to-wear pieces, bespoke creations, and wearable art from today’s most sought-after designers specializing in clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, and accessories, including Rhett Eala, Jo Ann Bitagcol, and Arnel Papa.

Gallery 4 highlights furniture and lighting, showcasing bold perspectives and expressive forms that range from sculptural and biomorphic designs to refined Asian contemporary accents. The selection includes home and outdoor furniture, tabletop and kitchen goods, rugs, beddings, pillows, and lighting pieces intended to bring warmth and character to interiors. Some of the respected names and companies that are part of the show are Ito Kish, Noel Tañada, and Hacienda Crafts.

In Gallery 5, home decor, gifts, and holiday decor, tradition blends with modern sensibilities through linens, dining and entertaining goods, kitchenware, fine art, and seasonal decor that elevate everyday living.

Rounding out the experience is Gallery 6, highlighting Filipino food products and health and wellness essentials. The space presents premium chocolates, coffee and tea, vegan and meat alternatives, delicacies, condiments, and beverages. Different exporters such as Marigold Manufacturing Corporation (Mama Sita’s), Desterilia Limpauco, and Kain Anya International Food Corporation can be found here.

Together, the six galleries position the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls as a vibrant showcase of Filipino imagination, craftsmanship, and innovation, now accessible year-round to both local and international audiences.

“If you look through all these galleries, you'll see that the design is really innovative. It’s defining that creative identity—the cultural mapping, the labeling, and the purchasing,” said Cultural Center of the Philippines Chairman Eric Zerrudo. “Part of the research is within the Filipinization program, which aims to clearly define our creative identity across different crafts and innovations. The synchronicity of all these efforts is designed to define the Filipinoness of our creative identity.”

The Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls are set to welcome guests and dignitaries attending the series of meetings leading to the ASEAN Summit that the Philippines is hosting this year.

Located at the International Trade Center Complex (formerly PhilTrade), Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, it will be open to the public for free starting on Jan. 20, 2026. Likhang Filipino operates from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit its official website https://likhangfilipino.com.ph. For questions, email [email protected].