How ArteFino changed the way Filipinos shop local
As it celebrates 10 years, its local luxury movement continues to inspire Filipinos to embrace homegrown craftsmanship
Published Jul 18, 2026 12:11 pm
There was a time when Filipino craftsmanship was often limited to souvenir shops and small Filipiniana corners in department stores. Today, modern Filipiniana is no longer reserved for formal occasions, handcrafted furniture and home décor have become design staples, and supporting local artisans has evolved from a niche interest into a lifestyle.
(Photos: ArteFino Fair)
Over the past decade, ArteFino has become one of the country's strongest platforms for Filipino craftsmanship. The fair celebrates its 10th year with "ArteFino: Isang Dekada," happening from July 30 to Aug. 2 across multiple venues at Power Plant Mall in Makati City.
Featuring more than 100 Filipino brands, the fair features exclusive collections, immersive displays, and new collaborations that continue to champion local craftsmanship.
Cedie Vargas, Maritess Pineda, Susan Quiros, Marimel Francisco, and Armita Rufino
When co-founders Maritess Pineda, Armita Rufino, Susie Quiros, Cedie Vargas, and Marimel Francisco mounted the first ArteFino fair, they had a clear purpose. “We knew from the beginning that we needed to promote locally-made products and in the process help our artisan communities,” the founders said.
Shared purpose
For Maritess, one of the movement's greatest achievements has been seeing Filipinos embrace locally made products with a renewed sense of pride.
“What makes me happy and proud is the fact that what started as a desire to help the indigenous communities blossomed into a movement here and abroad. Now, you see a certain awareness of using the local crafts in our lifestyle in the modern setting. These days, Filipinos of different ages are proud to wear the modern Filipiniana attire even during their day-to-day activities and not only for special events,” she tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle.
Cultural shift
That growing appreciation is evident not only in fashion but also in accessories, home décor, wellness products, and even food, as consumers become more interested in the stories behind what they buy.
Armita has also witnessed how dramatically Filipino shopping habits have evolved over the years. “At present, it seems that Filipino buyers enjoy Filipino designers and are proud to use Filipino products. Modern Filipiniana has become quite popular and is worn not only at parties but also in everyday life. This is reflected not only in clothing but also in accessories like bags and shoes, as well as home décor. In fact, we have seen foreign brands use the same materials that we have in the Philippines.”
The movement has also encouraged buyers to appreciate the value of handmade work. Cedie explains, “When you purchase a handcrafted piece, you are investing in the artisan's time, honoring their dignity, and supporting a legacy of Filipino creativity that cannot be replicated by machines, works that uniquely carry the mark of the maker, and the culture of the communities behind its tradition.”
What to expect
To mark the milestone, participating designers have created exclusive Dekada Collections. New attractions include Studio ArteFino, a retail space showcasing products developed, designed, or handpicked by the founders, and Eats by ArteFino, a lifestyle destination created with The Seven Pantry that celebrates food, home, and entertaining. Visitors can also explore immersive exhibition spaces at the North and South Courts by Philippine Institute of Interior Designers president Cecil Ravelas, as well as the signature Central Display by Gino Gonzales at The Fifth.
The fair will also spotlight responsible retailing through HeArteFino grantees, including Project Nova, Zarah Juan, and Anthill Fabric Gallery, alongside a collaboration with Isla Tek that explores the use of natural fibers such as pineapple, banana, and abaca.
Looking ahead
For Marimel, the next decade begins by staying true to Filipino identity. “Stay rooted in who you are. The world doesn't need us to imitate what's already been done elsewhere. Our greatest strength lies in our own backyard—the stories, traditions, materials, and our culture.”
ArteFino has grown into more than a marketplace. As the founders put it, “We honor the artisans, traditions, and communities that laid our foundation. Today, we celebrate the movement we have built together. Looking ahead, we set our gaze on creating opportunities, driving innovation, and ensuring that our heritage continues to flourish for generations to come.”