PH exporters expect to generate $25M in orders from Manila Fame

Local exporters are expected to generate about $25 million in on-the-spot sales at the ongoing 60th edition of the Manila Fame, the leading lifestyle and design exposition in Southeast Asia.

Rosvi Gaetos, executive director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem), disclosed that the target for this four-day event was almost double the $14 million in sales generated in the March edition, which featured mostly home furniture and furnishings.

Gaetos said sales should be more brisk in the October 2014 edition as the featured products can be moved faster than the furniture products showcased in March.
Manila Fame is aimed at positioning the Philippines as an ideal sourcing hub of finely crafted products for the local and global market.

Each edition targets to unveil the modern Filipino’s design sensibility and to bring together promising talents and seasoned artisans.

“This edition of Manila Fame is set to unfold cutting-edge collections of handcrafted products designed by Filipino craftsmen. Through this bi-annual event, Citem intends to solidify the image of the Filipinos’ artistry and design ingenuity in the global community,” Gaetos said.

Among those showcased were ready-to-buy collections of table accessories developed under the Design for Exports Program, in collaboration with 17 manufacturers who are experts in working with natural materials such as abaca (a plant fiber), ceramic, wood, metal, capiz and mother of pearl.

Also being promoted were the unique, Philippine-made fashion pieces that combine artisanal crafts with contemporary sensibilities, as well as local indigenous fibers and textiles.

Manila Fame is one of the longest running trade shows in Asia Pacific, and is the only trade event in the country approved by the Union des Foires Internationales (UFI), the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Amy R. Remo