In Full Bloom: Inside the product development journey shaping Manila FAME 2026

A look of what's in store

More than a mere aesthetic motif, Manila FAME 2026’s Bloom captures a flourishing creative landscape, honoring the mastery, material fluency, and quiet drive of Filipino makers. As Asia Pacific’s second-longest-running trade event for home, fashion, and lifestyle, the fair elevates local artistry to the world stage. Marking its 74th edition on October 15–17, this year's showcase launches hundreds of new designs that bridge generational craft with contemporary luxury.

At the heart of the edition is the Design Commune, where veteran curator and creative strategist Tony Gonzales mentors five emerging talents—Dya Tsyna, Jaime Brias, Jim Zarate Torres, Reine Shih, and Uzel Alconera. Together with 20 manufacturers, they will reveal 90 original home decor pieces to be showcased mimicking an art installation. In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, Gonzales champions an unapologetically human touch, crafting objects infused with raw emotion and soul—qualities no machine can replicate.

Expanding the Design Commune's footprint, designer Josef Crisanto makes a triumphant return to direct a dedicated holiday showcase. Anchored by the dual motifs of Pasko (Christmas) and Pasqua (Easter)—signifying reflection and rebirth—Crisanto collaborates with rising designers Clark Mendoza and Razel Mari alongside 12 manufacturers to unveil 40 bespoke pieces.

Completing the narrative, curator Milo Naval leads Home at FAME, a modern, minimalist exploration of furniture and lighting. Partnering with second-generation leaders of heritage manufacturers, Naval’s collection embraces organic forms and natural materials, illustrating the enduring vitality and quiet strength of Philippine design.

Ahead, discover the visionary brands shaping the next chapter of Philippine design with their latest collections.

Contemporaneo

Contemporaneo General Manager Arnulfo Milambiling at their factory in Pasig City

 

A champion of sustainable innovation, Contemporaneo elevates eco-conscious craftsmanship to an art form, breathing new life into discarded wood chips through striking, sculptured silhouettes. For its curated collection, the brand debuts a bar cabinet, totem pole, console, and center and drink tables—each richly finished in its signature upcycled marquetry.

Over at the Philippine Components showcase, the focus shifts to pure architectural drama, as intricate wall panels utilize rhythmic, repetitive motifs to construct mesmerizing optical illusions.

 

Art Meets Craft

Design sketches for Art Meets Craft

What makes home decor from Art Meets Craft stand out is its vibrant bursts of color, bright unconventional patterns, and unique silhouettes. The designers took this to another level and challenged them with a floor lamp inspired by balloon models, a taffy candy-inspired accent chair, and animal prints imprinted on unconventionally shaped chairs and sofa.

Nature’s Legacy

Left: Designer Tony Gonzales and mentees Jim Zarate, Uzel Alconera, and Deya Tsyna pose with CITEM Project Officer Dana Anaya and Nature’s Legacy President and CEO Pete Delantar; Right: Products made of Naturescast, an award-winning, B-Corp certified sustainable, biodegradable material developed by Nature’s Legacy.

Design sketch of the vases for Nature's Legacy’s Bubble Collection

At the forefront of sustainable design and material innovation, Cebu-based Nature’s Legacy transforms natural waste and raw organic elements into internationally certified materials that bridge the circular economy with modern luxury. Under the direction of President and CEO Pete Delantar, the brand turns to an ethereal muse for its latest collection: the weightless, effervescent playfulness of bubbles. That foamy lather is captured in sculpted table lamps, candle holders, and vases that marry eco-conscious crafting with fluid, poetic form.

Bon Ace

Design sketches and renders for the newest prototypes of Bon Ace

A master of material innovation, Bon Ace elevates shells, resin, and natural elements into high-end decor, bespoke hardware, and fashion accessories. For its latest showcase, the brand presents a tray inspired by the rich depths of midnight, and a sculpted stool—each piece reflecting its signature inlay techniques and exquisite material manipulation.

Lija by That One Piece

The Manila FAME design team with Luis de Jesus of Lija by That One Piece

Fusing artisanal tradition with a clean, contemporary silhouette, Lija by That One Piece turns natural elements into statement lighting and refined home accents. The brand will debut a luminous collection of tabletop decor, sculptural pendants, and decorative boxes crafted from tinted fossilized leaves. Arranged in rhythmic, repetitive patterns, each piece offers a striking play of texture and vibrant color.

 

South East Metro Arts 

Milo Naval designing sketches for SEMA

Transforming Mt. Pinatubo’s historic volcanic ash into artful composite furniture and metalwork, South East Metro Arts (SEMA) crafts distinctive pieces for contemporary global interiors. Aligning with this season’s Bloom theme, the brand unveils a collection of lighting and sculptural accents inspired by native flora—champaca, ylang-ylang, and bird of paradise. Through signature material innovation, SEMA translates these botanical motifs into striking home decor that brings the organic elegance of nature indoors.

Jalikee

Renowned for its mastery of seasonal artistry, Jalikee brings a soulful dimension to the holiday showcase. Translating spiritual heritage into striking, handcrafted accents, the brand turns to Palm Sunday traditions, majestic trees, and classic nativity mangers for its latest collection—reimagining sacred motifs into expressive, modern heirlooms for the festive home.

Natureline Enterprises

Design Commune Holiday Curator Josef Crisanto and mentee Clark Mendoza with Natureline Owner Mina Caubang and CITEM Project Officer Maan Baldemoro during their consultation

Championing eco-conscious design, Natureline Enterprise transforms locally sourced materials into artisanal woven lighting and home accents. For its newest collection, the brand relies on expert hand-weaving to craft organic tabletop eggs made of straw, a striking nine-pointed star, and a classic parol (Christmas lantern) cleverly designed to double as a chime—bringing warmth, sound, and natural elegance to modern interiors.

Experience these latest collections firsthand at Manila FAME, where heritage craftsmanship blooms into contemporary vision. Here, every piece—painstakingly carved, woven, forged, and hand-hammered—tells a story of relentless material innovation and the flourishing future of Philippine design.

Step inside to meet the visionaries and master artisans nurturing this creative evolution, explore curated settings, and discover bespoke, proudly Filipino-made designs that bring the full spectrum of Bloom to life.

Manila FAME is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Discover more and register at https://fameplus.com/manila_fame/.