Manila FAME 2025 teases early look at Objects of Nature
By Aly Dela Peña
Pasay City–On October 8, 2025, Manila FAME offered a first look into the central settings of the anticipated home, fashion, and lifestyle trade show. At the heart of the historic “Walled City,” at Centro de Turismo Intramuros, an immersive media preview and guided walkthrough were conducted as a prelude to the sourcing show’s 73rd edition.
Manila FAME 2025 embodies the theme Objects of Nature, which takes inspiration from the Philippines’ diverse flora and fauna, landscapes, and bodies of water. Through various design applications, they are intersected with the country’s rich culture, traditions, and design prowess–ultimately putting the spotlight on fine craftsmanship from across the archipelago.
The preview’s main installation, revealed after a dramatic curtain drop, was filled with design inspirations from nature. It featured select pieces from Manila FAME’s Design Commune, a curated showcase of the show’s product development program aimed to support local brands and manufacturers to design for the global landscape; Artisans Village, Manila FAME’s regional spotlight, featuring the provinces of Bohol, Ilocos Sur, Quirino, and Tarlac; and Philippine Components, which highlight local manufacturers’ expertise in crafting bespoke elements for architectural and interior applications.
The following products from Design Commune were displayed: Poppy-inspired table and floor lamps from Camila Faye; Anahaw leaf rugs from Weavemanila; an accent table with metal leaves as legs and chairs with wave details from Jed Yabut; a fruit tray featuring ocean waves from Natures Legacy; lamps inspired by giant bird's nest from Dela Cruz House of Piña, and a metal twig tabletop with perched birds and candle votives from Artifeks.
For Artisans Village: a stool and flower vessels made of natural stones from Oricon Corporation; fossilized flowers from Maddela Flowers and Crafts; placemats and tablerunners with nature-inspired patterns from Tubigon Loomweavers; and bamboo placemats from ADDS Bambutek Handi Crafts. This special setting is led by Global Trend Ambassador Patti Carpenter and Product Development Specialist Rachelle Dagñalan.
Lastly, Yrezabal and Furniture’s claddings made of laminated rattan were exhibited for Philippine Components, a showcase curated by designer Tony Gonzales..png)
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque emphasized the agency’s support to the creative industry. "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."
Meanwhile, Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) introduced the designers and led the unveiling of the preview’s central installation. “From being the industry youngbloods who pushed forward Filipino design and thus put the country on the global map, they are now widely regarded as design masters who are also teaching younger creatives to carry on the work of exemplifying Filipino excellence.”
Present at the event were Manila FAME exhibitor and globally renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue, along with veteran designers Tony Gonzales and Milo Naval, who spearheaded the product development for the show’s Design Commune Elements of Nature and Home at FAME, respectively.
The designers were pioneering members of Movement 8–an ensemble of creatives that ushered Filipino design to global recognition from the late ‘90s to early 2000s.
Aside from the Design Commune, Artisans Village, and Philippine Components settings, new products from the FASHIONPhilippines in Milan mentorship program showcased during the September Fashion Week will also be exhibited at the show.
Catch the full experience on Manila FAME, set to once again open its doors on October 16-18, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City. Manila FAME is organized by CITEM, the export promotion arm of DTI.
