Tarlac showcases its cultural tapestry at Manila FAME’s Artisans Village
By Aly dela Peña
Filipino creativity takes the spotlight at the Artisans Village, a special feature that captures local craftsmanship and regional excellence at the annual home, fashion, and lifestyle trade show Manila FAME. For the show’s 73rd edition, Product Development Specialist Rachelle Dagñalan leads the province of Tarlac, collaborating with MSMEs whose work embodies tradition and innovation.
“It feels great to be back,” Dagñalan shares. “There’s something magical about seeing your designs come to life with our local manufacturers. That’s what keeps designers pumped up to keep creating.”
Dagñalan was a Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) Red Box Junior Designer in 2013–and her return to Manila FAME 2025 is a raring homecoming. By collaborating with Tarlac-based artisans, she returns to the sourcing show not just as a designer but as a mentor determined to contribute to the evolution of local artistry.
Her collection, aligned with Manila FAME’s theme “Objects of Nature”, highlights the interplay between natural symmetry, patterns, and materials–transforming petals, leaves, vines, and vegetables into inspired silhouettes.
A total of 14 manufacturers will showcase their work at the Tarlac pavilion. They will exhibit pieces made from various materials such as terracotta clay, stone, wood, cotton yarn, rattan, and more.
After their consultation session, Dagñalan poses with Pascasio Pottery Manager Joeffrey Pascasio and CITEM staff.
Tarlac: a melting pot of craft and culture
At the heart of this showcase is Tarlac itself, a province described as a melting pot of cultures. Bordered by Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Zambales, the province is home to diverse communities: Ilocano, Kapampangan, Pangasinense, and Tagalog, along with indigenous groups like the Aeta. Over the years, the cultures have blended seamlessly, shaping Tarlac’s identity as a crossroad of Luzon.
This cultural fusion is reflected in their crafts. From earthy terracotta jars from Pascasio Pottery, to the intricate macrame of PRIMA, from Oricon’s stone furniture to the stained wood wall decor of Woodinspirations Crafts, every piece carries influences from the province’s varied traditions, but with a vision of taking up space in stores and homes abroad.
As Dagnalan puts it, “Good design resonates a feeling or emotion when you see it. When designing, we think of the environment these objects will adorn. My role is to push our exhibitors to create something different out of the skills and resources they have.”
In 2023, the Philippine pavilion at the leading European trade fair Ambiente featured 10 manufacturers from Tarlac. The brands that have notable approaches to sustainability offer an appeal for fine craftsmanship and intricate details.
Dagñalan with Oricon Corporation President Gisela Magcalas and the CITEM team
Meet the participating companies
PRIMA, a pioneer in macramé weaving in Tarlac, uses natural raw materials in producing its pieces. For Artisans Village 2025, they are bringing floor lamps, home decor, and accessories.
Leading stone company Oricon elevates stone craftsmanship by creating tabletops inspired by natural flora.
Known for their terracotta jars, Pascasio pottery adds whimsy to the collection with garlic, bean pod, and pumpkin-inspired tabletops.
Woodinspirations Crafts, a manufacturer of decor, gifts, fashion items, and plaques using ethically sourced materials, will showcase wall decor featuring geometrical stained wood.
For Dagñalan, the mission goes beyond the designs. She aims to equip Tarlac’s artisans for the global market. By drawing from their cultural roots while embracing new forms, the makers are showing how a province long known as Luzon’s melting pot can also become a melting pot of creativity with global appeal.
Manila FAME’s 73rd edition will run from October 16-18, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, organized by CITEM, the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Catch Dagñalan’s designs at the Artisans Village and discover more at https://fameplus.com/registration/buyer.
