Showcasing the Philippines’ best under one roof
For years, visiting local fairs, trade events, and exhibitions has given us exciting glimpses into the rich and diverse applications of Filipino creativity and culture. They have become much-anticipated annual events, flocked to by shoppers and traders alike.
But when the exhibitions and the fairs end, where do you go to find the best products of the country? Searching for and visiting each enterprise one by one is no easy feat, after all.
Thankfully, now, there is the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, an experiential hub and showroom that houses around 2,000 products by 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Open all year-round, the multi-function exhibition, retail, and incubation facility showcases the Philippines’ diverse export capabilities, featuring food, health and wellness, fashion, textiles, accessories, traditional arts and crafts, furniture, and decor.
The creation of Likhang Filipino
Likhang Filipino, headed by the Office of the President and Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), was opened to the public last Jan. 20, providing a “premium exhibition and retail space to local manufacturers and exporters, all of which are vetted exhibitors of CITEM’s signature trade shows, Manila FAME and IFEX Philippines.”
The space is set to become a hub “where local and international buyers, tourists, and delegations to Philippine-hosted global events can more easily discover the breadth and depth of what Filipino talent and ingenuity can produce,” CITEM says in a release. Aside from being an exhibition space, Likhang Filipino also has dedicated facilities where product development, collaborations, demonstrations, and even mentorships can be held.
What to expect
Likhang Filipino stands where the PhilTrade Center once stood, continuing a legacy of showcasing the best of Philippine artistry and craftsmanship. The exhibition halls are divided into six galleries, designed by some of the country’s top designers and the Design Center of the Philippines.
Creations by our Indigenous communities and master artisans can be found in Gallery 2, which spotlights traditional arts and crafts. Here, visitors can take a closer look at the artistry of our cultural groups, with a curated selection of arts and antiques, handwoven looms, chests, trunks, baskets, wood carvings, and even musical and ethnic instruments.
For cultural expressions most suited for everyday, Gallery 3 houses enterprises in fashion, textiles, and accessories. Here, designers and ateliers showcase their creations, from clothing to shoes, bags, and jewelry. The Design Center of the Philippines oversees this gallery, with the saranggola-inspired elements as a highlight.
Multi-awarded designer Tony Gonzales designed Gallery 1, which houses the special exhibits and design library. Gallery 1 highlights half a century of Philippine design history, delving into the contexts in which decades of Filipino designers across fields have worked.
Already an established name in interior design, Ito Kish lends his expertise in designing Galleries 4 and 5, covering furniture and lighting, and home decor, respectively.
Lastly, Al Caronan of the Movement 8 design collective puts together his experience as a designer, materials specialist, and exporter in transforming Gallery 6 into a space for food and wellness—categories best experienced through the senses. Here, visitors to the hub can check out jarred and packaged food and beverage items, as well as fresh local produce.
The Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls are located at the International Trade Center Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entrance is free
