Expanding the circles of culture and craft: MaArte at The Pen returns with purpose and passion

Officers of the MaArte Fair Organizer, The Museum Foundation of the Philippines, pose with MaArte Fair at the Pen 2025 Exhibitors who attended a special preview of this year's fair which will have the theme: Kaalaman, Kultura at Kaartehan. --CONTRIBUTED

More than just a shopping event, MaArte at The Pen has become a celebration of Filipino soul—where heritage meets innovation, and where craftsmanship becomes a means of preserving and strengthening our cultural identity.

From August 7 to 10, 2025, the halls of The Peninsula Manila will once again come alive with the vibrancy and ingenuity of Filipino work at its finest. Now in its 16th year, MaArte is the signature fundraising event of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, and this year’s fair takes on deeper meaning as the foundation reflects its goal of “Cultivating Partnerships, Strengthening Legacy.”

This theme speaks to more than just the fair’s growing roster of artisans and patrons—it reflects the Foundation’s enduring commitment to supporting Philippine museums and cultural institutions nationwide. With every item purchased and every partnership forged, MaArte helps sustain programs that protect, celebrate, and pass on the richness of Filipino history and creativity.

A favorite at the MaArte Fair every year, Happy Andrada’s much anticipated new collection will deliver the wow factor.

Kaalaman, Kultura, at Kaartehan—A Love Letter to Filipino Craft

At the heart of this year’s MaArte Fair is a tribute to the artistic journey:

Kaalaman, the mastery of a craft, its techniques, and the materials used for it.

Kultura, the deep, lived context of our heritage that influences aesthetics, and serves as the root of inspiration; and Kaartehan, the flair, that innate imagination and creativity that make every creation distinct.

With over 160 exhibitors, including 40 first-time participants, this year’s fair continues to grow—not just in size, but in diversity and vision. For the first time, MaArte introduces a food and beverage category, highlighting culinary artisans whose offerings are as thoughtful and crafted as any piece of jewelry or textile.

Palaweño Brewery has been making waves with many firsts: First Palawan brewed craft beer sold in the US, the first craft beer brewed by women, and this year, among the first food and beverage exhibitors at the MaArte at the Pen.

Design with Soul: This Year’s Must-See Exhibitors

MaArte 2025 brings together some of the country’s most exciting creative entrepreneur-cultural advocates:

Happy Andrada– Inventive takes on Filipiniana, showcasing modern silhouettes and hand-embroidered artistry.

Art Joy – Creating one-of-a-kind jewelry inspired by natural and man-made wonders of the Philippines

Oscar Mejia – Crafting scents that connect Filipinos to home, memory, and identity.

Neil Felipp – Internationally acclaimed for bags and accessories that combine fantasy elements and meticulous intricately detailed brass work.

La Mesa Mead (CoffeeXmead) – Makers of the country’s first commercially available Filipino mead, blending heritage and fermentation science.

Yssa Studio – Filipiniana fabrics done in traditional style, but with modern design, elements, lines and versatility.

Raquel’s Piña Cloth– A celebration of the timeless beauty of our native textiles.

Construction Layers (new) – Retro future apparel with an early 20th century aesthetic, infused with unconventional elements, and atypical fabric choices.

Alexie Nethercott – Hand crafted shoes and fashion accessories that are unique, intricately detailed, and unmistakably Filipino.

Angkan – Custom pieces hand drawn and hand crafted by Carol de Leon, Angkan supports indigenous communities, all products are 100% Philippine made,

Palawan Brewery – The first craft brewery in Palawan, the first craft beer made by women, and the first Filpino craft brewery in the US.

…And many more artisans, each offering not just products, but pieces of Philippine culture reinterpreted through their eyes, hands, and hearts

The astoundingly intricate, and unmistakably Filipino brass work of Neil Felipp will again be one of MaArte at the Pen’s undeniable highlights.

Beyond the Market: A Mission with Impact

Every MaArte Fair is a gesture of generosity. A portion of proceeds from every purchase goes directly to the Museum Foundation of the Philippines’ programs for the National Museum and the museum community, enabling it to sustain vital work in safeguarding our national heritage. From exhibitions and conservation efforts to education and outreach, the Foundation’s impact continues to grow—thanks in part to those who support the fair.

In a world where tradition is easily lost and culture often commodified, MaArte stands as a loving and deliberate act: to celebrate, elevate, and protect what makes us Filipino.

Admission is free. For more information, visit the Museum Foundation’s Instagram or the official website at museumfoundationph.org.