Premier Lifestyle Show Puts Filipino Craftsmanship in Global Spotlight

As artificial intelligence and automation reshape the global economy, consumers are showing renewed interest in products made by human hands. Across the lifestyle market, buyers are moving away from mass-produced uniformity toward pieces that tell authentic stories, reflect artisanal heritage and bring warmth to the home.

This shift sets the stage for the 74th Manila FAME, the country’s flagship export trade show for home, fashion and lifestyle products, on Oct. 15 to 17 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. The event will bring together about 400 Philippine manufacturers and brands seeking to tap growing global demand for distinctive and sustainable craftsmanship.

The Philippines has gained traction at major European trade fairs this year, including Maison & Objet in Paris and Ambiente in Frankfurt, where buyers showed strong interest in products made from abaca, rattan and other natural fibers. The response highlights the country’s ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

CITEM executive director Leah Pulido Ocampo said the momentum makes Manila FAME 2026 an important platform for Philippine exporters and artisan communities.

This year’s theme, “Bloom,” builds on last year’s “Objects of Nature,” shifting the focus from nature-inspired design to the growth of Filipino artisans. It also reflects the post-digital consumer mindset identified by trend forecaster WGSN, marked by a desire for products that promote calm, well-being, and a connection to nature.

Manila FAME will showcase the results of several product development programs. Design Commune, led by designer Tony Gonzales, has worked with 20 companies to develop 90 home decor and lighting prototypes. Home at FAME, led by designer Milo Naval, will feature 40 new furniture and lighting pieces developed with 10 established exhibitors.

Artisans Village will bring together 50 regional enterprises that have developed more than 100 new products. Designers Patti Carpenter, Emma Gutierrez and Rachelle Dagnalan have worked with makers in Bohol, Aklan, Tarlac and Isabela, highlighting their strengths in natural fiber weaving, piña textiles, woodcraft, bamboo and agro-industrial materials.

CITEM is also putting greater emphasis on international accreditations and compliance standards as global retailers and hospitality groups demand greater assurance on ethical sourcing and responsible production.

Running alongside Manila FAME at the Philippine Trade Training Center is the Sustainability Solutions Exchange, which will feature a conference, exhibition and startup pitch competition focused on circular economy strategies, green technologies and sustainable solutions for the export sector.

Organized by CITEM, the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, with the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. and the Design Center of the Philippines, Manila FAME 2026 seeks to position Filipino craftsmanship for a global market increasingly drawn to products with a human touch.