From the ‘Maskara’ collection by JoaniqueOn August 26-28, MaArte returns for its eighth season at the 8 Rockwell Penthouse to showcase the best of Filipino artisanship.

The annual fundraiser organized by the Museum Foundation of the Philippines has become one of the most prominent craft fairs in the country. The goal of the foundation is to raise funds to support the National Museum as well as to make “export-quality” products accessible to the retail market.

More than 70 select retailers

Over 70 selected retailers will join the collective as it gears up to bring unique offerings that are sometimes available only to the overseas buyer or whose artisans simply have no venue to present their work.

Each featured craftsman in MaArte has a story to tell, and each item sold takes on techniques that were passed on by generations from different parts of the country. What makes this program unique is that it is an ideal venue for the artisan to show their products to a discerning market. The evolution of the product to meet today’s peripatetic lifestyle and changes in taste keep it relevant. Every participant has a passion for their work and each piece reflects the depth of spirit of the maker. Indeed, MaArte is more relevant now, more than ever, because it captures the soul of the Filipino artisan

“We have been doing this for eight years and we have grown so much. Our challenge is to ‘Evolve the Filipino Craftsman.’ Over the past years that Rockwell has been our home, we have attracted a wider market of individuals who appreciate the indigenous work of the Filipino for the modern lifestyle. Fabrics, baskets, jewelry, clothing and a myriad of new accessories will be available to our buyers,” notes Maritess Pineda, Museum Foundation president.

maarte vasesUltimate program

Starting the pre-holiday season shopping, guests come to the fair to see new interpretations of classic Filipino craftsmanship. The steering committee, composed of Pineda, Armita Rufino, Mel Francisco, Susie Quiros and Cedie Lopez Vargas, is diligently choosing retailers to provide the ultimate program to kick off the buying season.

Product development is key to this evolution. Working with internationally trained PJ Arañador, participants will have a feel of the international buyers’ market and create products unique to MaArte.

“What sets this fair apart is that the sellers are flexible and are willing to try new items. The buyers come because this isn’t just one of those bazaars; also, one shouldn’t miss out on the MaArte Finds, a special setting that shows up-andcoming designers and craftsmen looking to showcase their products. We call them our MaArte babies,” says Pineda.

MaArte’s new home

The iconic landmark at the Rockwell Center is the new home of MaArte. The penthouse and lobby of 8 Rockwell will house the event, with a special setting at the lobby that will feature thematic product displays such as MaArte Couture, Eternal Summer and Home. These special displays will highlight the flexibility of the artisans to work with designers to create a look that will be metropolitan and usable yet very Filipino. The committee has engaged Eric Paras, Carlo Tanseco and Rhett Eala, all MaArte supporters, to create these displays.

Rockwell has also evolved as a stalwart of Filipino ingenuity and entrepreneurship, capturing Filipino elements in their developments. The boutique community concept, in their enclaves in Manila and now in Cebu, is a testament to their commitment to serving the Filipino lifestyle as well as capturing its essence.

The Penthouse of 8 Rockwell, the pinnacle of Rockwell Center, will provide the experience for unique interpretations of the Filipino soul. Indeed, it will be a very MaArte experience.

Barong Batik by Freddy Mercado Jr.

Cuff by Michelline Syjuco

Espadrilles by Great Women