The 54th edition of the Manila FAME International, Asia’s foremost design show, marks an industry milestone as it opens along with three major sourcing event brands in the country – Manila Now, CebuNext and Bijoux Cebu – on 16 to 19 October 2011 at the SMX Convention Center, beside the Mall of Asia, in Pasay City.

“This is a landmark partnership between government and the private sector, which represents 12 trade associations and manufacturers of furniture and furnishings, holiday and gift items, and fashion accessories,” says Rosvi C. Gaetos, Executive Director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and organizer of Manila FAME International. “The goal is to open more doors for our exporters, offer more products than ever before to the international market, and showcase the beauty of Philippine design and the versatility of our indigenous raw materials to the whole world.”

Among the show’s highlights are new products developed under CITEM’s Merchandise Specialist Program reflecting three global trends: Naturalist, Mood Indigo and Graffiti; T’boli weavers from Lake Sebu in South Cotabato demonstrating the ancient art of weaving their trademark fabric called t’nalak; and skilled artisans transforming indigenous raw materials like abaca, seagrass or capiz into finished products through live demonstrations.

“The show theme, Weaving Dreams, signifies the intertwining of design and aesthetics with pragmatism and strategy. These four sourcing shows have banded together in order to solidify Manila FAME’s position in the Asian circuit of trade shows and establish a brand that is instantly recognizable worldwide,” explains Gaetos.

The show will welcome buyers from top retailers such as El Corte Ingles from Spain; Crate and Barrel, Hallmark Cards, Enesco, Roost and Kalalou from the U.S.A.; Marks & Spencer from Britain; and Freedom from Australia. In addition, around 100 buyers from India, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Italy, Sweden, Singapore, Turkey, and Vietnam will also be attending the show.

This edition of Manila FAME International is also open to the general public during its four-day run. Although many of the exhibitors will be reserving their stocks for volume orders, the average visitor can expect to come across booths selling interesting, unique, unusual items at competitive prices.
Gaetos states, “It is our intention to mount a design show that is richly textured and truly exciting for both trade buyers and everyone who loves beautiful design.”

For more information on Manila FAME, visit www.manilafame.com, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .