MaArte At The Pen Press Launch 2017

The Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI) announces the holding of the 9 th MaArte fair in partnership with The Peninsula Manila on August 11 to 13, 2017.

“We are delighted to have The Peninsula Manila as a major partner for this event,” says MFPI President Albert Avellana. “Before they expressed interest in taking part in MaArte, the Foundation really wanted a fresh approach to how the event will be presented this year. It’s a partnership that is for the long haul,” Avellana quips.

patricia araneta, albert avellana, museum foundation of the philippines, maarte fair

“We were totally taken with the idea of working with the Museum Foundation of the Philippines,” says The Peninsula Manila’s General Manager Mark J. Choon. “For more than four decades, The Peninsula Manila has prided itself as a promoter and advocate of Philippine art and culture. We believe in nurturing the innate talent of the Filipino artist and in developing their skills and talents.”

Natalya Lagdameo, Al Valenciano, Balay ni atong, Len Cabili, filipinna, maarte for a cause

From a simple, private sector-initiative to raise funds for the National Museum, the MaArte fair has evolved into an important showcase for upcoming micro-entrepreneurs and a veritable display of world-class Filipino craftsmanship. The past years have seen a formidable line-up of export-quality merchandise by top and emerging brands for custom furniture, fashion and travel accessories, beauty, and even artisanal gourmet selections. The high level of Filipino aesthetic expression found in the exhibit range from indigenous tribal materials, local craftsmanship, community-driven enterprise, and even contemporary products with hip and clever references to Pinoy popular culture. A media observer once noted that the MaArte fair offers a “visual tapestry of Filipino heritage,” and lauds it for “providing a peek into the (modern) Filipino’s soul.”

Nicole Whisenhunt, Mich Araullo, Kat Gonzalez, Vicky Jalandoni, Gifts and Graces, Patricia Araneta, Ana Alvarez-Laygo, Two Chic Manila, Oscar Mejia, maarte for a cause

Event consultants Vicky Jalandoni and Katrina Gonzalez have the important task of vetting from a list of exciting exhibitors for this year’s event and to transform The Gallery of The Peninsula Manila into a cozy, intimate, and elegant shopping venue with a tropical living room ambiance. “We have had to meticulously select a good mix of exhibitors, both old and new,” says Vicky. “We will have 31 exhibitors this year and we are elated that we have new merchants on board such as Mich Araullo, Tweetie de Leon Gonzalez for TDLG, Aranaz, Two Chic by TC Alvarez, Cabaña Workshop, Stockton Row, Nicole Whinsenhunt, Haute Home, Violetvine by Amarie, and Filip+Inna.” The streamlined list allows visitors a relaxed, seamless experience as they walk through The Gallery and see the products artfully displayed within tropical living room vignettes. “Think of it like you are being welcomed into the home of 31 highly celebrated Filipino craftsmen,” adds Katrina.

A side event during the three-day trunk show is MaArTEA Talks – a series of conversations with select business owners to offer entrepreneurial tips and insights. To support MFPI’s fund-raising efforts, The Peninsula Manila will serve specialty teas by two of the featured merchants in the fair – Tsaa Laya and da.u.de. The custom brews called MaArTea will be featured for an entire month of August during Afternoon Tea service at The Lobby of The Peninsula Manila, from 2.30 PM to 5.30 PM. Portions of the revenue generated will be donated to MFPI.

In the midst of all these preparations, MFPI head Albert Avellana already has his eyes set on MaArte Year 10. “We are relentless in our pursuit for new and exciting ways to generate resources for the foundation. Any learning we will get from MaArte at The Pen, we will put to good use for an even better fair next year.”

MaArte at The Pen is free and open to the general public. It will run from August 11 to 13 at The Gallery of The Peninsula Manila.

 

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