Love local products and supporting small businesses? This is just the thing for you. Manila's beloved artisanal trade fair, ArteFino, is back after a two-year pandemic hiatus.
ArteFino was founded by Susie Quiros, Marimel Francisco, Mita Rufino, Maritess Pineda, and Cedie Lopez-Vargas to create an "inclusive platform for local brands to tell their inspiring stories." Since its launch in 2017, this bazaar has become a magnet for artisanal shoppers and creators.
Now, they're ready to welcome everyone again into their community—in person.
What to expect
ArteFino Festival 2022 will run for five weeks—from August 26 to September 26— at the R1 Level in the Power Plant Mall in Makati City.
Unlike in the previous years where they held their events at private function rooms in Rockwell, the team chose to stage it in the mall.
“We wanted to create an experience this year that would celebrate the community–its spirit of sharing and collaboration,” the team explained.
Lopez-Vargas added that they wanted a shared space "where we could all shop, learn, and connect."
Old and new brands
For the in-person return of ArteFino this 2022, over 150 curated brands are joining the much-awaited event, with 44 new ones.
The founders of ArteFino shared that the connections they formed with local brands and designers have turned into long-term relationships, but there's always the intention to grow the community.
“We’ve worked with many emerging brands and designers, all of whom have grown with us. We’ve followed their journeys and evolved with them,” shared Lopez-Vargas. Francisco added, “We are constantly on the lookout for new talents to showcase.”
The vendors list includes people selling clothing, accessories, fine jewelry, home decor and furnishings, and childrenswear.
Some new designers to watch out for include Aire, Bagoyan, Camille Villanueva, Christian Cera, Edited Limited, Style Ana, Kelvin Morales, Jill Lao, Katha Philippines, The Shape Shop, Nuevo Ystilo, Pinagtagpi, Pinas Sadya, Vina Romero, and more.
Since it's a five-week event, the organizers also noted that new set of brands and designers will be introduced each week, so there's always a reason to come back and visit.
More than just a bazaar
Aside from selling goods, ArteFino will also be hosting interactive programs and workshops such as The Maker’s Challenge, which is a masterclass on upcycling.
Shoppers can also enjoy the dedicated soundtrack curated by Tarsier Records, and the scrumptious food offered by Eats by Artefino, a collaborative effort with The Seven Pantry.
Lopez-Vargas and Fransisco conclude, “As in the past, we always aim to bring something new to the community. This being that year that we step out again, we hope to create an experience where everyone can immerse with the community.”
Read the original article by Camille Santiago here: https://philstarlife.com/living/980523-what-to-expect-at-the-artefino-festival-2022?page=5