Manila FAME 2024 Talks: A Celebration of Filipino Creativity, Design, and Innovation

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Manila FAME 2024, an annual event known for showcasing the finest in Philippine design and craftsmanship, kicked off with a series of engaging and insightful talks on October 17 and 18. The two-day event, held at the prestigious World Trade Center in Manila, focused on the theme "Designing Filipino: Creativity, Identity, and Culture in the Global Market." Experts from various industries gathered to explore the significance of Filipino design in the global arena and how sustainability and innovation are driving the future of the industry.

Day 1: October 17, 2024 – Thursday

Session 1: Exporting Philippine Design The first session of the day, "Exporting Philippine Design: Showcasing Filipino Creativity on the Global Stage," was led by Rev Naval of OMO Furniture. Held at the Luna Room, this discussion explored how Filipino craftsmanship can captivate international audiences, highlighting the importance of staying true to Filipino identity while expanding design innovations to fit global trends. The talk emphasized that Filipino design, while steeped in tradition, has the potential to compete on a global scale through creativity and cultural storytelling.

Session 2: Intellectual Property and Competitiveness Atty. Joss Dieg of the Bughaw Creative Collective took the stage next to discuss the role of Intellectual Property (IP) in boosting global competitiveness. His session shed light on how protecting creative work through IP can enhance the value of Filipino designs in international markets. As Filipino creatives look to the world, IP laws become essential in safeguarding originality and maximizing profitability.

Session 3: Designing with Sustainable, Locally Sourced Materials Sustainability in design took center stage in a talk by Arch. Zed Yabut of the United Architects of the Philippines. He emphasized the importance of utilizing sustainable, locally sourced materials to create eco-friendly designs that respect both the environment and cultural heritage. Yabut’s discussion urged designers to adopt green practices without compromising aesthetic appeal, fostering a balance between tradition and modern environmental consciousness.

Cultural Mapping and the Future of Filipino Design In the second half of Day 1, IDr. Kat Correa from the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers presented on Cultural Mapping, stressing the need to identify and incorporate Philippine cultural markers into design. She was followed by a Panel Discussion on the Future of Filipino Design moderated by IDr. Carla Mae Leonor from the Design Center of the Philippines. The panel featured leading voices in the industry, who shared their visions for Filipino design as it continues to evolve in the global market. The future, they agreed, is bright for Filipino creatives, especially those willing to innovate while staying true to their cultural roots.

Session 4: CFIP Furniture Design Competition Concluding the first day was the CFIP Furniture Design Competition Presentation led by the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines. The competition highlighted the exciting work of Filipino designers pushing boundaries in furniture creation, merging functionality with artistic expression.

Day 2: October 18, 2024 – Friday

Talking Trends for 2026 and Beyond: Day 2 started with a bang, featuring Patti Carpenter, Global Trend Ambassador, who discussed future trends in design for 2026 and beyond. This session, titled Talking Trends for 2026 and Beyond: Inspire, Inform, and Invigorate, inspired designers to stay ahead of emerging global movements while integrating Filipino culture into their creations. She provided valuable insights into how Filipino creatives can remain innovative and forward-thinking as the industry evolves over the next few years.

Shifting Gears: Staying Ahead with Sustainability Initiatives for Business Growth by Edward Marcel Gacusana, the Global Compact Network Philippines Executive Director, followed with his talk on Shifting Gears, Staying Ahead: Embracing Sustainability Initiatives for Business Growth. As sustainability continues to be a crucial consideration for both businesses and consumers, Gacusana emphasized the importance of green initiatives not just for the environment but also for business longevity. He showcased examples of how sustainability-driven companies are thriving in today’s competitive market.

Adopting Green Entrepreneurship and Circularity: The final talk of the event, Adopting Green Entrepreneurship and Circularity, was led by Pete Delantar, President and Founder of Nature’s Legacy. In cooperation with the Design Center of the Philippines, Delantar’s session offered a comprehensive look into the growing practice of circularity in design—where products are created to minimize waste and maximize the use of resources. He shared his experience in building a green business model, offering insights into how Filipino entrepreneurs can adopt sustainable, eco-conscious business practices.

The Future of Filipino Design

Throughout the Manila FAME 2024 Talks, one message was clear: the future of Filipino design is bright, sustainable, and global. By staying true to cultural identity while embracing innovation, Filipino designers are poised to lead the way on the world stage. From green entrepreneurship to intellectual property, the event provided a comprehensive overview of how Filipino creativity can drive the future of design both locally and internationally.

As the talks concluded, it was evident that the conversations sparked during the two-day event would continue to shape the direction of the Philippine design industry for years to come. Whether through the use of sustainable materials or the adoption of intellectual property protections, Filipino designers are setting the stage for a future where culture and innovation merge seamlessly, ensuring that Filipino design continues to shine globally.