MaArte Fair 2025: a place for discoveries, celebration of Filipino artisans
The appeal of the MaArte Fair, in my opinion, has always been the stories behind each brand that artisans put their heart and soul into just because they believe in providing the very best to their customers.
Whether it be clothing, perfume, accessories, and for the first time, mead & beer--two of my favorites during the press launch--visitors can be assured of unique products that are of the highest quality.
Beyond seeing the by-products of the hard work of these artisans, it's worth highlighting that these are people who have different stories that are worth discovering. Some have experienced losses, some are continuing legacies started by loved ones, then there are some who simply continue to persevere even after several setbacks.
So really, supporting the 160 different merchants (including 40 first-timers) at the MaArte Fair from August 7 to 10 at The Peninsula Manila is a show of support for these small businesses that celebrate the Filipino soul overflowing with genius and creativity.
And yes, that's not an exaggeration. The 160 merchants will be spread across the ballrooms, meeting rooms and guest rooms of The Pen, which has been a partner of the fair for some time now.
This adds to the appeal as well of the MaArte Fair because visitors who wish to take a break from all the shopping can do so by taking a leisurely afternoon tea at The Lobby of The Peninsula Manila, a historic landmark space in the heart of Makati City.
Fundraising for 9 grants
The MaArte Fair is the signature fundraising event of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, and this year’s fair takes on deeper meaning as the foundation reflects its goal of “Cultivating Partnerships, Strengthening Legacy.”
This theme speaks to more than just the fair’s growing roster of artisans and patrons—it reflects the Foundation’s enduring commitment to supporting Philippine museums and cultural institutions nationwide.
Every MaArte Fair is a gesture of generosity with a portion of proceeds from every purchase going directly to the Museum Foundation of the Philippines’ programs for the National Museum and the museum community, enabling it to sustain vital work in safeguarding our national heritage including the Architectural Arts and Built Heritage Division, the Botany and National Herbarium Division, and the Entomology Section, Zoology Division.
Also benefiting from this year's fair are the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, the Cordillera Textile Project, the Carlos “Botong” Francisco studio-museum in Angono, the Imelda Cajipe-Endaya retrospective, the “Art Weave at the Museum” collection in the Cordillera region and HABI: The Philippine Textile Council.
Love letter
This year's theme for the MaArte Fair is "Kaalaman, Kultura, at Kaartehan—A Love Letter to Filipino Craft" as a means of paying tribute to the artistic journey these artisans have taken and continue to take. Kaalaman, the mastery of a craft, its techniques, and the materials used for it. Kultura, the deep, lived context of our heritage that influences aesthetics, and serves as the root of inspiration; and Kaartehan, the flair, that innate imagination and creativity that make every creation distinct.
These are but a small fraction of the brands to discover with so much more waiting at The Peninsula Manila starting this Thursday. Get excited and as always, wear comfortable clothing and footwear, or better yet, find one at the MaArte Fair 2025. By Dexter R. Matilla
Admission to the MaArte Fair 2025 is free. For more information, visit the Museum Foundation’s Instagram or the official website at museumfoundationph.org.
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