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| (Image Source: Art+ Magazine/Department Of Trade And Industry - Philippines) |
A dazzling new home for Filipino creativity opened to the public last January 20, 2026, showcasing achievements in product design and innovation and highlighting the country’s rising export capabilities in the home, fashion, lifestyle, and food sectors. The launch of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, led by the Office of the President (OP) through the Philippines’ export promotion agency, the Department of Trade and Industry's Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM), is an effort to fulfill Executive Order No. 75, a measure signed by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the country’s export promotion efforts.
These Halls serve as a “connective tissue” to the agency’s signature trade shows, keeping the momentum of Manila FAME and IFEX Philippines alive year-round. “Likhang Filipino provides a 365-day sourcing hub, ensuring that when a foreign buyer misses the trade show, the doors to Philippine design remain open,” said CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo. Featuring more than 2,000 products from nearly 200 enterprises which are vetted exhibitors of Manila FAME and IFEX Philippines through the years, the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls offer a captivating view of the depth and versatility of the Filipino imagination. The year-round exhibition, retail, and incubation facility situated inside the International Trade Center Complex in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City houses six galleries, each focusing on a major product category. Here's what you need to know about these galleries.
Gallery 1: Special Exhibits And Design Library
Otherwise known as Black Box, the gallery serves as an immersive, experimental space — one that lets bold ideas and stories flourish. The Special Exhibits and Design Library presents a 50-year history of Philippine design, beginning with breakthroughs in local creativity in the 1970s. The exhibit ultimately highlights the larger context in which Filipino designers – encompassing creatives in graphics, furniture, gifts and houseware, film and other fields – have worked and existed. For its first showcase, the gallery houses inventive and daring works featuring art chair pieces inspired by Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) Founding Director Arturo Luz’s “New Buri”.
Gallery 2: Traditional Arts And Crafts
Fusing heritage and innovation, this gallery celebrates the enduring artistry of indigenous communities and master artisans. Familiar forms take on new meaning, with pieces reflecting skill and cultural identity. Products in this gallery include arts and antiques, handwoven looms, chests and trunks, baskets and wood carvings, musical instruments, and ethnic accessories.
Gallery 3: Fashion, Textile, and Accessories
With a curated range of wearable art pieces, this gallery spotlights refined craftsmanship and modern silhouettes. Ready-to-wear selections and bespoke creations of design ateliers are among its main attractions. It features the work of designers specializing in clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, and jewelry.
Gallery 4: Furniture And Lighting
The Furniture and Lighting gallery highlights bold perspectives and expressive designs, including sculptural and biomorphic forms, as well as refined Asian contemporary accents. These works aim to transform interiors into atmospheres of character, warmth, and quiet luxury. Works here include home furniture, outdoor furniture, tabletop, bar and kitchen goods, beddings, pillows and accessories, rugs, and lighting products.
Gallery 5: Home Decor, Gifts, And Holiday Decor
Melding tradition with modern designs, this gallery highlights thoughtful pieces that elevate everyday living and seasonal celebrations. The hall features linens, dining and entertaining goods, kitchenware, fine art, and holiday decor.
Gallery 6: Food, Health And Wellness
The gallery showcases premium flavors enhanced by intention. Among its main attractions are sweet and savory offerings crafted for both pleasure and overall wellness including chocolates, coffee and tea, Halal products, vegan and meat alternatives, beverages, delicacies, and condiments. In addition, the experience in Hall 6 is heightened by a thoughtful selection of wellness essentials including goods such as essential oils, aromatic diffusers, scented candles, aromatherapy compresses, organic skincare, and spa accessories.
The Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls are considered to be a rebirth of the PhilTrade Center launched in 1979 under the leadership of former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos where it housed the country’s top export products such as furniture and furnishings, gifts, toys, houseware, apparel, fashion, accessories, food, and industrial goods, through the support of the then Ministry of Trade and Industry. During its launch prior to its opening to the public last January 15, 2026, President Marcos said in his speech, “There is nothing but immense pride that comes from recognizing our own, from seeing materials shaped by Filipino hands, ideas rooted in Filipino culture, and designs that feel both familiar and exceptional.” He underscored a national commitment to industry growth, citing the development of accessible commercial spaces as a key driver for the success of local products, assuring, “I can assure you that this government will support you in your endeavors as you show the world the meaning of Filipino ingenuity through our products.” Strategically timed with the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship, Likhang Filipino serves as a premier gateway for welcoming foreign delegations and projecting Filipino excellence to the country’s regional and global partners. Attended by distinguished guests including members of the Diplomatic Corps, key stakeholders from the private sector, and media, the launch commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos alongside DTI Secretary Cristina “Cris” Aldeguer-Roque, DTI Assistant Secretary Al Valenciano, CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, DCP Executive Director Rhea Matute, and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Eric Zerrudo, followed by a guided tour of the galleries, live demonstration of the crafts, live performances, and a mini fashion show.
Behold the achievements of the Filipino creativity and craftsmanship and visit the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls today where you can browse, discover, purchase your preferred products, and place pre-orders directly with participating exhibitors. Likhang Filipino opens on Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. For more information, visit its official website at https://likhangfilipino.com.ph.
