Both a symbol of Filipino ingenuity and craftsmanship, Manila FAME and MA’I Lifestyle are working together to position the country as the best sourcing destination for quality products and innovative designs.
The brand story
The holiday décor, and the gifts and houseware sector, collectively known as the Gifts, Décor and Houseware (GDH) industry is aiming to increase its competitiveness and strengthen its position as a premium source of unique and high-quality products both for domestic and international markets. But representing a group consisting mainly of micro- small- and medium- scale enterprises (MSMEs) that are not capable of producing their own corporate image, presents
a tough challenge. Thus, the unified brand initiative was conceptualized and paved the way for the MA’I Lifestyle brand.
The MA’I Lifestyle or GDH Philippines, Inc. is composed of five business support organizations in the handicraft industries such as the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), Home Accents of the Philippines, Inc. (HAPI), Mindanao Trade Exposition (MTE), Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Exporters and Artisans, Inc. (PCHEAI) and Philippine Lifestyle, Homestyle and Holiday Décor Association, Inc. (PhiLHHDA) and supported by the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry’s Board of Investments (DTI-BOI).
The brand name MA’I embodies Filipino craftsmanship. As far back as the 11th century, Chinese traders of the Sung Dynasty have referred to the Philippine islands and its inhabitants as MA’I. As barter and trade began to flourish between countries in Asia during the pre-colonial era, the people in our islands were among the most respected artisans in the region. This reputation defined the archipelago as a unique trading post in Asia where skills and creativity thrive.
After more than a thousand years, these skillsets and best practices that were handed down from generations to generations are still alive in the products of today.
Banking on the rich history of Philippine arts, crafts and barter, MA’I Lifestyle now represents the high-standard of quality, uniqueness of design, commitment to innovation and social responsibility.
The rebirth of MA’I Lifestyle
As the 69th edition of the Manila FAME highlights the design legacy of the show through its theme “Heritage Reimagined,” the MA’I Lifestyle will likewise relaunch its brand to promote and market Filipino handcrafted goods to the global market.
Some of the products under the MA’I Lifestyle brand will be displayed at the Design Commune Special Setting. Participating companies are Acento Collections, Craft Mill, CSM, G Designare, Natureline Enterprises, Prado Filipino Artisans, Shell Arts, Strong Faith, That One Piece, Island RKOC and Jacildo.
Mark your calendars for PH’s premiere design and lifestyle show
The Manila FAME is slated on 25-27 April 2019, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Philippines. Show starts at 9am.
Manila FAME is a launching pad for new Filipino export products and believes in the advocacy of helping talented Filipinos gain recognition in the global design industry. It is one of the longest-running trade shows in Asia-Pacific and is the only trade event in the country approved by the Union des Foires Internationales (UFI), the global association of the world’s leading tradeshow organizers and fairground owners, exhibition associations, and selected partners of the exhibition industry.
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), organizes the Manila FAME as a signature event dedicated to Filipino design and craftsmanship.
Learn more about Manila FAME on www.manilafame.com. To receive show updates, follow Manila FAME on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.