F.A.M.E. and fortune

A treasure trove of world-class Pinoy creativity and ingenuity is what visitors to the famed Manila F.A.M.E. (Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers Exchange) International – staged biannually by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) – have come to expect. This year, F.A.M.E. (April edition) exceeded expectations. For one, there was a dazzling new addition to its list of attractions: fine jewelry. There were more fashion accessories for fashionistas to drool over and so much more space for exhibitors to show off their dream gems (but naturally, South Sea pearls were among them), what with a bigger home at the PICC Reception Hall.This Fashion Hall of F.A.M.E. was transformed into a chic lounge by the very innovative Tes Pasola.

"Fine jewelry is not actually a new addition, we had it many years ago," says Lourdes "Dessie" Ilusorio, CITEM deputy executive director, Communications & Design Group. "We brought it back because Philippine jewelry has had very good feedback in fairs abroad."

Talk about the Philippines shining abroad!

Of course, the staggering sales made at this trade fair are glowing proof of its success. Says Dessie, "We had more buyers at this fair than before. Sales were up by 10 percent – averaging US$72 million ($31M in booked orders)."

But probably more than the bedazzling dollars, Dessie adds, "We want to tell people, ‘Hey, guys, there’s something good happening in the Philippines.’"

You may not know it, but there’s something proudly and beautifully Pinoy sitting or hanging among the fine furniture and furnishings at mid- to upscale stores abroad like Pottery Barn in the US or Canada, Ralph Lauren, Crate & Barrel or Hemmingway Collection or Bloomingdale’s in the US, And So To Bed in London, Marks & Spencer in Europe and Asia, etc. Or even in the fashionable home of Georgio Armani.

To say that Philippine furniture has come a long way is an understatement.

Our designers, so full of pent-up creative energy, certainly made a lot of statements at the April edition of this year’s F.A.M.E.

Tony Gonzales – a.k.a. "Paper Man" because he pioneered the use of handmade paper in home furnishings and accessories – got us all cocooned with his, yes, Cocoon collection. With more and more people opting to spend less and less time out of their homes, Cocoon has found a niche. Faith Popcorn (the futurist who predicted the cocooning trend) will be delighted to kick up her heels and, yes, grab a bag of popcorn amid Tony Gonzales’ unique home pieces, done in warm color schemes and gentle textures to turn a house into a home, and a home into a haven – and one’s ultimate cocoon.

Or you could pick from Carlo Tanseco’s eye-catching chairs, which are in full bloom. The delicate and exquisite calla lily provides the inspiration for Carlo’s symmetrical chair. We like to call it a musical chair because it reminds of a musical staff. There’s also the "Toolip" chair with matching toolip lamps – you, too, will love ’em! And then there’s the "Forest" chair, which is more than just a chair – it’s also a hat rack. It’s got a tree branch serving as a sliver of a back. Cool! But is it sturdy enough to sit on?

"Yes, because all my chairs are made of metal, which is covered in abaca," Carlo assures us.

Architect Carlo Tanseco designs for Contempomaze whose furniture and furnishings have found their way into the US, Europe, and the Middle East.

For her part, "Iron lady" Emy Cuenca of Topmark Interiors & Novelties hits the mark with her GI (galvanized iron) beauties. "Galvanized iron is cheaper than wood, but it’s harder to work with because it’s handcrafted," says Emy.

These handcrafted works of art can be found in stores in the US, Europe, and Japan. Among Emy’s bestsellers are her cat sculptures, which are very popular among cat-loving Europeans.

Out of the humble GI Emy has also fashioned such celestial delights as the Holy Family and Three Kings, angels, reindeer, elves, Santas, and assorted Christmas figurines.

Certainly, everything’s coming up roses – make that heliconias – for Topmark whose latest collection is inspired by the exotic heliconia. Emy’s daughter Weng Cuenca-Suarez, who’s a designer, has come up with a whole heliconia line – tables, chairs, lamps, vases, etc. Talk about flower power.

Fair visitor Virgie Ramos of Gift Gate found herself falling for the charms of the fun furniture made of fiber glass at the Gaddang Philippines Inc. booth. Her eyes lit up at the sight of lamps and other lighted fixtures in bright, delicious colors and playful animal and flower designs.

Truly a feast for even jaded eyes, the Katha awardees for design excellence took center stage. The awardees included: The Barrions Cushions (by Weaverscraft Inc., designer– Rolando Nuqui) for excellent weaving, workmanship, and harmony of form and function; The Mindel Wood Vase (by Riviera Clay Products, designer – Jerry Basilio) for its unique, subtle beauty and "controlled imperfection"; The Urchin Wall Lamp (by Enpekei International, designer – Herman Sanchez) for its interesting juxtaposition of contrasting materials like wicker, resin, and cocowood; The Hanging Disk Lamp (by Papelan Paper Products, designer – Tony Gonzales) for its outstanding form and innovative use of traditional materials; Bell Lamps (by Bon-Ace Fashion Tools Inc., designer – engineer Ramir Bonghanoy) for their sophisticated form and unique combination of black lip shell and inlaid mother-of-pearl; Indianale Inc. (designer – Rosadel Sua) as best booth; andArtisans Reproduction and Traders Inc. as best website.

F.A.M.E. has also wisened up by recently introducing the Market Special (Smart Shop). Smart Shop was conceived to address the growing concern that prices of Philippine products are higher compared to China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam. For F.A.M.E.’s April fair, CITEM gave top-notch architect Carlo Tanseco a free hand in putting together a wide assortment of remarkable commercial products for the Smart Shop, where buyers could have premium Pinoy products at very competitive prices. A very smart idea, don’t you think?

So, shall we see you at Manila F.A.M.E. International’s "Beyond Words" on October 18-21?