From crocheted handbags to Philippine eagle-inspired watches: What to expect at MaArte at The Pen 2024
Who's ready to shop for a cause?
Local bazaar MaArte at The Pen is back to showcase locally-made, world-class artisanal crafts and products.
This year's theme, "Fab Finds with a Purpose," focuses on raising awareness for the Philippines' endangered wildlife, including the iconic Philippine Eagle, Crocodile, Tamaraw, Sea Turtle, and Tarsier.
"More than bringing home beautiful and high-quality pieces, shoppers own badges of pride in sharing the awareness on heritage, conservation, especially our endangered animals," Museum Foundation president and MaArte Committee Chair Danny Jacinto said.
As with the previous years, the MaArte Fair is an annual fundraising event for the benefit of the National Museum and its network.
It will be from August 29 to September 1, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will be held at the Rigodon Ballroom, Gracia Villa, Balagtas, Balomori, Upper Lobby, The Conservatory, and the 5th and 9th floors of The Peninsula Manila.
Here are some things you can expect at the MaArte Fair 2024.
Bigger spaces, more days
The 2024 fair will have 147 exhibitors, an increase from last year's 120 vendors.
These exhibitors will offer an array of proudly Filipino-made products and brands ranging from fashion accessories and jewelry to personal care products, home decor, toys and games, books, food and beverages, and more.
In addition, shoppers can have a longer chance of checking out products as the fair will be four days long.
Curated fab finds
PhilSTAR L!fe had a sneak peek of some good finds customers can scour at the MaArte at The Pen 2024.
One is the Repamana, which repurposes discarded hotel bedsheets to make an elevated pambahay (loungewear). Aside from that, you can also grab its Pyupa bag (P1,500), a crocheted handbag made from fabrics of knitted shirts made by the female prisoners of Quezon City.
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Another good find at the fair is the Products of Peace, which feature handcrafted products by locals from Mindanao showcasing how they rebuilt their community "ravaged by the years of armed conflict."
The skirt symbolizes the "Boom Boom" pattern from the 2017 Marawi War | Photos by Yoniel Acebuche
Some of the old military uniforms upcycled into well-crafted products | Photos by Yoniel Acebuche
Sample crafted bags | Photos by Yoniel Acebuche
The skirt symbolizes the "Boom Boom" pattern from the 2017 Marawi War | Photos by Yoniel Acebuche
Some of the old military uniforms upcycled into well-crafted products | Photos by Yoniel Acebuche
Sample crafted bags | Photos by Yoniel Acebuche
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With every product purchase, including the upcycled old military uniforms and Sinagtala, you can sustain their livelihood and the "peace they've always dreamed about."
Looking for fabulous timepieces? Check out Raja Watches, which recognizes the importance of heritage in watchmaking. Their products, which feature the Philippine eagle, range from P3,999 to P30,000, depending on the design.
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For customers who want Filipino-style garments, there are products to choose from Vara. Couture pieces from renowned Filipino designer Puey Quinones and Rurungan Collective are also available.
Products from Vara. Photos | Yoniel Acebuche
Products from Puey Quinones | Photos by Yoniel Acebuche
Products from Rurungan Collective | Photos by Yoniel Acebuche
Products from Vara. Photos | Yoniel Acebuche
Products from Puey Quinones | Photos by Yoniel Acebuche
Products from Rurungan Collective | Photos by Yoniel Acebuche
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If you are into heritage jewelry and accessories, try on Kit Silver and Henry Wee Fernandez's pieces.
Products of Henry Wee Fernandez | Photo by Yoniel Acebuche
Kit Silver | Photo by Yoniel Acebuche
Products of Henry Wee Fernandez | Photo by Yoniel Acebuche
Kit Silver | Photo by Yoniel Acebuche
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Maarte at The Pen 2024 will be from August 29 to September 1, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will be held at the Rigodon Ballroom, Gracia Villa, Balagtas, Balomori, Upper Lobby, The Conservatory, and the 5th and 9th floors of The Peninsula Manila. The entrance is free.
