Geolette Marie Esguerra

A Permanent Home for Filipino Fashion, Decor, and Crafts, Likhang Filipino Opens with Galleries on Fashion, Furniture, Decor, and More

Article (news)

<p>Philippine design and crafts are ready to be rediscovered through a permanent exhibition. Indeed, the reopening of the <strong>Likhang Filipino</strong> Exhibition Halls marks a significant moment in the country&#x27;s creative and export landscape. </p><p>In the past, shopping for Filipino arts and crafts or fashion pieces mean going through several stores and malls. With Likhang Filipino, you will find everything in one location that serves both as a treasure trove of delight to shoppers and those seeking inspiration.</p><div><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769044357599Metro.Style Likhang Filipino Exhibition Citem.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Rebirth of Likhang Filipino</strong><br/>Opened last January 15, the new facility welcomes guests and dignitaries attending meetings leading up to the<strong> ASEAN Summit</strong>, which the country is hosting this year. <strong>Likhang Filipino </strong>establishes a permanent, multi-function exhibition and incubation space that brings together the finest Filipino products across home and lifestyle, fashion and accessories, traditional arts and crafts, food and beverages, and wellness. All these are presented in one cohesive, purpose-built destination.</div><p>Spearheaded by the<strong> Office of the President </strong>through the <strong>Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM)</strong>, the country’s export promotion agency, the project fulfills the mandate of Executive Order No. 75, issued in 2024. The order empowered CITEM to further strengthen export development and promotion, positioning Filipino products more competitively in the global market. </p><p>The location touches on so much history. Rising along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, on the site formerly occupied by the <strong>PhilTrade Center,</strong> Likhang Filipino stands as a renewed commitment to celebrating Filipino craftsmanship while addressing the evolving needs of contemporary trade and design.</p><div><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769044430792Metro.Style Likhang Filipino.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>How to navigate the space</strong></div><p>Designed as both a showroom and a sourcing hub, Likhang Filipino provides vetted local manufacturers and exporters—many of whom are exhibitors from CITEM’s signature trade fairs, Manila FAME and IFEX Philippines—with premium exhibition and retail space. The facility allows local and international buyers, tourists, and official delegations to experience the depth and diversity of Philippine-made products in a single venue. Beyond retail and display, the space also supports product development initiatives, mentorship programs, and design collaborations with industry specialists, enabling micro, small, and medium enterprises to elevate their offerings and build stronger international presence.</p><div><strong>Rekindling a Past Glory</strong></div><p>The opening of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls coincides with the Philippines’ chairship of the ASEAN Summit, echoing a pivotal moment in the country’s history when the original PhilTrade Center was inaugurated in 1979. Built under the stewardship of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, PhilTrade was conceived as a platform to present the best of Philippine exports to the world. Its architecture drew inspiration from vernacular Filipino forms, with sloping roofs reminiscent of the bahay-kubo and a pavilion-style layout designed for flexibility and scale.</p><p>The revival of the site as Likhang Filipino is guided by a similar ambition, but with a renewed perspective shaped by today’s export environment. Under the leadership of <strong>First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos</strong>, the restored complex seeks to recreate the impact of its predecessor while adapting to contemporary standards of design, sustainability, and global competitiveness. The project reflects CITEM’s integrated approach to developing and promoting Filipino enterprises—bridging tradition and innovation while strengthening the country’s position as a premier sourcing destination.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769044502333Metro.Style Likhang Filipino President BBM.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><strong>Filipino excellence all in one compound</strong></div><p>Now reintroduced as a year-round exhibition and sourcing hub, Likhang Filipino spans approximately 8,000 square meters and features over 200 enterprises with a curated portfolio of more than 2,000 products. Drawing from the best of IFEX Philippines and Manila FAME, the showroom offers global buyers a streamlined gateway to Philippine brands that balance innovation, heritage, and craftsmanship.</p><p>The permanent facility is organized into six curated galleries that reflect the breadth of Philippine creative industries. These include spaces dedicated to special exhibits and a design library; traditional arts and crafts; fashion, textiles, and accessories; furniture and lighting; home décor, gifts, and holiday décor; as well as food, health, and wellness. Visitors can browse collections, purchase items on-site, and place pre-orders directly with exhibitors, fostering more direct and meaningful connections between producers and buyers.</p><div>For participating brands, Likhang Filipino offers more than visibility. Exhibitors benefit from turnkey retail space, access to expert design mentorship, and dual revenue streams through direct consumer sales and institutional order fulfillment. This model supports both immediate market engagement and long-term business growth, particularly for MSMEs seeking to scale responsibly and sustainably.<img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769044551275Metro.Style Likhang Filipino President BBM Stage.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><strong>Global stage debut </strong></div><p>The official launch of Likhang Filipino on January 15 was led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., alongside First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Marcos. The opening underscored the project’s national significance and its role in presenting Filipino creativity to an international audience. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with key government officials, followed by guided tours of the galleries, live craft demonstrations, performances, and a mini fashion show.</p><p>Strategically aligned with the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship, Likhang Filipino serves as a welcoming platform for foreign delegations and an opportunity to project Filipino excellence to regional and global partners. The launch was attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, private sector stakeholders, and media, reinforcing the showroom’s role as both a cultural and economic showcase.</p><div><br/></div><div><em>The Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls is located at the International Trade Center Complex, formerly the PhilTrade Center, along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City. It opens to the public for free starting January 20 and operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. More information is available at likhangfilipino.com.ph, with inquiries directed to info@citem.com.ph.</em></div>

<p>A permanent home for Filipino fashion, decor, and crafts, Likhang Filipino pens with galleries on fashion, furniture, decor, and more</p>

A permanent home for Filipino fashion, decor, and crafts, Likhang Filipino pens with galleries on fashion, furniture, decor, and more

Likhang Filipino Returns as a National Showcase of Craft and Creativity

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Likhang Filipino Returns as a National Showcase of Craft and Creativity

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Published Jan 22, 2026 09:11 AM PHT

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Updated Jan 22, 2026 09:19 AM PHT

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Likhang Filipino

President Marcos Jr. First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos

CITEM

Philippine Design

ASEAN Summit

Filipino Craftsmanship

Home and Lifestyle

Fashion and Accessories

Manila FAME

IFEX Philippines

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