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The HeArteFino Foundation: The Heart, Soul, and Essence of Every ArteFino Trade Fair

Every ArteFino trade fair is distinguished by the concept of “shopping with a purpose,” and this ethos is by and large rooted on the HeArteFino Foundation

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Metro.Style Team

<div><br/></div><p>From the time the artisanalcommunity was first established in 2017, founders <strong>Marimel Francisco, Mita Rufino, MaritessPineda, Susie Quiros, </strong>and <strong>Cedie Vargas </strong>agreed that community, purpose and circularity wouldbe the heart, soul, essence, and<em> raison d’etre</em> behind every <a href="https://artefinoph.com/" target="_blank">ArteFino</a> trade fair.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a9fdefe4-959b-4d44-9d23-f580766d82ba_artefino resort 2023-01501.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="The HeArteFino Foundation: The Heart, Soul, and Essence of Every ArteFino Trade Fair"/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Community and Purpose</strong></div><p>Cedie shares, “The <strong>HeArteFino Foundation</strong> is the reason why we do what we do. It’s whatanchors us.” The foundation, which was informally launched as a development program in 2017,was envisioned as a platform for forging sustainable, long-term partnerships with local artisancommunities. “Through the proceeds raised at every ArteFino trade fair, we are able to fund thefoundation which in turn invests in chosen communities around the country.”</p><div><br/></div><p>The HeArteFino Foundation does more than just invest funds. Its founders and brand partnersalso commit their time, energy, and efforts to creating real and resonant social impact. “It’s notjust a one-time thing,” explains Cedie. “When we partner with communities or makers, our aim isto empower them to run sustainable businesses. Our collaborations run for several years so thatwe establish long term relationships and create real impact.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Stories and Traditions Behind Your Favorite ArteFino Finds</strong></div><p>When the trade fair and development program (now incorporated as a foundation) waslaunched, the team engaged with <strong>Zarah Juan</strong> as its first grantee. They supported the brand’sinitiative in working with beaders of the Bagobo Tagbanwa Community in Mindanao. Theprogram did not only help raise awareness about time-honored beading traditions in the south, italso paved the way for the region’s artisans to find their special corners in the contemporarylifestyle category. “Today, Zarah Juan is on its third run of beaded shirts, jackets and vests,”discloses Cedie.</p><div><br/></div><p>The dedicated team of the HeArteFino Foundation has also immersed itself in the weavingcommunities of Kabankalan in Negros Occidental. Creative Definitions’ <strong>Michael Claparols</strong>, whois also the founder of ArteFino mainstays Lakat and Aire, was their second grantee. Throughcollaboration and close coordination, funds raised from previous ArteFino fairs were invested onthe acquisition of wider looms for the area’s local weavers. Cedie adds, “Fabrics produced bythese looms are now being used for some if not most of Lakat’s sustainable sneakers and Aire’sgarments.”</p><div><br/></div><p>The most recent initiative supported by the HeArteFino Foundation focuses on the future ofzero-waste textiles. According to Cedie, “We’ve been working with <strong>Anya Lim</strong> of Anthill inexploring the possibilities of zero-waste textiles.” When ArteFino returned to the fairgrounds lastyear, the event’s focus was on recycling, repurposing, and regenerating. “This year, the samethrust continues to inform our trade fairs,” she says. At the first ArteFino Resort popuphappening in March, patrons will find zero-waste fabrics reimagined into lifestyle products likeclothing, pot holders, pouf cushions, and caps.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/9f156406-a236-42ba-92e8-e5aa1c99271c_artefino resort 2023-00789.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="The HeArteFino Foundation: The Heart, Soul, and Essence of Every ArteFino Trade Fair"/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Circularity Within The Community</strong></div><p>It’s not just about shopping for artisanal products at ArteFino. Every purchase is a show ofsupport for local brands and communities. At every trade fair, more doors open for the craftindustry to establish their place in a market that is fast-becoming more conscious, mindful, andpurpose-driven.</p><div><br/></div><p>Cedie elaborates, “ArteFino fairs help to fund the foundation’s grants or investments. We workvery closely with all of our grantees or beneficiaries in creating sustainable livelihood.” In thecase of the Bagobo beaders, Kabankalan weavers, and makers of zero waste textiles, theirproducts are refined and developed before making their way to the fairgrounds. “These productsare sold at ArteFino, which ultimately help us fund the foundation.”Circular economy and dynamics within the growing community drives both the fairtrade eventsand foundation. </p><div><br/></div><p>One cannot exist or live out its mission without the other. It’s this unique qualityabout the HeArteFino Foundation and ArteFino that has breathed new life to the country’s richtradition of craft. It has also inspired founders and supporters of the movement to re-imaginewhat it means to be ‘Loca for Local” in 2023.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>ARTEFINO Resort Pop Up: A Celebration of Local Life in the Tropics</strong></div><p>For the first time since it was founded in 2017, ArteFino will mount a four-day pop up inspiredby a vibrant resort lifestyle distinct to the Philippines. From <strong>March 23 to 26, 2023</strong>, the <strong>NorthCourt of the Power Plant Mall</strong> will be transformed into a festive summer oasis filled withhandpicked fashion, body care, and home finds that inspire 365 days of sunshine.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Loca for Local: A Nod to Tropical Life and Style</strong></div><p>In the Philippines, Resort or Summer season runs all year round. The founders of ArteFino,Marimel Francisco, Mita Rufino, Maritess Pineda, Susie Quiros, and Cedie Vargas, add that atany given time, “It’s practically summer all year round in the Philippines, except for a few monthsof rain. You can plan a trip to any of our beautiful beaches. For us, summer isn’t just a season.It’s a lifestyle.”</p><div><br/></div><p>Tropical resort living is characteristic of Philippine culture. The ArteFino team emphasizes,“Whether you are staying at home or exploring new destinations, that sense of being onvacation is always within reach.” It’s this mindset that informs how local makers and artisanscraft their unique design narratives through colors, prints, patterns and textures. It also inspiresweather resistant workmanship, techniques and materials of choice.</p><div><br/></div><p>Marimal expounds, “The need to stay cool and wear breathable and lightweight garmentsbecome necessary.” And because the warm climate in the tropics is almost a year-roundoccurrence, versatility also factors into the aesthetic inclinations of local fashion, design andwellness brands.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a8cb42b9-2949-494d-b425-dcdf55004923_artefino resort 2023-205239.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="The HeArteFino Foundation: The Heart, Soul, and Essence of Every ArteFino Trade Fair"/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>We Know Summer Best</strong></div><p>That the archipelago enjoys tropical weather all year round puts the local design and craftcommunity at an advantage especially when it comes to creating pieces for resort or summerliving. Weaving techniques of lightweight, tropical fabrics from all over the Philippines are,without doubt, unparalleled. The same goes for design executions on accessories and homeaccouterments that reverberate with coastal chicness.</p><div><br/></div><p>Marimel furthers, “The ArteFino Resort Pop Up aims to inspire a love for local which can beinjected into your contemporary lifestyle. During this limited, four-day thematic event, we inviteyou to discover a tropical trove filled with elevated casual pieces from different brands. There isalso a curated selection of home products as well as body care items. From filling your dayswith resort fashion to transforming your tropical home, our special summer curation has got youcovered.”</p><div><br/></div><p>The handpicked selection of 27 brands at ArteFino Resort highlights the mastery of localartisans in crafting products ideal for tropical living. Labels and makers featured for this specialtrade fair include:</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>FASHION</strong></div><p>Alegre by Techie Hagedorn</p><p>Christiana</p><p>Coco &amp; Tres</p><p>Crystal Seas</p><p>Edited Limited</p><p>Good Luck Humans</p><p>Jor-El Espina</p><p>Katha Pilipinas</p><p>Lakat X Aire </p><p>Pinas Sadya</p><p>Style Ana</p><p>The Shape Shop</p><p>Tilia</p><p>Trude Lizares</p><p>Twinkle*Ferraren</p><p>Two Chic</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>FASHION ACCESSORIES</strong></div><p>Aishe</p><p>Arnel Papa</p><p>MCV Designs</p><p>R. Filart</p><p>Tina Campos</p><p>Uswag Artesano X Abre Linea</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>HOME</strong></div><p>Art of Gold</p><p>The Fine Life MarketJEWELRY</p><p>Judy Jewels and Fedesto</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>PERSONAL CARE</strong></div><p>Amparo’s Apothecary</p><p>Daily Bar</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/fdacb3d8-15d3-494e-a624-1292f8d3b6aa_artefino resort campaign-00355.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="The HeArteFino Foundation: The Heart, Soul, and Essence of Every ArteFino Trade Fair"/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Inspiration Behind ArteFino Resort</strong></div><p>“When we think of summer, what comes to mind are lounging poolside while sipping a drink, reading a book in an airy patio, the sound of the waves hitting the sand, and glorious orangeand yellow sunsets. At sunset, serve meals al fresco under the shade of a tree. Gatheringfriends for cocktails. This season calls for relaxed days on the beach, surrounded by family andfriends.”</p><div><br/></div><p><strong><a href="https://metro.style/culture/events/what-to-expect-artefino-festival-2022/33501" target="_blank">ArteFino</a> Resort Pop Up</strong> will run from March 23-26, 2023 at the North Court of thePower Plant Mall. For more information and updates, follow them on <strong>@artefinoph</strong>.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/778ab3ed-eb5d-4016-ae05-9b8297271124_artefino resort campaign-205439.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="The HeArteFino Foundation: The Heart, Soul, and Essence of Every ArteFino Trade Fair"/></span></span></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/culture/events/the-rockwellist-pops-up-at-nepo-in-angeles-city/35067" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Rockwellist Pops Up at Nepo in Angeles City</a></div><div><br/></div><p>Lead photos courtesy of <strong>ArteFino</strong></p>