The Wonderful Feeling of MaArte

All roads were leading to the Manila Peninsula this rainy weekend as it was time for MaArte at the Pen. The Titas of Manila were well represented and it was great to hear first-timers to MaArte like Randy Ortiz gushing about the experience. These Titas may not go to the Malls in droves, or be in such a spending mood when they go; but it’s a whole different matter when they descend upon MaArte and turn it into the chicest bazaar of the weekend. For such a good cause, the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, which promotes Philippine Art, History, and Culture; it was heartening to see the visitors arrive with open purses and wallets. 

 

#BeMaArteForACause and shop with us this weekend at The Peninsula Manila! ????????We’re open from 10AM to 8PM. See you at the 2nd floor, meeting rooms and at 3rd floor, The Gallery of The Peninsula Manila. ? MaArte at The Pen is organized by MFPI to raise funding support for the National Museum and its network. ? MAARTE AT THE PEN 10 - 12 August 2018 10:00 am - 8:00 pm | The Peninsula Manila ? #MaArteAtThePen #ThePeninsulaManila #PinoyManCave #PenMoments

A post shared by MaArte Fair (@maartefair) on Aug 9, 2018 at 8:34pm PDT

 

A man’s world in a secret corner here at @thepeninsulamanila! ?? Check out the #PinoyManCave at the 2nd floor function room area and discover pieces specially made for the Filipino gentleman. ? MaArte at The Pen is organized by MFPI to raise funding support for the National Museum and its network. ? MAARTE AT THE PEN 10 - 12 August 2018 10:00 am - 8:00 pm | The Peninsula Manila ? #BeMaArteForACause #MaArteAtThePen #ThePeninsulaManila

A post shared by MaArte Fair (@maartefair) on Aug 10, 2018 at 3:26am PDT

I mention Randy, because along with the likes of Cosimo Leathersmiths, Siklo Pilipinas, and Rameilius Trading, he was among the first-time primary movers of this year’s new MaArte feature, the PinoyManCave section. And by all accounts, this was a successful addition to the Exhibitors roster. Mixing fashion and accessories, this ManCave became a popular destination; and it was a welcome resting (and spending) hole for the Men who had accompanied their wives, girlfriends, and sisters to MaArte.

[photos]

photos by Philip Cu-Unjieng

I’ve often joked about how the ‘tinderas’ of MaArte and ArteFino are more ‘sosyal’ and photogenic than the ones buying; and this year, I decided to gift you with photos to prove my point. I say this half in jest; but in truth, it is one of the factors that make these Fairs such raging successes. Friends and ‘amigas’ of the ones selling come to show their support, and it literally becomes an impromptu party and reunion. There are instances when people who haven’t seen each other beyond Facebook, bump into each other at MaArte and celebrate. This atmosphere is part of the magic that’s created, and as the National Museum is the major beneficiary, I’m all for these Fairs proliferating. 

 

Our shoppers enjoying the MaArte scene here at @thepeninsulamanila! We’re open til 8pm. ?? ? MaArte at The Pen is organized by MFPI to raise funding support for the National Museum and its network. ? MAARTE AT THE PEN 10 - 12 August 2018 10:00 am - 8:00 pm | The Peninsula Manila ? #MaArteAtThePen #BeMaArteForACause #ThePeninsulaManila #PinoyManCave #PenMoments

A post shared by MaArte Fair (@maartefair) on Aug 12, 2018 at 1:10am PDT

In fact, it’s a shame that this goes on for a scant three days, once a year. While the Museum Foundation (MFPI) have other activities throughout the year, MaArte is one of their major fundraising events; so it was great to see it so successful despite the inclement weather.

Lead images from  @maartefair