The love for local has only seen an upward trend in the last several years. There has been an increase in the desire for supporting the country’s very own artists, designers and makers, as the creative sector continues to prove that Filipino talent is indeed world-class. The rightful appreciation for this has put local products on every tastemaker’s Christmas wish list, with a variety of purveyors ready to fulfill the desire for homegrown lifestyle products.

Table trinkets by Liwayway at Presente by Arte Fino Courtesy of Arte Fino

Soulful Brand Narratives And Meaningful Shopping At Arte Fino

Every year since 2017, ArteFino returns to the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell for a Christmas edition of the popular movement that champions artisanal communities, vendors, artists and makers. “When buyers go to Presente, they shop for meaningful gifts,” says the founding team, Cedie Vargas, Marimel Francisco, Maritess Pineda, Mita Rufino and Susie Quiros adding that, “brands and products on feature have unique stories to tell about local artistry, communities, and creativity.”

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This holiday fair runs from December 2-23 at the Powerplant Mall in Rockwell. “We asked Doy Navarette of Judy Jewels and Fedesto to help out with this year’s décor,” Marimel Francisco tells Metro.Style, as she shows the details of the re-purposed Christmas stars cleverly wrapped in burlap and painted in gold, giving it a revamped and appropriately homespun look.

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Such is the positive, can-do spirit of the fair that encourages its clients to believe in the Filipino’s creative talent. One of the best rewards of shopping at Arte Fino is hearing the makers tell their stories behind each piece.

Kyla Olives of The Olive Tree shows Metro.Style an azure pillow, saying that it was hand appliqued and embroidered, using scraps of textiles from other collections. On the other hand, Concepcion Macatuno of Lokal shares the story of her lamp, one of which is adorned with crocheted ornamentation, reminiscent of sea life. “This was made by an artist who [technically] doesn’t know how to crochet,” she revealed. These interactions that share the amount of time, thought and skill behind each piece sold at the fair make shopping a meaningful experience, ensuring one’s support for local businesses and maker communities.

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Related Story: 6 Sustainable Gift Wrapping Ideas You Can Use Even After The Holidays

At ArteFino, each brand has a soulful narrative behind it because The ArteFino team handpicks partner vendors with great consideration for their ties with local, artisanal communities–weavers, woodworkers, embroiderers, sewers, farmers and other local creative collectives. This unique attribute of the movement expands the concept of gift-giving to instilling a mindset for supporting local artisan communities. “Everytime you shop at ArteFino, you also help these local communities,” the founders explain.

The gallery below shares a preview of gifts for the home at Arte Fino Presente:

Placemats by Lara SamarCourtesy of Arte Fino

Table trinkets by LiwaywayCourtesy of Arte Fino

Mother of pearl chargers by The Fine Life MarketCourtesy of Arte Fino

Abaca coasters with crocheted edges by The Fine Life MarketCourtesy of Arte Fino

Gift sets by the Fine Life MarketCourtesy of Arte Fino

Karoling coasters illustrated by Kora Dandan-Albano by Casa JuanCourtesy of Arte Fino

Plates designed by Kaayo from Casa JuanCourtesy of Arte Fino

Two-tiered pastry tray by C and CCourtesy of Arte Fino

Live edge chargers by Sustainably MadeCourtesy of Arte Fino

Stoneware belen by Ugu Bigyan from Domicillo Courtesy of Arte Fino

Ceramic floral wreath by Ugu Bigyan from DomicilloCourtesy of Arte Fino

Gift Sets And One-stop Pinoy Shopping At Kultura

On the other hand, shoppers will also discover unique gifts for everyone on their lists from Kultura, a one stop shop for the ultimate Filipino Christmas. There are eco-friendly finds and festive fashion accessories, chic home accents, delicious treats and aromatic personal care items, all beautifully packaged in pandan and kraft boxes.

From the stylish to the sustainable, there are a variety of options for the home:

Christmas is merry and bright with these cute lamps dressed in Filipiana outfits. Available at Kultura. Courtesy of Kultura

Eco-friendly bamboo mug and cutlery set from Kultura. Courtesy of Kultura

This cozy inabel throw hand woven by Ilocano weavers has traditional patterns that will be nostalgic especially for loved ones abroad.Courtesy of Kultura

Salapid Crochet Abaca Glass coasters handmade in Bicol Courtesy of Kultura

Delight your guests this holiday season with these hand painted guest towels and table linens featuring tropical patterns and bucolic scenes.Courtesy of Kultura

Stylish throws beautifully wrapped in pandan box Courtesy of Kultura

Delightful pinoy snacks from Kultura. Courtesy of Kultura

Have a brew-tiful coffee break after the holiday rush with this coffee gift set from Kultura.Courtesy of Kultura

Wrap your uniquely Filipino gifts in native boxes from KulturaCourtesy of Kultura

Aromatic and relaxing Bamboo Fragrance Diffuser from Kultura.Courtesy of Kultura

Happy Island's hand-poured soy candles are available in a variety of dreamy scents.Courtesy of Kultura