Shop Heirloom, Pottery, And More Proudly-Pinoy Pieces To Help The Museum Foundation’s Cultural Projects

This year, we welcome the physical comeback of a very exciting, cause-oriented event. MaArte At The Pen—the elegant fundraising bazaar that benefits the Museum Foundation of the Philippines—returns with an onsite exhibition from August 19 to 21, featuring a selection of thoughtfully-made merchandise that’s proudly Filipino.

With an overarching theme of celebrating the Filipino creative soul, expect a curation of traditional and contemporary Filipino craft and design. The home section is a specially intriguing part of the fair—where a myriad of surprises await all fair goers of different tastes and preferences. MaArte will “encompass so many genres”, as Lisa Periquet points out, including Philippine antiques and heirloom pieces.

“We have a selection of respected purveyors, including Gallery Deus, which specializes in tribal art, Unang Panahon, which will offer a range of Philippine antiques and traditional jewelry, and Treasures of Time Fine Antiques, which focuses on excavated objects, beads, and ritual pottery,” she shares about the antique selection in MaArte, all which makes their debut at the fair.

Lisa adds, “The Gallery of Prints will focus on Philippine maps and prints, while Leon Gallery will present a showcase of Philippine art and objects.  Several of our jewelry exhibitors, including Maria Angelica Rare Finds and Riqueza Jewelry, incorporate Philippine traditional and vintage jewelry in their designs.”

Ito Kish will also appear for the first time in the fair, joining MaArte stalwarts Beyond Borders, Domesticity-Tilla, and the non-profit Gifts and Graces. Pottery will grace the fair as well, with well-known studios Joey De Castro Pottery, ORYOQI Ceramics, and Siegrid Bangyay Pottery staging their own designs and crafts.

The organizers consulted with architect and furniture designer Tina Bonoan to add more depth to the section. She herself brought her own lineup, with offerings from Azcor Lighting Systems, Touch of Craft, and HOLICOW that people can view and buy from.

“Having in mind the goals of MaArte At The Pen, my initial thoughts included product design development for home goods—functional, design-oriented and truly ours. Sariling atin,” the designer tells Metro.Style.

She believes in our passion for our craft, making up a lineup of thoughtfully put-together goods in one place. “It is the love for what they do, the belief in the Filipino craft, their ideas and handiwork,” she comments. “And they wear the Filipino brand with their head up high.”

On what she’s looking forward to the most, it’s the fusion of design and seeing what kept the craftmakers’ creative souls going throughout the pandemic. Tina also has high hopes for the future of MaArte’s home section. “Having a strong focus on the home is a novelty at MaArte,” she muses. “It is just the beginning.”

Shop at MaArte At The Pen on August 19-21 at the Manila Peninsula, Corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues,  Makati, 1226 Metro Manila.  Visit The Museum Foundation's website for updates on how to support their cultural initiatives.