Top names in Philippine design join F.A.M.E.’s merchandise consultancy program for exporters

March 23, 2010 - PRLog -- This April edition of Manila F.A.M.E. International, top names in the design industry make a comeback in the show’s Merchandise Design Consultancy Program (MDCP). Milo Naval, Wataru Sakuma, and with a special participation of Rachy Cuna share their design expertise to exporters who aim to create new product designs for the world market.

Milo Naval is no stranger to the design world. Sought-after and often described as one of the brilliant innovators in the Philippines, he is known to use unconventional materials such as corrugated boards for chairs, bottle caps as accent for planters, as well as treated and dried up leaves for sofas. “I am a casual designer. I design based on instinct and don’t believe so much in following basic rules. I design according to what makes me happy,” shares Naval.

A member of Movement 8, a consortium of cutting-edge Filipino designers, he works to promote indigenous materials through his designs. According to him, this stems from his nationalism and desire to provide livelihood to those in the provinces.

For this edition, Manila F.A.M.E. focuses on Japan as partner country, showcasing what the Philippines can offer to its second largest trade market.

“Japanese designs are very simple. [For the MDCP] I would focus on simple ideas and follow the Japanese way of thinking and designing,” Naval said.

Wataru Sakuma is a young Japanese designer with a strong background in the fine arts, having been granted a scholarship in New York in a program affiliated with Parson’s School of Design. As an artist, he experimented with recycled materials such as carton boxes turned into pulp which he transforms into sculpture.

Sakuma has been in the Philippines for six years now, working as a designer for Masa Ecological Development, Inc., a company manufacturing lamps, wall art, and tapestry using handmade paper. His constant research led him to pineapple and banana fibers, which he says are the best material for his handmade paper.

When asked why he chose paper as his medium, he replied: “Japan has a thousand years of paper making history. I want to infuse Japanese technology with materials from the Philippines.” Looking forward to working with other companies and exploring other materials, he hopes to incorporate traditional Japanese designs with contemporary appeal and combine the Japanese style with the Filipino way of living.

In addition to working on product design with exhibitors who signed-up for the program, the consultants also lend their creative hand in putting-up the show’s special settings, which, for this edition, are inspired by Japanese teahouses.

World-renowned floral architect and lifestyle artist Rachy Cuna also works his magic at the World Trade Center lobby in a special design setting for Manila F.A.M.E. Artist par excellence, Cuna transforms ordinary objects into something that evokes various emotions from those who have seen his works. On his chosen medium he says: “I have loved flowers since I was young. Flowers are everyday [objects] that add beauty to life.”

His 15 years experience as a curator for the Ayala Museum and Metropolitan Museum of Manila has imbibed in him the discipline on exhibit design and allowed him to master the art and craft of designing. He hopes to highlight the versatility of Filipino design in his Japanese inspired setting. “I will create a ceremonial platform that will highlight some of the products designed by the merchandise consultants and execute an oversized floral arrangement using Filipino materials,” explains Cuna.


Manila F.A.M.E. International, a bi-annual trade platform for home and lifestyle products, is led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industries. The show opens on 22-25 April 2010 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

MDCP was instituted in 1983, allowing local companies—the show’s exhibitors— to collaborate with local and international design luminaries in coming up with new products. The resulting products are displayed to advantage in unique special settings considered among the most anticipated highlights of the show.

“[The consultancy program] helps widen our design perspective with the use of local, indigenous materials,” testifies Gideon Robles, President of Robles Heritage, Inc., a manufacturer of capiz and stained glass home furnishings. “Through the MDCP, we hope to bring the quality of our designs to a higher level,” says Edwin Rivera, General Manager of Obra Cebuana, an exhibitor joining the program.

For the past 27 years, Manila F.A.M.E. International’s MDCP has brought in design luminaries like Philip Cutler, Detlef Klatt, Gerald Tyler, and Naomi Filmer among others. Filipino designers Budji Layug, Tes Pasola, Al Caronan, Carlo Tanseco, Inno Sotto, PJ Arañador, and a host of other talented local designers have likewise lent their expertise to the program.

For more information, log on to www.manilafame.com, email manilafame@citem.com.ph or contact Manila F.A.M.E. Secretariat at telephone numbers (632) 833.1258/ (632) 831.1265

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The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is an export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry.