And local designers Tony Gonzales et al put out an excellent showcase of on-trend furniture and home décor

MANILA—Manila FAME, the twice yearly exhibition of what is known to be the best and latest in Filipino design and craftsmanship, may have shrunk in size over the years but it remains a significant venue to showcase what local designers and artisans would like to show the world.

Spearheaded by the Center for International Trade and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion facility of the Department of Trade and Industry, this year’s first edition (the second will be in October) has allotted significant space to female weavers from different parts of the archipelago, as well as merchants from different points in Southeast Asia.

Surveying the offerings at the ground floor of the World Trade Center in Pasay, the humble banig has clearly shot up to prominence in the lifestyle arena, with different groups pushing the envelope as to its palette, design and use. More complex designs have come up, and instead of the usual canvas or leather, banig is now major material for knapsacks and overnight carryalls, thanks to the women of the Basey Association for Native Industry Growth. There is even a banig rug with tiger design, trimmed with tiger print fabric—a witty, if not less offensive, reinterpretation of the classic animal skin version.

At the main exhibition hall, holding pride of place is the Siklesa, a motor vehicle inspired by the tricycle, the jeepney and the kalesa. Banig makes an appearance here, too, as one of the materials, together with wood and stainless steel. Marketed mainly for hotels and resorts, it is a very Filipino motorcycle equipped with the agility of a car — “It can reverse and turn like a car,” says the lady introducing the ride to guests — and is “totally customizable.” Designed by Jaime Recto, the Siklesa was inspired by the parades of Marinduque and starts at the price of P350,000.

But the real showstopper of this Manila FAME edition is the Design Commune, a colorful and awe-inspiring collection from the collaboration of Filipino designers and manufacturers. The designer group is headed by Tony Gonzales, and is participated in by Tes Pasola, Detlef Klatt, Joseph Crisanto and his students from the Design Center of the Philippines, and Rene Shih.

They traveled to Cebu, Davao, Northern Luzon and Cagayan de Oro to meet with local manufacturers and see the possibilities of each locale’s materials, skills and creativity. The effort is aimed at helping micro, small and medium enterprises come up with products that are in step with mainstream world trends. The results are stunning proof of what with-it Filipino designers and artisans are capable of if they combine forces.

Tablescapes and lounge setup at Design Commune. Jerome Gomez, ANC-X

Tablescapes and lounge setup at Design Commune. Jerome Gomez, ANC-X

Tablescapes and lounge setup at Design Commune. Jerome Gomez, ANC-X

From the blue-themed area of Design Commune. Jerome Gomez, ANC-X

Stool from Design Center Philippines. Jerome Gomez, ANC-X

This drawer made of wood and denim woven into chicken wire from Tes Pasola won the Katha prize for best product design. Jerome Gomez, ANC-X

This drawer made of wood and denim woven into chicken wire from Tes Pasola won the Katha prize for best product design. Jerome Gomez, ANC-X

Lamps of various local materials at Design Commune. Jerome Gomez, ANC-X

Autumn tablescape at Design Commune. Jerome Gomez, ANC-X

Autumn tablescape at Design Commune. Jerome Gomez, ANC-X

Throw pillows at Design Commune. Jerome Gomez, ANC-X

Straw bag with leather strap from Bicol’s Damas. Jerome Gomez, ANC-X