Unveiling the New Side of Manila FAME
This year at Manila FAME, modern life is reimagined through a fresh perspective in ‘Objects of Nature.’
Words Rica Mae Labbao
Photo courtesy of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions
October 21, 2025
After the dramatic curtain fell, a majestic scene of nature-inspired masterpieces captivated the audience at the exclusive media teaser of Manila FAME.
Manila FAME is the premier trade show for home, fashion, and lifestyle, and the second-longest-running trade fair in Asia. It is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Celebrating the natural wonders of the environment under its theme, “Objects of Nature,” the event featured works by world-renowned artisans and designers, each presenting a redefined vision of lifestyle and innovation in the design industry.
Triboa Bay
Among the featured designers were Tony Gonzales, Kenneth Cobonpue, and Milo Naval—the pioneering founders of the influential group Movement 8, which helped propel Philippine design to new heights starting in the 1990s.
“From being the industry youngbloods who pushed forward Filipino design and thus put the country on the global map, they are now widely regarded as design masters who are also teaching younger creatives to carry on the work of exemplifying Filipino excellence,” CITEM Executive Director Leah Ocampo said.
Artisanal works of the Philippines
The preview featured select pieces from Design Commune, Artisans Village, and Philippine Components.
Design Commune highlights works by designers and creators from the Elements of Nature and Home at FAME showcases, presenting creative and functional pieces that elevate the standards of Filipino furniture and home design. The collection is curated through CITEM’s product development program, in collaboration with renowned Filipino design authorities and manufacturers.
From Artisans Village, a diverse array of handicrafts and products from across the Philippines speaks volumes about the culture and artistry of the Filipino people. This Manila FAME program is designed to spotlight regional artisans and provide a platform for MSMEs in the handcrafted goods sector.
In the architectural interior lineage, Philippine Components exhibit the artistic demonstration of Filipino designers in creating bespoke parts and fittings.
What to look forward?
In addition to the masterpieces from Design Commune’s Elements of Nature and Home at FAME, the artistic creations of Artisans Village, and architectural and interior fittings from Philippine Components, this year’s show will also feature FASHION Philippines—a curated collection of pieces from 11 designers developed during a mentorship program in Milan.
In an Art+ exclusive interview, Milo Naval, Tony Gonzales, and Kenneth Cobonpue shared what they have in store for Manila FAME 2025:
Milo Naval: For this show, I’m showing my version of what a modern home is for me. Through color, through forms that will show what nature is about, and the consciousness of bringing, using, or upcycling some materials. So that’s what we have in store for the show.
Milo Naval
Kenneth Cobonpue: We have a lot of new ideas, in lighting [and] in furniture, that we’re going to preview at Manila FAME, and some of these will be brought to other shows abroad—Milan, Paris, and New York. I invite everyone to come to Manila FAME. We always have new collections that are fresh, I would say. That’s a first for us when it comes to design. We have a few lights there, some new chairs, and new ideas, and we also have a line called KCurated, which is our only line for small objects, with also new products.
Kenneth Cobonpue, Photo courtesy of Manila FAME
Tony Gonzales: I think it’s hard to describe it; I think you have to see it, and I think what’s nice about this edition is I’m working with four young designers and mentoring them also, and they’re doing a lot of new designs also. So, you will see another younger perspective on designing.
Tony Gonzales
Manila FAME discovers more creative Filipino handicrafts, works, and designs, reflecting the varied values and culture of the Philippines.
