HIBLA: The importance of preserving age-old traditions

Manila FAME highlighted the richness of Philippine heritage through HIBLA, a special pavilion at Asia’s Design and Lifestyle Event that paid tribute to the creation of textiles and colorful garments using age-old traditions practiced by indigenous communities from the different regions in the Philippines.

In the midst of vibrant colors and distinctive patterns, Filipino artisans took center stage as they demonstrated the importance of preserving the ancient Philippine tradition of weaving. In line with Manila FAME’s theme, “The Art of the Craftsman = The Soul of the Philippines,” HIBLA provided a visual demonstration of the connection between the craftsman and his craft.

Designed by Robert Alejandro and Karol Antonio of  CITEM’s exhibition design division, the HIBLA pavilion featured a variety colorful garments handwoven by indigenous people from different regions in the Philippines.

Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, puts on a traditional handwoven garb.

“The Craftsman’s hands work the materials in a language all their own… A language that is simple and interlaced with silences where they share their passion for their craft.” – James R. Booth, Manila FAME Project Director

A B’laan woman from Saranggani weaves a garment with the use of fine abaca fiber.

HIBLA is an offshoot of Senator Loren Legarda’s latest project entitled Hibla ng Lahing Pilipino, a permanent textile gallery found at the National Museum of the Philippines. The gallery emphasizes the importance of upholding the art of weaving as an integral part of our culture.

Don’t miss the chance to be inspired by the Philippines’ colors, textures, and distinctive designs and expect more of Philippine ingenuity on 14-17 March 2013 at the 57th edition of Manila FAME, Asia’s Design and Lifestyle Event.

Monday by Design: Featuring Milo Naval and Vito Selma

The fourth edition of Manila FAME‘s Monday by Design features Milo Naval and Vito Selma, renowned Filipino designers that will bring you exciting designs at the October edition of the Design and Lifestyle Event.

Milo Naval

Milo Naval, clean, clear, contemporary
Milo Naval, an architect, interior designer, and product designer, has produced designs that have been showcased at major trade shows like Maison et Objet in Paris, internationale möbelmesse in Cologne, Salone in Milan, and International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York.

A member of movement 8, a group of internationally acclaimed Filipino designers that made the world take notice of the ingenuity of Philippine design, Milo made his mark turning indigenous materials into modern art pieces. His work has been described as clean, simple, classic yet contemporary. His numerous clients come from Europe, Australia, the Middle East, South America, the U.S. And other Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

As one of the designers involved in Manila FAME, Milo says, “It’s always been an exciting experience to be part of the CITEM show,” He invites everyone to visit the event,

“You will be seeing a lot of new and exciting things for furniture, housewares, and fashion. I’m sure you’re going to like the show!”

Vito Selma launch in Israel

Vito Selma, designs driven by nature
Inspired by his surroundings, Vito Selma’s design style revolves around shapes, textures, and colors of everything that is natural. He is driven by Japanese aesthetics and Scandinavian design movements – natural, simple, and architectural. He has interned under interior designer George de Haast, an influential character in the development of interior design in South Africa; and under Raffaella Mangiaroti, an architect and designer based in Milan, Italy.

Vito has nursed a fascination for the work of Filipina designer Debbie Palao; her distinctive designs use indigenous materials such as bamboo, rope, and other natural fibers found in the Philippines. Vito also loves the work of Brazilian designers Fernando and Humberto Campana because of their appreciation for the materials that they use and their knack for experimenting.

Vito Selma’s work entitled, Delilah

“I was quite shocked to be chosen (to be part of Manila FAME),” Vito exclaims, “as there are so many emerging designers in the country now and so many that have transitioned into being iconic designers of our country. I am very humbled that I will be part of this year’s roster of featured designers. It is such a thrill to be part of Asia’s Design and Lifestyle Event,” says Vito.

Milo and Vito are two of the many designers to watch out for at Asia’s Design and Lifestyle Event, the Manila FAME 2012 October edition which will be held on 17-20 October 2012 at the SMX Convention Center, Metro Manila Philippines. Anchored to the theme “The Art of the Craftsman = The Soul of the Philippines,” their designs will be featured in the show’s “Design Houses” which will showcase the country’s abundance of natural and indigenous materials