Bigkis is the act of binding. In Tagalog, the word can refer to something used to bind or encircle, as well as a bundle formed by tying several separate elements together. Figuratively, it can also mean a bond, union, or unity. The meanings move from the physical act of joining things together to the connection […]
ArteFino Fair Challenges the Future of Artisanal Craft with 2025 Iteration
ArteFino Fair 2025, a four day event filled with curated contemporary Filipino artisanal fashion and design brands, will be happening at The Fifth at Rockwell from July 31 to August 3. Different pop-up events related to the ArteFino brand will also appear within those dates across Rockwell.
The artisanal trade fair, founded by Maritess Pineda, Mita Rufino, Susie Quiros, Cedie Lopez-Vargas, and Marimel Francisco, functions as a showcase of the artistic designs and impulses running through the Philippines. This trade show will feature more than 100 different brands and products from the provinces, giving shoppers a broader view of the cultural milieu of the country today.
“We stand for a lifestyle that reflects who we are and what we value,” the ArteFino team said. “Thoughtful, rooted, and evolving. It’s not just about how we live, but why.”
Purposeful Craftsmanship
Since the first ArteFino in 2017, the trade fair has found itself fostering a “community of conscious retailers.” As an umbrella of different lifestyle brands from different provinces in the Philippines, it has expanded the definition of Filipino design to include unique brands and products from areas and cultures separated from the dominant Manila one.
This year, ArteFino will be providing exclusive new collections from different designers exploring different conceptual themes. For example, Steffi Cua, Geraldine Javier, and Marionne Contreras will be releasing the “Earthbound” collection, described as an exploration of “the use of eco printed local textiles and new forms of zero waste designs.”
Jor-el Espina will also be releasing a new collection, “Heirloom,” which is inspired by legendary Filipino designer Patis Tesoro. Camille Villanueva will also release a collection of dresses, jackets, and tops with works from muralist Tara Soriano.
Discussing these exclusive collections, the ArteFino team shared: “We are rooted in heritage, but never stuck in the past. The Filipino spirit lives in the way we adapt, preserve, and reimagine traditions.”
Evolving ArteFino to Meet Consumer Needs
As ArteFino barrels into their 10th year anniversary in 2026, the team has looked into implementing new programs to make the trade fair more engaging and vibrant to shoppers and consumers across Metro Manila.
For example, from July 26 to August 3, the team will open the ArteFino Lounge at the Balmori Chef’s Table in Rockwell to serve different heritage recipes and sell fine jewelry and accessories from brands such as Caro Wilson, Golden Monstera, Katha Pilipinas, and ARAO. The recipes will be coming from chefs Angelo Comsti and Don Baldosano.
“Our menu for the launch will be composed of our bestsellers and new dishes that our loyal guests can look forward to,” the team said. “ This collaboration is ideal because like ArteFino, we celebrate local craftsmanship through immortalized heritage recipes.”
They will also be showcasing a more curated collection of local products with ArteFino Finds, described as bringing “a fresh and modern take on local craft.” This will be happening at the R1 Level of Powerplant Mall’s New Wing, across from Din Tai Fung.
‘Creativity with A Conscience’
In the end, the ArteFino Fair represents more than a gathering of brands for the organizers. It is a community, a lifestyle space that provides a platform for innovators and visionaries to change Filipino fashion and design as we know it.
“We believe in creativity with a conscience,” the ArteFino team said. “Every object made, story shared, community empowered, is a reminder that design can be a vessel for dignity, livelihood, and hope. We represent a collective of dreamers, doers, and trailblazers, and gamechangers, crafting a more meaningful future.”
ArteFino Fair 2025 will be happening from July 31 to August 3 at The Fifth of Rockwell.
Photos provided by the organizers.
Related reading: Bitagcol Celebrates Fifth Anniversary with New Showroom in Makati
Frequently Asked Questions
The ArteFino Fair 2025 serves as a curated showcase for over 100 contemporary Filipino artisanal brands, focusing on fashion and design from various provinces across the country. Founded as a platform for “conscious retailers,” the fair aims to expand the definition of Filipino design beyond Metro Manila and foster a community where craftsmanship acts as a vessel for dignity and livelihood. By highlighting unique cultural products, the organizers seek to represent a lifestyle that is rooted in heritage yet constantly evolving to meet the modern values of its consumers.
This year’s exclusive collections focus on the intersection of sustainability and heritage, as seen in the “Earthbound” collection by Steffi Cua, Geraldine Javier, and Marionne Contreras, which utilizes eco-printed textiles and zero-waste designs. Other highlights include Jor-el Espina’s “Heirloom” collection, inspired by the legendary Patis Tesoro, and Camille Villanueva’s collaboration with muralist Tara Soriano. These works demonstrate the ArteFino team’s belief that the Filipino spirit is best expressed through the ability to preserve traditions while reimagining them for a contemporary audience.
To make the trade fair more engaging, the team has introduced new satellite programs such as the ArteFino Lounge at the Balmori Chef’s Table, where heritage recipes are paired with fine jewelry and accessories. Additionally, the “ArteFino Finds” pop-up at Powerplant Mall offers a fresh and modern take on local craft, providing a more accessible way for shoppers to interact with curated items. These initiatives are designed to create a more vibrant, multi-sensory environment that celebrates local craftsmanship through both design and culinary arts.
For the organizers, this principle means that every object produced and every story shared must contribute to the empowerment of the community. They view the fair as a platform for innovators and visionaries to change the landscape of Filipino design by ensuring that creativity serves a higher social purpose. By supporting dreamers and trailblazers who prioritize ethical production, ArteFino positions design as a tool for creating a more meaningful and hopeful future for Filipino artisans.
The main fair will take place at The Fifth at Rockwell from July 31 to August 3, 2025, serving as the central hub for the 100+ participating brands. However, the experience extends throughout the Rockwell area, with the ArteFino Lounge operating from July 26 to August 3 and the “ArteFino Finds” collection located at the R1 Level of Powerplant Mall’s New Wing. This distributed approach allows the artisanal celebration to permeate the entire district, providing multiple touchpoints for the public to engage with Filipino craft.
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