On January 15, 2026, the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls opened its doors to take a bold step towards showcasing Filipino creative excellence. On that day, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Marcos, led the official opening ceremony.
Situated along Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, its 8,000-square-meter facility represents more than just an exhibition space. This launch carries special significance as it coincides with the Philippines’ chairship of the 2026 ASEAN summit. As such, it is a statement of national pride and a strategic platform that elevates Filipino products to the global market.
The Office of the President, through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), spearheaded the project. Bringing together over 2,000 products from nearly 200 enterprises, this exhibition is designed as a “concept store” where Filipinos can access Filipino ingenuity across multiple industries.
Standing on the grounds of the former PhilTrade Center, this exhibition marks the rebirth of a facility that has deep historical roots. Inaugurated in 1979, the original PhilTrade Center served as the country’s premier export showcase during a transformative period for Philippine manufacturing. Its construction was completed in 12 days using prefabricated components. The former structure was designed to reflect Filipino architectural sensibilities through a vernacular design language, with its pavilions being reminiscent of the traditional bahay kubo.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos pushed for the restoration initiative, envisioning a facility that would recreate the PhilTrade Center’s impact while also addressing contemporary export challenges. The reopening fulfills Executive Order No. 75, signed by President Marcos, to strengthen the country’s export promotion efforts. It seeks to position the country as a premier sourcing destination for quality products and services.
The exhibition halls are organized into six distinct galleries, each curated to highlight specific sectors. Gallery 1 serves as the Special Exhibits and Design Library, functioning as an experimental “Black Box” space that traces 50 years of Philippine design history. For its inaugural showcase, the gallery features innovative art chair pieces inspired by Design Center of the Philippines Founding Director Arturo Luz’s “New Buri.”
Gallery 2 celebrates Traditional Arts and Crafts. It showcases the artistry of indigenous communities and master artisans through handwoven looms, musical instruments, baskets, wood carvings, and accessories. Gallery 3 focuses on Fashion, Textile, and Accessories. It presents both ready-to-wear collections and bespoke creations from design ateliers.
Furthermore, Gallery 4 is the Furniture and Lighting gallery. It highlights sculptural forms and refined Asian contemporary designs. Meanwhile, Gallery 5 presents Home Decor, Gifts, and Holiday Decor. It features award-winning products from brands such as OBRA and Nature’s Legacy. Lastly, Gallery 6 rounds out the experience with Food, Health, and Wellness, from artisanal chocolates and coffee to organic skincare.
The curation of these galleries involved collaborating with some of the Philippines’ most respected design consultants. Multi-awarded designer Tony Gonzales transformed Gallery 1 using traditional handwoven fabrics and natural materials. Meanwhile, Ito Kish brought his editorial approach to Galleries 4 and 5, drawing inspiration from resort living and contemporary Asian aesthetics.
Al Caronan, a member of the influential Movement 8 design collective, created a sensorial experience in Gallery 6 that reimagines the traditional Filipino tablescape. The Designer Center of the Philippines oversaw Gallery 3, using the symbolic element of the saranggola (kite) as a unifying theme. Created by Batangas-based artisan groups, the 71 handcrafted kites pay homage to Filipino cultural heritage.
Likhang Filipino functions as a multi-purpose facility that serves as a year-round sourcing and retail destination for local and international buyers. This also includes tourists and delegations attending Philippine-hosted global events.
As CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo noted, the facility represents the fulfillment of months of dedicated work. The exhibition opens to the public for free starting January 20, 2026. The halls operate from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. While the products are only available within the exhibition itself, Likhang Filipino is also working on opening a website that allows people to purchase products online, positioning itself at the forefront of e-commerce.
Overall, Likhang Filipino invites visitors to discover the breadth and depth of Filipino creativity in one vibrant, accessible space.
Photographed by Ed Simon
Ventilation involves the introduction of outdoor air into a room, providing occupants with their needs. Proper ventilation allows for the moderation of internal temperatures, the creation of better airflow, the dilution of carbon dioxide to acceptable levels, and the removal of contaminants. This addresses health risks associated with indoor air pollution, such as respiratory problems […]
WORLDBEX 2026, running from March 12 to 15, 2026, proves itself as the Philippines’ leading construction and design expo as it wrapped its 29th edition. It drew together 1,000 local and international exhibitors under one theme, “Building Opportunities: Sustaining Lives.” Organized by Worldbex Services International (WSI), in support of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc., the event […]
Located near the equator, factors such as heat and humidity are the norm in the Philippines. This tropical climate has shaped the development of architecture in the country. As Leandro V. Locsin stated: “The first consideration of the Filipino builder and certainly the most evident in his architecture, which is after all an outgrowth of […]
Art in the Park returned this year to Jaime Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village, Makati City, to celebrate its 20th anniversary. This year’s edition featured a curated selection of works from 55 exhibitors representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups. With all artworks capped at Php 70,000, the fair continued its mission […]
Denise de Castro, Principal Architect of DEQA Design Collaborative, believes that designing with equity in mind means starting at the workplace. Values and practices that your studio or office espouse inevitably filter down to the work that you do. Equitable design ensures that people with different needs and different backgrounds are supported through fair access, […]
