Christmas is just around the corner. Malls are packed with people doing last minute shopping for the holidays, be it for gifting or for personal use. Over the years, sustainable shopping has become popular as people become more conscious of the products they buy and use. In the Philippines, ArteFino is one of the communities that promote shopping with purpose. Every holiday season, the organization mounts Presente by ArteFino, an annual gathering of the movement’s partner vendors, communities, and patrons.

“When buyers go to Presente, they shop for meaningful gifts,” says the founding team adding that, “brands and products on feature have unique stories to tell about local artistry, communities, and creativity.” 

The holiday trade fair opened last December 2 at the Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center and will run until December 23, 2022. This year, a total of 70 partner vendors will participate in Presente by ArteFino. A curated mix of artisanal brands across lifestyle is featured every week. Shoppers will find something in fashion, accessories and jewelry, home, personal care, and local flavors. One of the founders, Marimel Francisco shares, “It’s the one-stop for meaningful and purposeful Christmas shopping because there is always something for everyone.” 

Presente by ArteFino aims to re-shape the gift-giving experience. Marimel emphasizes, “It’s the curation that sets us apart. Those who go to Presente usually find extra special gifts for those they hold dearest. They also pick up something extraordinary to give themselves this Christmas.” In a season often associated with indulgence and excess, ArteFino’s proposition to gifting inspires a positive shift from quick giveaways to more thoughtful keepsakes.

For last minute Christmas shopping, the trade fair presents beautiful products for homes from a range of Filipino brands that are not only perfect for the holidays but also beyond. The ArteFino team handpicks partner vendors with great consideration for their ties with local, artisanal communities–weavers, woodworkers, embroiderers, sewers, farmers and other local creative collectives. This unique attribute of the movement expands the concept of gift-giving to instilling a mindset for supporting local artisan communities. “Everytime you shop at ArteFino, you also help these local communities,” the founders explain. 

At its core, community is the raison d’etre for ArteFino, its partner vendors and ultimately, its loyal patrons. This ethos is also embodied through the HeArteFino Development Program, which endeavors to support communities that actively participate in the fairs. A portion of the proceeds from the fair is dedicated to the program. To date, HeArteFino has extended its support to the Bagobo-Tagbanwa beaders as well as fabric weavers from Panay, Marawi, and Kabankalan in Negros. 

In 2020, the program also  extended its support to Anthill Fabric’s circular fashion movement with a grant.  The brand’s Zero Waste innovation from weaves to wear was also showcased that year at the HeArteFino booth. Maritess Pineda adds, “We continue to work as a community beyond our annual trade fairs.” And through the loyal patronage of shoppers, the movement is able to provide sustainable livelihood for communities. 

“At ArteFino Presente, we celebrate the gathering of the community,” explains Cedie Vargas. Partner vendors, designers, collaborators, makers, creative collectives and patrons converge at the fairgrounds this time of the year to honor camaraderie and community. The team emphasizes, “It’s not just about selling and shopping. We close out the year at ArteFino Presente to celebrate how we’ve all grown and evolved through the years. Together.”

Photos Courtesy of ArteFino