More than a shopping event, ArteFino Festival is a creative fair that celebrates the local craft community.

Images courtesy of ArteFino Festival
September 4, 2023

The promise of a bigger and brighter ArteFino Festival 2023 drew crowds to The Fifth at Rockwell and the North Court of the Power Plant Mall. The much-awaited artisanal fair ran from August 24 to 27, and the movement’s energy was felt from the time doors opened until closing day. 

A steady stream of visitors filled the fairgrounds to shop, connect, and immerse in the inspiring stories behind every product. It was a weekend of bonding with favorite makers and bumping into kindred spirits. Beyond shop talk, partner vendors engaged in lively conversations that forged new friendships–both with buyers and fellow makers. On those four days, everyone was welcome to take part in the growing  ArteFino movement–and the cause for celebration, craft. 

More than a shopping event, a distinct sense of community and shared spirit of compassion distinguish ArteFino. These are unique attributes of the movement that inspires and fuels the team, its partner vendors, collaborators, and growing number of shoppers each year. “The energy at ArteFino hits differently,” commented partner brands and guests during the festival. “It feels like home and everyone is welcome. There are so many things to discover and a whole day is hardly enough.” 

For ArteFino Founders Cedie Lopez Vargas, Marimel Francisco, Maritess Pineda, Mita Rufino, and Susie Quiros the movement’s expansion is fueled largely by supporters, buyers, and partner vendors. This year, the festival showcased over 130 brands. Instead of just one area in the Powerplant Mall, the festival was set up at The Fifth as well as the North Court. The Edades Lounge was also transformed into a showroom for ArteFino’s Makers Lab Upcycle Challenge. 

ArteFino Festival 2023  showcased an exciting mix of emerging new labels, well-loved mainstay brands, as well as palate-teasing food concepts. Marimel Francisco emphasizes, “We call it a festival because of the spirited sense of community that ArteFino fosters. We are all happy and excited to be here, because we’re aware that by being here, one is making an impact on others” And that’s exactly what organizers of ArteFino sought out to do this year. 

The North Court showcased home and lifestyle products that promise to bring a piece of the archipelago's local landscape to any home or wardrobe. Sorbetes and taho carts, found on each entryway of the open space were added treats that gave shoppers more reason to stay. Art inspired vignettes by home and lifestyle brands highlighted the impeccable workmanship of local artisans working with natural, indigenous materials like wood, rattan, bamboo as well as upcycled leathers and fabrics. 

Up on The Fifth at Rockwell, the expansive hall was transformed into a haven for conscious shoppers. The walkway, which was reimagined by scenographer and costume designer Gino Gonzales into a Harvest exhibition, set the tone for the shopper experience at this year’s festival. It was a colorful and vibrant tribute to the Grand Dame of Pina Fabric and Philippine Fashion, Patis Tesoro. Her pieces were juxtaposed against hand-woven hammocks, trays and products from other partner brands. Marimel explained, “Patis Tesoro was an impetus and inspiration for our movement and our vendors.” Throughout the four-day event, Harvest was a place where guests walked through to immerse in the past, present, and future of Philippine craft. There, guests took photos and videos to immortalize their ArteFino Festival experience.

A hall leading to the main floor was a preferred hangout for foodies looking to discover new local flavors. Whether it was for local rhum, chocolates, pastry, dips, or timeless Filipino dishes, the area buzzed with activity all hours of the fair. Shoppers taking a break from their retail pursuits enjoyed downtime sampling The Seven Pantry’s delicious dips, CIBO’s widely-loved savories, or taking a bite off their favorite dishes from Gourmet Garage. Some even indulged in a glass or two of ARC Gin, BOMBVINO organic wines, and Luisita Rhum. Sweet teeth were all smiles as they enjoyed culinary offerings from CMV Txokolat, Bucky’s, Gourmandise, and Tilde. Adding to the festive feel of the space was a live DJ playing upbeat tunes. 

The main floor was paradise for shoppers with a taste for style, an eye for impeccable craft, and a heart for purpose-driven social enterprises. A day at the festival was hardly enough for most, if not all, shoppers. Returning on consecutive days, many commented that, “There is always something new to discover at ArteFino.” The founders advised before opening day, “Breathe. Take your time and stay inquisitive. It’s a cultural experience and the only way to enjoy it is to marinate in the moment. Every product will tell a story. When you discover the journey of each project, they become more special and unique.” 

This mindset, which encourages connection and conversation between partner brands and guests, have resulted in that special feeling of belonging to a community at ArteFino. Camaraderie could be felt among  partner brands, each one supporting another in a shared dedication to uplift the local industry. This has, in fact, resulted in various creative collaborations launched at every ArteFino artisanal fair. Visitors all around the world and walks of life are greeted with sincere warmth. This convivial atmosphere has inspired those who have experienced the movement to not only shop,  but to also dive deep into the country’s rich history of craft and artistry.

An awards ceremony called Stilo ArteFino Awards, also added to the excitement and festive energy of the weekend. This special feature of the event celebrates the talent and dedication of the movement’s social entrepreneurs. Cedie Vargas, in her speech said, “Each year, we endeavor to strengthen the ArteFino movement by promoting Filipino artisanship, skills and creativity. We also showcase livelihood through social enterprise. In doing so, we support the climate change agenda, amplifying the call to minimize our carbon footprint and use natural and sustainable products. Today, we honor those who have pushed boundaries and paved new paths for exploring Filipino creativity.” 

Winners from this year’s Stilo ArteFino Awards are as follows:

PAMANA 

Winner: Caro Wilson

MODERN FILIPINO

Winner: R2R

Runner Up: Looking for Juan

BEST PRODUCT IN FASHION

Winner: AIRE

BEST PRODUCT IN FASHION ACCESSORIES

Winner: Mara Piñon x Zapateria

Runner Up: ANTHILL

BEST BOOTH

Winner: Maison Métisse

Runner Up: LALAro

MAKER’S LAB UPCYCLING CHALLENGE

Ash and Muff

CatSua

Tagpi

Runners Up:

LALAro

Project Nova

REPAMANA

ArteFino haul was the buzzword all throughout the long weekend. Shoppers went home with beloved finds that now bond them to Filipino artisans, makers, and social entrepreneurs. Visitors of the festival  also brought with them treasured memories of a cultural movement that will forever inspire them to support, promote and wear the country’s colors with pride. 

To find out more about ArteFino Festival 2023, follow us on Instagram @artefinoph.