Filipino craftsmanship has moved beyond the margins and short-lived showcases. With the reopening of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, the country’s finest artisans finally have a space where their work is not tucked away as a “discovery,” but presented with the prominence it deserves.
Led by the Office of the President and implemented through the country’s export promotion arm, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the launch ushers in a dynamic, multi-purpose hub that functions as an exhibition venue, incubation space, and sourcing center.
It brings together outstanding Philippine-made products across home and lifestyle, fashion and accessories, traditional arts and crafts, food and beverage, and wellness — uniting diverse sectors in a single, immersive destination.
“There is nothing but immense pride that comes from recognizing our own, from seeing materials shaped by Filipino hands, ideas rooted in Filipino culture, and designs that feel both familiar and exceptional,” Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a speech during the launch of the exhibition halls in Pasay City.
He added, “I can assure you that this government will support you in your endeavors as you show the world the meaning of Filipino ingenuity through our products.”
Located at the former site of the iconic PhilTrade Center along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, Likhang Filipino realizes the vision set forth under Executive Order No. 75, signed by President Marcos in 2024. The initiative strengthens CITEM’s mandate and reinforces the government’s commitment to advancing Philippine exports on the global stage.
Likewise, the exhibition halls will be displayed all year long as permanent homes for over 200 exporters and nearly 2,000 products, ranging from bold fashion pieces and contemporary design objects to heritage crafts and thoughtfully made food items. It is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Inside the halls
Stepping into the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls is an invitation to experience Philippine creativity without the pressure of a closing day. Designed as a permanent destination, the newly reopened space offers visitors and buyers a comprehensive look at fine local craftsmanship.
Spanning 8,000 square meters, Likhang Filipino redefines what sourcing looks like in the Philippine context. Instead of navigating time-bound trade fairs, visitors can expect a curated, walk-through experience featuring products from 200 enterprises and a portfolio of nearly 2,000 items. The selection draws from the caliber of IFEX Philippines and Manila FAME, bringing together brands that balance innovation with deep cultural roots.
One of the highlights of the space is its gallery-based layout, which allows visitors to explore by industry and interest. The exhibition halls are organized into six curated galleries, each offering a distinct perspective on Filipino creativity.
Gallery 1: Special Exhibits and Design Library
Also referred to as the Black Box, this gallery functions as an immersive and exploratory environment where experimental concepts and compelling narratives are given room to unfold.
The Special Exhibits and Design Library traces five decades of Philippine design, beginning with the surge of creative innovation in the 1970s. It situates Filipino designers within a broader cultural and historical framework, spotlighting practitioners across disciplines — including graphic design, furniture, gifts and houseware, film, and other creative fields — and examining the contexts in which their work emerged and evolved.
For its inaugural presentation, the gallery features a selection of imaginative and boundary-pushing pieces, highlighted by artistic chair designs inspired by “New Buri,” a seminal work by DCP Founding Director Arturo Luz.
Gallery 2: Traditional Arts and Crafts
Blending time-honored traditions with contemporary interpretation, this gallery honors the lasting craftsmanship of indigenous groups and seasoned artisans. The collection features a wide range of pieces, including arts and antiques, handwoven textiles, storage chests and trunks, baskets and wood carvings, traditional musical instruments, and ethnic accessories.
Gallery 3: Fashion, Textile, and Accessories
This gallery presents a carefully selected collection of wearable works that merge meticulous craftsmanship with contemporary form. Showcasing both ready-to-wear lines and made-to-order pieces, the space highlights the creative range of established and emerging design studios.
On view are creations by designers working across apparel, footwear, bags, accessories, and jewelry, reflecting the diversity and sophistication of Filipino fashion and textile design.
Gallery 4: Furniture and Lighting
This gallery showcases distinctive viewpoints and design-driven pieces, featuring sculptural and organic forms alongside polished Asian contemporary elements. Together, the works are designed to shape interiors that feel intentional, inviting, and subtly luxurious.
Displayed in this space are collections of home and outdoor furniture, tabletop and barware, kitchen items, bedding, pillows and soft accessories, rugs, and a range of lighting designs.
Gallery 5: Home Décor, Gifts, and Holiday Décor
This gallery combines traditional influences with modern design, presenting thoughtfully curated items that enrich everyday living and add charm to seasonal celebrations. Featured pieces include linens, dining and entertaining accessories, kitchenware, fine art, and holiday décor.
Gallery 6: Food, Health, and Wellness
This gallery highlights premium flavors and products crafted with care, offering a balance of indulgence and well-being. Visitors can explore a variety of sweet and savory treats designed for enjoyment, as well as holistic wellness.
On display are chocolates, coffee and tea, Halal-certified items, vegan and alternative proteins, beverages, specialty delicacies, and condiments. The experience is further enriched by a curated selection of wellness products, including essential oils, aromatic diffusers, scented candles, aromatherapy compresses, organic skincare, and spa accessories.
Strengthening the country’s export industry
The halls rise where the iconic PhilTrade Center once stood, a complex inaugurated in 1979 under the guidance of former First Lady Imelda Marcos. Designed with a longitudinal layout segmented into pavilions and topped with sloping roofs inspired by the traditional bahay-kubo, the PhilTrade Center combined vernacular aesthetics with functional design.
According to Arkitekturang Filipino: A History of Architecture and Urbanism in the Philippines by Dr. Gerard Lico, the building was a prefabricated structure, with components manufactured off-site and assembled on location — completed in an impressive span of just 12 days.
Throughout its history, the PhilTrade Center reflected the country’s economic ambitions and cultural identity. Its architecture was never about grandiosity; instead, it celebrated the marriage of local expression with practical construction, housing the Philippines’ finest exports. These products — developed with the guidance of both local and international specialists and the support of the Ministry of Trade and Industry — positioned the nation as a producer of world-class goods, earning the acclaim of programs that proudly proclaimed them “The Best in the World.”
First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos spearheaded the rehabilitation and rebranding of the site as the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls to restore this legacy provided by PhilTrade Center. The updated facility honors its predecessor’s mission while addressing the demands of today’s global market, offering a modern platform for Philippine artisans, designers, and manufacturers to reach international buyers.
Furthermore, the revitalization exemplifies CITEM’s holistic approach to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and fostering the country’s creative and export sectors.
“We are privileged to oversee the rebirth of this historic complex and its original purpose,” CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo said in a statement.
“The opening of Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls reflects months of dedicated work, guided by the mandate of the President. It ushers in a new chapter in promoting the Philippines’ export industry, presenting the nation’s finest products in one permanent, world-class destination,” she added.
Through this revival, Likhang Filipino not only preserves a historical landmark, but also reinforces the Philippines’ enduring commitment to excellence in craftsmanship and international trade.
The Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls are located at the International Trade Center Complex (formerly PhilTrade), Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. They will be open to the public starting on January 20. Entrance is free. Likhang Filipino’s hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
