Long a “quiet” spot along Roxas Boulevard, the old PhilTrade Center has come alive once more with the reopening of a hub of Philippine-made creations.
On 15 January, the grounds of this space buzzed with men and women garbed in Filipino attire, promenading along a row of “villas” showcasing the best of us — the colorful, intricate, story-filled works of Filipino minds and hands.
Where once weeds grew and neglect came in the form of forgotten glory, Likhang Filipino rises anew, bringing back a sense of pride we may have been in the process of losing.
And as the country prepares for a series of meetings leading to the ASEAN Summit that the Philippines is hosting this year, Likhang Filipino’s rebirth is timely for all, not just for those who will be landing on our shores for the first time.
This project, spearheaded by the Office of the President through the government’s export promotion agency, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), is an important reminder to us, Filipinos, at a time when culture and identity becomes hazy with external influences and factors.
Likhang Filipino is “a multi-function exhibition and incubation facility, as well as a sourcing destination that brings together the finest Philippine products across the sectors of home and lifestyle, fashion and accessories, traditional arts and crafts, food and beverages and wellness in one vibrant space.”
In this space, once can both remember and envision what makes our culture unique and worthy of our pride. Likhang Filipino is a fulfillment of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order 75 in 2024, which empowers CITEM as it further strengthens the country’s export promotion. Excellent Filipino craftsmanship is at the core of this initiative.
Rebirth and renewal
The Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls takes up where the original concept by former First Lady Imelda Marcos left off, showcasing the best of Philippine artistry and craftsmanship to the world.
In 1979, PhilTrade Center built under her stewardship, where pavilions constructed with sloping roofs that were a nod to the bahay-kubo were finished in only 12 days.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos took the initiative of restoring the pavilion and rebranding it as Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls “to recreate its predecessor’s impact while also adapting to the challenges presented by the current export landscape.”
“We are honored to take on the responsibility of managing the rebirth of this historic compound’s glorious purpose,” CITEM executive director Leah Pulido Ocampo says. “The opening of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls is the fulfillment of the hard work that our agency has put in for months, guided by the mandate set for us by the President. It also marks the new phase in our commitment to strengthen and promote the country’s export industry, as we once again present to the world the best of what the Philippines has to offer, all in one place.”
Likhang Filipino will be open for free to the public starting 20 January. Likhang Filipino’s hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit its official website https://likhangfilipino.com.ph. For questions, email info@citem.com.ph.