My Trip to Manila Fame 2012

I can’t help but compare Manila Fame with the last fair we were tasked to go to. I have to say that Manila Fame was at a whole different level. The people handling the booths looked a lot more professional, the set ups were grander, and there were more unique items displayed. I guess that’s because the ones who made the items are top notched designers set at the international standard. They can’t display just anything; else they won’t be able to grab international attention. I saw a lot of foreigners going around, and I’m pretty sure they are looking for ingenuity and uniqueness.

I had a fun time looking around and seeing exhilarating designs, too bad you can’t take photographs. Well, I understand that it was mainly because they didn’t want anyone copying their work. It was also too bad that I can’t purchase any of the items, mainly because they were all geared for export. You have to buy like maybe 200 pieces or $10,000 worth of merchandise just to take home a design you liked.

There weren’t as much people as I thought there would be though, maybe because I went there early Friday morning. But every now and again, I would see buyers inquiring about the price and how many they should buy of a particular product. I also see people praising the designer’s work and really wishing they could take some home. As for me, I really wanted buy a round table that was also served as a working clock. It was quite an ingenious design and it was the first time I saw one like that. There was also a huge chair that had a mirror, and actually served as a dresser. I really think it would go nicely with my room. There was also a jumbo chess set, that would probably force me to play chess even if I don’t like the game.

There were also more of the cliché items, like the ones made with shells. Well I guess it makes sense that designers use shells as raw materials, seeing as the Philippines IS surrounded by water. Those made of shells in particular were very cheap, and I couldn’t help thinking that sea shells are being severely exploited by the exporters. In any case, I observed that Capiz shells were the ones most used, from making frames, being shaped into fruits, coasters, and the like. I really liked it when they used big shells that were accentuated by metal dragons or snakes. I think they really do have an international market for those.

All in all, the fair was a wonderful learning experience. One day I actually hope to export as well and now I have an idea of how you would be able to advertise your products to the international community through trade fairs. Now, I just have to come up with an ingenious product… :)