Instead of waiting for trade fairs or seasonal markets, you can now explore—and purchase—local crafts year round in one location.
Set along Roxas Boulevard at the former PhilTrade Center site, Likhang Filipino is a permanent space where you can browse, compare, and buy Filipino-made products across fashion, home, food, and lifestyle without needing a trade event or special access. You can drop by on a weekend, return when you’re furnishing a place, or come back when you need gifts that feel thoughtful and local. The six galleries are clearly laid out, so the experience feels easy and not overwhelming especially when you’re shopping.
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A short history of the site
Before it reopened as the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, the site was known as the PhilTrade Center, a government-built exhibition complex that opened in 1979. It was developed as a space to show Philippine export products to international buyers at a time when the country was building its manufacturing and export industries.
It was where Filipino furniture, furnishings, houseware, fashion, gifts, toys, food, and industrial products were displayed and refined for export, often with support from the trade sector and product specialists. Over time, it came to represent a period when Filipino manufacturing was proving it could compete internationally.
The galleries
Gallery 1 focuses on special exhibits and design references, curated by Filipino designer Tony Gonzales. It looks at how Philippine design has evolved over the decades, using materials, textures, and objects to give context before you move on to the more retail-focused spaces.
Traditional craft that still belongs in today’s modern living
The traditional arts and crafts gallery (Gallery 2) brings together handwoven textiles, baskets, woodwork, musical instruments, and heritage pieces made by indigenous communities and master artisans.
These are objects you can actually use, display, and live with. It’s a good place to see how long-standing techniques continue to shape products made today.
This is also where small, unexpected finds show up. I personally picked up a set of mythical creature stamps from PhilPost, which felt like a nice reminder that Filipino creativity isn’t limited to furniture or fashion. Even everyday objects can carry local stories and imagination.
Fashion that fits daily life
The fashion, textile, and accessories gallery (Gallery 3) is overseen by the Design Center of the Philippines. Clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry, and accessories by Filipino designers, you can find them all in this gallery.
This was one of the easiest galleries to shop in. I personally bought a bright yellow sling bag from Puyo Handicrafts—a piece that’s well-made, functional, and easy to use every day.
Furniture and lighting you can picture at home
The furniture and lighting gallery (Gallery 4), curated by Ito Kish, is especially relevant if you’re furnishing condos, houses, or offices.
The pieces are styled in mini showrooms, which helps you imagine how chairs, tables, lamps, rugs, and soft furnishings would actually look in your own space. Materials and finishes are suited to local Filipino living, making this gallery practical as well as visually interesting.
Home decor and gifts
Gallery 5 brings together home decor, gifts, and holiday items. Linens, tableware, kitchen pieces, decorative objects, and seasonal decor. This section works well if you’re shopping for housewarmings, weddings, or holidays and want something locally-made and of course, quality.
Food and snacks you’ll likely take home
The food, health, and wellness gallery (Gallery 6) is one of the most relatable sections for most buyers. It mixes familiar household names with newer local brands.
I picked up Theo & Philo chocolates here, along with snacks like mushroom chips and garlic chips—exactly the kind of things you’d buy for yourself or bring home as pasalubong. Alongside food, there’s also a wellness section with essential oils, teas, skincare, and spa items. A working kitchen in the gallery allows for tastings and demonstrations, which adds to the experience.
As a one-stop shop for everything Filipino
Visitors can browse, shop, and place pre-orders directly with participating exhibitors, all in one place. The venue is managed by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) with design input from the Design Center of the Philippines.
Planning a visit?
The Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls is located at the International Trade Center Complex along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 7 PM, and admission is free.
