Presente by ArteFino makes holiday shopping meaningful.
Since it was established in 2017, ArteFino has grown as a platform, community, movement, and incubator for Philippine creativity. Led by its founders, Cedie Vargas, Maritess Pineda, Mita Rufino, Marimel Francisco, and Susie Quiros, the trade fair has continuously championed responsible retailing and shopping with a purpose in a manner that is uniquely Filipino.
Apart from its annual festival, which gathers the community in August, ArteFino has also brought Presente to life. It was initially envisioned as a holiday pop-up showcasing “gifts that give back,” but later evolved to become one of the most awaited artisanal events in the annual Christmas calendar.
This year, Presente by ArteFino focuses on unboxing the gifts of responsible retailing. These include time-honored values and Filipino traditions that set the movement and its community apart. Festive flavors, holiday and home decor, unique gift items, and party-season fashion do more than just set the tone for a joyous Christmas celebration. They also push the conversation of craft, intentional design, and conscious consumption forward.
Here’s a list of experiences to look forward to at Presente by ArteFino, from November 28 to December 1 at the Fifth at Rockwell.
1. Joyful gathering of a circular community
A distinct sense of fellowship and camaraderie binds a growing community of conscious shoppers, makers, creators, designers, and social entrepreneurs. Values of sustainability and responsible retailing also serve as common threads for this creative and inclusive ecosystem. This shared passion for championing local crafts, culture, and artistry form a special kinship that makes shopping at the fair even more joyful.
2. HeArtefino: A holiday collection with a heart
At the heart of this artisanal movement and gathering of community is the HeArteFino Foundation. The artisanal fair charges a P150 entrance fee, all of which is dedicated to the non-profit’s development programs and the communities it supports.
Beneficiaries of the HeArteFino Development Program include: beaders of the Bagobo Tagbanwa community, as well as Kabankalan weavers from Negros and textile makers from Hablon ni Laureana in Argao, Cebu. Output from these initiatives has likewise made it to the selling floors of ArteFino, bringing a full circle moment for the community.
3. Creative collaborations and designer pairings
ArteFinohas long been a platform for like-minded Filipino creatives to come together. Linkages between communities, artisans, entrepreneurs, makers, and creative minds are formed through an extensive network of collaborations. Apart from Patty Eustaquio’s return to fashion with Bayo Atelier, shoppers can expect exciting pairings between their favorite brands, designers, and artists.
Apart from Patty Eustaquio’s collaboration with Bayo Atelier (for HeArteFino), Rhett Eala will launch a capsule collection featuring artworks by Carlo Tanseco. Jor-El Espina will also showcase new pieces created in collaboration with Viktor Manila.
4. Bigger, brighter Artefino Maker’s Lab: Totally upcycled challenge
Co-presented by Security Bank, the Artefino Maker’s Lab Totally Upcycled Challenge is an annual design competition that inspires participants to create compelling pieces made of discarded materials—denim, wood, scrap fabric, plastic, and even paper. It is a key highlight this year that anchors the movement’s ongoing campaign for responsible retailing.
For the challenge, six teams of design students from SoFA will present three-piece collectionsshaped by the concept of “Retaso + ATBP . “The big goal, to propose fresh, innovative ideas on how to breathe new life to old garments and discarded materials. Every team is paired with a mentor, some of whom are drawn from ArteFino’s roster of brands and designers.
Winners of the Maker’s Lab: Totally Upcycled Challenge will be announced during the four-day event.
5. Festive flavors: bites and libations at Artefino eats
Merry-making, camaraderie, and celebrations accompany the retail experience at Presente by ArteFino Presente. Marimel Francisco, a co-founder, says,“Ultimately, it’s a celebration. There will be cocktails every day, starting at 4 pm. Live Christmas music, puto bumbong, and bibingka will also add to the daily festivities.
Presente by Artefino happens from November 28 to December 1 at the Fifth at Rockwell. For updates, follow us on Instagram @artefinoph.
