During the "Finopinas: The Finest of Philippine Art and Design" cocktail reception held at the Tokyo Midtown Design Hub on September 12, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) highlighted the Philippines as a hub for creative industries and a source of high-quality products and services.
"Finopinas is a testament to the enduring partnership between the Philippines and Japan, a shining example of two nations co-creating a brighter future," said Acting Secretary Cristina A. Roque.
"The showcase before you represents the very best of the Philippine creative economy—from fashion and home interiors to accessories and contemporary visual art. Each piece tells a story of tradition and culture, reimagined for the modern world. It is the first time in Tokyo that we are covering the broadest spectrum of the industry," the trade chief added.
Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a dynamic and globally competitive “Bagong Pilipinas,” the Secretary Roque underscored the DTI's commitment to support Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
She also outlined initiatives aimed at promoting Filipino products and services on the global stage, including programs like the "Tatak Pinoy" Act and the "Malikhaing Pinoy" initiative.
To further bolster the global reach of Filipino businesses, the Secretary announced the DTI's plan to establish Tatak Pinoy Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Hubs in key cities like Tokyo. These hubs will serve as showcases and retail spaces for Filipino MSMEs, providing them with much-needed global visibility.
"The Filipino artisans and entrepreneurs behind the products you see here today will benefit from these initiatives as we continue to strengthen our presence in important markets like Japan," Secretary Roque bared.
"We will also open Filipino SME hubs in Philippine embassies all over the world to make Filipino products more accessible to all its patrons," she added.
The event featured the PH MODE x TYO Fashion Show presented by the Manila Fashion Festival (MFF), spotlighting contemporary designs by Filipino and Japanese designers. The creations incorporated indigenous textiles from weaving communities across the Philippines. This initiative is supported by the Office of the First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos in her capacity as Patron of Philippine Arts and Culture.
MFF has been collaborating with contemporary Filipino designers to integrate Philippine indigenous fibers such as abaca, piña (pineapple), or banana, with high-quality, traceable fabrics sourced from reputable Japanese textile institutions, including STYLEM Takisada-Osaka Co., Ltd. On 02 September 2024, MFF led the official Philippine entry to the prestigious international Rakuten Fashion Week at the Finopinas exhibit’s opening ceremony.
Furthermore, the "Finopinas” highlighted Philippine contemporary visual art for the first time as part of the Philippine Creative Economy. The Provenance Art Gallery, one of the leading art galleries in the Philippines, curated a collection of 14 artwork pieces by established and emerging local contemporary artists. This collection aimed to redefine perceptions and challenge preconceived notions about Filipino art.
Guests also had the opportunity to interact with Filipino entrepreneurs and learn more about their products and services. The “Finopinas” exhibit featured a curated showcase from Filipino exporters and manufacturers under the Department’s DESIGN Philippines brand. Crafted using traditional techniques, styles, and natural materials, the products were designed specifically tailored to meet the demands of the Japanese market.
Among the key attendees were representatives from trading houses like Sojitz Corporation, Marubeni and Toyota Tsusho, retailers like AEON, Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd., Lawson and Doutor, megabanks such as Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Mitsubishi UFJ financial group, locators like MinebeaMitsumi, Tamiya Inc., IHI Corporation, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., and organizations such as the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ASEN Japan Center and Japan Institute of Design Promotion Center. Media, influencers, and Japanese celebrities also graced the event.
This event marked the culmination of extensive collaboration, initially soft-launched through the “Creative and Sustainable Economy Through Innovation,” held during President Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ visit to Tokyo in December 2023.
Conceived and organized by the Philippine Embassy in Japan’s Commercial Counselor, Dita Angara-Mathay, the project emphasized sustainability, innovation, and co-creation.
“These are themes that resonate the most because they are shared challenges requiring a collective response. Sharing a common platform for creative expression represents a form of soft diplomacy that fosters the elimination of borders, inclusivity, and our commitment to protect the planet,” said Commercial Counselor Angara-Mathay.
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