Supporting local? I can’t think of a better platform to recommend than the MaArte Fair. For the past several years, this amazing bazaar has promoted the works of our talented Filipino artisans and small business owners from across the country. And with everything that’s going on because of the pandemic, now would be an even greater time to prioritise all things domestic while staying safe and sound at our homes. That is, through the MaArte Fair!
MaArte Fair goes online with Zalora
For the first time since its inception in 2008, back when it was just a table bazaar at the National Museum of the Philippines, MaArte Fair is showcasing authentic, proudly Filipino offerings of our local creatives and entrepreneurs in a digital platform. This is after the Museum Foundation of the Philippines (MPFI), the principal organiser of MaArte Fair, has partnered with the leading online fashion retail platform, Zalora.
Also marketed as MaArte @ ZALORA, the fair makes it possible for you to shop conveniently using your own devices, may it be a laptop or a smartphone, in just a few clicks or taps. Upon purchasing, the products will be delivered to your home. Thus, eliminating the need for physical transactions, if not keeping them to a minimum.
What’s more, with the range of products the online bazaar in the Philippines offers, you can conveniently shop for amazing gift selections perfect for a variety of occasions, just like this holiday season!
“We are happy to have Zalora Philippines on board as a partner for the 12th staging of the MaArte fair. Their e-commerce platform offers the best solution to the restrictions caused by this pandemic by providing safe, easy, and contactless interactions between our vendors and patrons,” shared MFPI President Albert Avellana. “More importantly, the staging of MaArte @ Zalora will hopefully introduce our exhibitors to a wider market.”
Also read: 5 Ways You Can Support the Local Tourism Scene After COVID-19
What to expect from MaArte Fair
With the enhanced reach of the bazaar, Avellana is optimistic about bringing in more support — especially from shoppers under 40 years old — towards the MFPI’s fundraising activities. At the same time, helping micro-small and medium scale entrepreneurs (MSMEs) thrive amidst the pandemic according to Zalora Philippines co-founder and CEO Paulo Campos III.
“Zalora is committed to enabling partners to explore what digital retail has to offer, as well as reach the right audience through our platform,” Campos III said. “As we take pride in providing a platform to showcase the best of Filipino talent, this venture attests to the countless ways in which technology continues to help businesses grow together.”
Going online isn’t the only thing that’s new to the annual fair. Instead of the usual three days, shoppers can enjoy browsing and purchasing local products for up to four months. Starting from October 2020, the latest edition of MaArte Fair will go on until 28 Feb 2021, featuring an expanded inventory of proudly Filipino products. Here are just some of the featured MaArte Fair exhibitors and their creations:
- T’boli ring set by Gifts and Graces
- Carry-all bags by MCV Designs
- Hand-crocheted accessories case by Milvidas
- Boho ear-huggers by TdLG by Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez
- Cotton Challis unisex kaftans by Vittorio Barba
- Bahay Kubo kitchen utensils series by Whimsy by Silay Export
- Manobo Suyam art table mats by WYC Wear Your Culture
Also read: Shop Local for a Cause: This Online Platform Supports Frontliners & Small PH Businesses
Other brands to shop from include Amarie, Antukin Sleepwear, Beyond Borders, Creative Definitions, Ibarra Watches, Coco & Tres, Pika Pika Cards, Siklo Pilipinas, Tilia, Tim Tam Ong, and WVN Home Textiles. See them plus many more products at MaArte Fair, now happening via Zalora Philippines until 28 Feb 2021. You can also download the download the Zalora app which is available on both iOS and Android.
Information extracted from a press release issued by MG Asia Public Relations Inc. on behalf of The Museum Foundation of the Philippines. Featured image credit: WVN Home Textiles
