Through the initiative of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, six permanent showroom sites now rise along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, establishing a year-round marketing and business platform for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from all 17 regions.
The exhibition complex serves as a sustained global platform for Philippine-made products, supporting trade and investment while preserving the country’s artistic heritage. Each space tells the story of Filipino craftsmanship—the hands that weave, carve, and design—offering an immersive journey from traditional textiles and contemporary Filipiniana to modern home décor and furniture.
By linking heritage with modern design and connecting local producers to broader markets, “Likhang Filipino” positions the Philippines as a competitive hub for creative industries.
“Likhang Filipino” Showrooms
Set on a 21,000-square-meter property, the site reinforces Filipino creativity as both cultural expression and economic driver. Its concept recalls the legacy of NACIDA (National Cottage Industries Development Authority), which supported cottage industries in the 1960s.
Inspired by Thailand’s Kalm Village in Chiang Mai, the development showcases regional products through curated, experience-driven displays aimed at international buyers, tourists, and industry professionals.
The complex features six permanent galleries: Gallery 1 for design exhibitions and special installations; Gallery 2 for traditional crafts such as textiles and basketry; Gallery 3 for fashion and accessories; Galleries 4 and 5 for home furnishings, including furniture, lighting, décor, and gifts; and Gallery 6 for food and agricultural products.
Beyond display, the showrooms function as commercial platforms for market testing, product development, and business-to-business transactions with domestic and international partners.
At its core, “Likhang Filipino” represents CITEM’s renewed strategy under Executive Order No. 75—providing MSMEs with sustained, high-impact access to global markets and strengthening the visibility of Philippine design.
The Incubation Facilities
The complex extends beyond exhibition. It also operates as an incubation hub—supporting early-stage entrepreneurs through structured programs, mentorship, and shared resources.
These spaces encourage cultural expression while equipping MSMEs with practical tools: management training, workspace, funding access, and industry networks. The goal is not only to showcase products, but to build enterprises capable of long-term growth.
Live demonstrations further enrich the experience, allowing visitors to engage directly with artisans practicing weaving, embroidery, pottery, and woodcarving.
The venue also accommodates events, from workshops and product launches to film shoots and private functions, with dedicated meeting areas across the halls.
One-Stop Business Support Center
A central feature is the One-Stop Business Support Center, designed to simplify access to essential services. Government agencies and private partners provide assistance in export documentation, product certification, business registration, and financing.
Regular business matching sessions, pitch events, and trade briefings ensure that MSMEs remain connected to market opportunities and industry networks.
Championing the Filipino Spirit
Through “Likhang Filipino,” CITEM reinforces its role in trade promotion while advancing an inclusive model of growth—linking regional artisans to global markets and nurturing the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.
More than commercial spaces, these showrooms stand as markers of identity. They connect past and present, preserving tradition while enabling innovation.
In supporting “Likhang Filipino,” the country does more than market products. It presents a narrative—one defined by craftsmanship, resilience, and continuity.
Two More TV/Radio Guestings
On April 17, I returned to Coffee, Tea on MHE at the Media House Express studio, airing from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Host Guia Cruz Buenaventura marked the 33rd wedding anniversary of President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos during the program.
On April 20, I appeared as the sole guest on DWIZ’s Pilipinas Ngayon Na! from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., hosted by former Press Undersecretary Robert Torres Rivera and Nerlisa Elyza Francisco Torres, both recipients of the 4th Philippines Finest Business Awards.
I Like the Film “Lanaya”
“Lanaya” opens with the murder of an alleged drug user in a rural town, setting the tone for a layered narrative. Police detective Jerry, portrayed by Jun Nayra, draws Kaloy—a financially struggling nursing student played by Shaun Salvador—into an investigation.
Kaloy is placed as a caregiver in the home of Aurora, an enigmatic widow of a former president, portrayed by Madeleine Nicolas. Tasked with surveillance, he becomes entangled in a complex psychological dynamic as suspicion deepens.
Directed by Canada-based filmmaker Clyde Capistrano, originally from San Pablo City, Laguna, the film marks his full-length debut. It explores power, moral ambiguity, and unresolved grief.
“Lanaya” received international recognition, including Best International Feature Film and Best Music Score at the 2025 Saskatchewan International Film Festival. It was also featured in the 8th Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival in March 2026.
Developed through a mentor-mentee collaboration with filmmaker Napoleon Jamir II, the cast includes Rolando Inocencio, Gigi Hernandez, Marlon Mance, Aljun Fajardo, Rhett Romero, Allan Yu, and Clyde Crosz.
The film’s strength lies in its resolution—measured, clear, and emotionally grounded.
Birthday Greetings
Happy birthday to Kristine Nunez; Sunita Suni M. Mukhi; Gilbert F. Bautista; Lyn Tamayo; Luigi Muhlach (April 21); Ning Ning Orlina (April 22); Bembem Espinosa Diaz (April 23); Michael Isip; Dr. Mich A. Ong (April 24); Dr. Esmeralda Medina (April 25); Joey Galicia Venancio; Alexander Escoto (April 26); Paz Calzado Bendicio vda. de Medina (April 27); Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco (April 29); Cherry Ann Orona (April 30).