SAN FRANCISCO – Curated Philippine makers’ market Merkado Kultura opened for a weekend at the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco on October 14, 2022 through a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer.
Trade Commissioner Celynne Layug of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley, France Malvar of Lu France Interiors, and Mel Nava of ShipIt and 1Export welcomed over 20 Filipino makers from the Philippines and the U.S.
Consul General Ferrer lauded the Filipino and Filipino American brands that are participating in the first-ever Merkado Kultura in San Francisco, showcasing handcrafted, artisanal, and sustainably made pieces from Filipino and Fil-Am small and medium enterprises.
“There is no better way to host Merkado Kultura than to celebrate our history and heritage, culture and traditions, artists and artisans this October, recognized across the U.S. as Filipino American History Month,” Consul General Ferrer said.
Consul General Ferrer thanked Lu France Interiors, ShipIt, 1Export, PTIC Silicon Valley, and all the participating vendors for putting up a unique Filipino shopping and cultural experience in San Francisco.
Philippine brands who participated in the event included Angkan, Anthill, Malingkat Enterprises, Sewn Sandals, Style Ana, Saint C, and Boho Manila.
Filipino American-owned brands who were at the event included Alvani & Co, Barbara Lee, Carie Jewelry, Kubo California House of Hara, Lacson Ravello, Lola Severina, Lu France Interiors, Malaya Botanicals, Pili & Blu, Oodalolly, Sarap Now, Filiflavors, Kapwa Baking, Ube Galore Breads & More, 1Export & Shipit.
Filipino visual artist and 2022 National Commission for Culture and the Arts grant recipient Taipan Lucero, also took part in the cultural fair to promote his CalligraFilipino, inspired by the Philippine indigenous script of baybayin.
(PCGSF Release)