Creativity’s new address: Introducing the six Likhang Filipino galleries

A dazzling new home for Filipino creativity opens its doors on January 15, ready to showcase achievements in product design and innovation, and highlight the country’s rising export capabilities in the home, fashion, lifestyle, and food sectors.

The launching of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, led by the Office of the President (OP) through the Philippines’ export promotion agency, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), is an effort to fulfill Executive Order No. 75, a measure signed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., to strengthen the country’s export promotion efforts.

Featuring more than 2,000 products from nearly 200 enterprises, all of which are vetted exhibitors of CITEM’s trade shows, Manila FAME and IFEX Philippines, the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls offer a captivating view of the depth and versatility of the Filipino imagination. The year-round exhibition, retail, and incubation facility, located at the International Trade Center Complex, Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, Philippines, houses six galleries, each focusing on a major product category.

Before treating yourself to a visit, learn all about the galleries at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls.

Gallery 1: Special Exhibits and Design Library

Design Through the Years: 50 Years of Philippine Design and Beyond

The Design Library features a comprehensive timeline chronicling 50 years of Philippine design history, highlighting key milestones and creative breakthroughs.

A close-up of a modern, light-colored wooden chair with white metal framing and fringe details, displayed on a black platform alongside other woven furniture pieces.

An innovative reinterpretation of the Arturo Luz "New Buri" chair, showcasing a blend of contemporary aesthetics with traditional inspiration.

A stunning display of indigenous textures and materials, demonstrating the versatility of local craftsmanship in wall treatments and furniture design.

Textured wall panels, chairs, and hanging lamps made of natural materials

A low-angle view looking up at a cluster of intricate hanging pendant lights made from dark and light natural fibers with open-weave patterns.

A collection of handwoven lighting fixtures that highlight the intricate use of natural fibers to create dramatic plays of light and shadow.

Arturo Luz’s “New Buri” iterations made by various local designers and manufacturers

Otherwise known as Black Box, the gallery serves as an immersive, experimental space—one that lets bold ideas and stories flourish.

The Special Exhibits and Design Library present a 50-year history of Philippine design, beginning with breakthroughs in local creativity in the 1970s. The exhibit ultimately highlights the larger context in which Filipino designers—encompassing creatives in graphics, furniture, gifts and houseware, film and other fields—have worked and existed.

For its first showcase, the gallery houses inventive and daring works, featuring art chair pieces inspired by DCP Founding Director Arturo Luz's “New Buri.”

Gallery 2: Traditional Arts and Crafts

Rows of wooden display racks filled with colorful handwoven textiles and traditional Filipino garments.

A vibrant collection of indigenous textiles and contemporary fashion incorporating traditional weaves on display.

A display of traditional wooden furniture with mother-of-pearl inlay, brass metalware, and framed ethnic weaponry.

A showcase of heritage craftsmanship featuring intricate wood carvings, metalwork, and traditional weaponry against a backdrop of indigenous history.

A woman weaving a blue textile pattern on a traditional wooden handloom.

A live demonstration of traditional weaving techniques, keeping centuries-old Filipino artistry alive.

An exhibit featuring a small wooden loom, a naturally dyed shirt, and educational signage about textile production.

An educational exhibit highlighting the intricate process of textile creation, from raw materials to the finished garment.

A bookstore area with black shelves, a red wall labeled 'Museo ph,' and a table displaying folded woven fabrics.

The Museo ph section, offering a curated selection of books on Philippine culture alongside heritage textile products.

Fusing heritage and innovation, this gallery celebrates the enduring artistry of indigenous communities and master artisans. Familiar forms take on new meaning, with pieces reflecting skill and cultural identity.

Products in this gallery include arts & antiques; handwoven looms; chests & trunks; baskets & wood carvings; musical instruments; and ethnic accessories.

Gallery 3: Fashion, Textile, and Accessories

Modern Filipiniana dresses with intricate embroidery

Contemporary interpretations of the Filipiniana featuring exquisite embroidery and beadwork.

Wide view of the fashion gallery showcasing shelves of bags and jewelry.

A curated collection of locally designed fashion accessories, bags, and jewelry.

Hand-painted tote bags featuring colorful scenes of Filipino villages and jeepneys.

Artistic tote bags featuring hand-painted scenes of Filipino culture and daily life.

Cream shirts with blue embroidered sketches of Filipino street food and figures.

Wearable pieces featuring embroidered sketches of Filipino heritage icons.

Close-up of fine embroidery details on grey and cream Barong Tagalog shirts.

Intricate embroidery details highlighting the craftsmanship of modern Barong Tagalog.

Gold dangling earrings adorned with crystals and beads on a display stand.

Handcrafted statement earrings mixing gold tones with sparkling crystals.

A display of luxury accessories including solihiya-weave bags, a gold clutch, and pearl shoes.

Premium accessories highlighting indigenous materials like solihiya weave and mother-of-pearl.

With a curated range of wearable art pieces, this gallery spotlights refined craftsmanship and modern silhouettes. Ready-to-wear selections and bespoke creations of design ateliers are among its main attractions.

It will feature the work of designers specializing in clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, and jewelry.

Gallery 4: Furniture and Lighting

Red and blue checkered woven armchairs with a green wall panel behind them.

Contemporary armchairs featuring a bold, woven checkered design and vibrant colors.

Overhead shot of textured clay vases and a wooden bowl filled with lemons.

Textured clay vases and tabletop accessories adding character to home styling.

Golden spherical pendant lights made of small metal floral cutouts.

Statement golden pendant lights featuring intricate floral metalwork.

Curved, leaf-shaped black metal pendant lights illuminated from within.

Sculptural lighting fixtures inspired by organic leaf forms and fluid lines.

Wide view of a furniture showroom featuring a wooden dining set and hanging lights.

A curated dining vignette showcasing warm wood furniture and natural fiber lighting.

Display shelves filled with woven baskets and handcrafted wall panels.

An extensive collection of woven baskets and handcrafted wall decor accents.

The Furniture and Lighting gallery highlights bold perspectives and expressive designs, including sculptural and biomorphic forms, as well as refined Asian contemporary accents. These works aim to transform interiors into atmospheres of character, warmth, and quiet luxury.

Works here include home furniture; outdoor furniture; tabletop, bar & kitchen goods; beddings; pillows & accessories; rugs; and lighting products.

Gallery 5: Home Decor, Gifts, and Holiday Decor

Holiday display featuring gold and red wreaths and cone trees adorned with butterflies and flowers.

Elegant holiday decor featuring intricate floral and butterfly motifs in gold and red.

A textured blue cone-shaped vase next to an abstract black and terracotta sculpture.

Modern home accents defined by geometric textures and bold, architectural shapes.

A cozy sitting area with dark rattan chairs, colorful woven throw pillows, and a painting on an easel.

A living vignette styling traditional woven textiles with contemporary furniture and art.

Stacked round serving trays, including a blue one with white dots and a cream one with a leaf-patterned rim.

Handcrafted serving trays featuring playful patterns and refined natural finishes.

Shelves displaying grey and brown stone-textured planters and vases by Nature's Legacy.

Sustainable planters and home decor pieces crafted from innovative, earth-friendly materials.

Tall brown and black patterned vases holding green plants against a blue woven fabric background.

Earthy pottery and lush greenery combined to create a natural, organic aesthetic.

Melding tradition with modern designs, this gallery highlights thoughtful pieces that elevate everyday living and seasonal celebrations.

The hall features linens; dining and entertaining goods; kitchenware; fine art; and holiday decor.

Gallery 6: Food, Health and Wellness

Packs of Muscovado sugar and jars of Calamansi Marmalade displayed on a woven mat.

Pantry staples featuring unrefined muscovado sugar and zesty calamansi marmalade.

Glass jars filled with dried fruits, nuts, and chips arranged on a wooden table.

A variety of Filipino snacks including dried fruits, nuts, and artisanal chips.

Rows of Kangkong King water spinach chips in cheese and plain flavors.

Healthy snacking alternatives featuring flavored water spinach (kangkong) chips.

Sabanana banana chip pouches and a glass jar of chips displayed next to fresh green bananas.

Premium banana chips displayed alongside fresh, locally grown produce.

Wooden shelves stocked with herbal teas, oils, and wellness products under a "Philippine Hilot" sign.

The gallery showcases premium flavors enhanced by intention. Among its main attractions are sweet and savory offerings crafted for both pleasure and overall wellness.

Food, Health, and Wellness will present chocolates; coffee and tea; Halal products; vegan and meat alternatives; beverages; delicacies; and condiments. In addition, the experience in Hall 6 is heightened by a thoughtful selection of wellness essentials, including goods such as essential oils; aromatic diffusers; scented candles; aromatherapy compresses; organic skincare; and spa accessories.

Behold the achievements of the Filipino creativity and craftsmanship. Pay a visit to the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls today!