MANILA, Philippines - As it celebrated traditional arts and modern Philippine design in cities where SM has malls, “My City, My SM, My Crafts” showcased the best of Philippine series of roadshows during its first season.
Mallgoers were given a rare glimpse of Narda Capuyan’s revival of the Cordillera tradition of weaving called ikat in creating new weaves in shawls and bags at SM City Baguio; of vintage Burdang Taal pieces transformed into contemporary fashion at SM City Batangas; and of designer Obet Orajay’s exquisite gowns and barongs made of indigenous materials at SM City Lucena.
They were awed at the elegant jewelry masterpieces of world-class designer Arnel Papa at SM City Marilao; vibrant and bold neckpieces by Sepa; and hand-made and sewn handbags, and jewelry from Ferimar at SM City Cebu; and eclectic jewelry featuring historical and vintage trinkets by PNKY at SM City Baguio. There were also exquisite jewelry in semi-precious stones by Armyth’s at SM City Marilao and meticulously handcrafted bags from Crystal Seas at SM City Davao.
In Iloilo, skilled artisans amazed mallgoers with their delicate sinamay and vibrant hablon pieces; while innovative designers transformed abaca into stylish shoes and bags in Laguna and Cagayan de Oro.
A celebration of traditional arts and modern Philippine design, “My City, My SM, My Crafts” is a partnership between SM, the Bureau of Domestic Trade of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Star with support from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
It is a take-off from the previous “My City, My SM” campaign, which promotes tourism, and “My City, My SM, My Cuisine,” which highlights the culinary specialties of the regions where SM has malls.
“My City, My SM, My Crafts” aims for the best of the best in Philippine crafts, as well as the OTOP program in SM’s host cities; to preserve dying crafts through workshops and contests; and provide opportunities for livelihood. It also aims to create a vibrant cultural exchange between the various cities.
During its first season, the project partners brought together the best of Philippine craftsmanship — from the Cordillera highlands to cultural communities in Mindanao, from the workshops of artisans to studios of contemporary world-class designers. And the partners are delighted to collaborate again for a second season.
CITEM’s partnership in the project has brought a lot of pride to the Filipino craftsmanship through the world-class products showcased in the malls. “SM’s initiative in promoting the country’s local culture and arts through its “My City, My SM, My Crafts” program helps foster pride and appreciation for the skills, craftsmanship, and creativity of Filipino artisans,” says CITEM deputy executive director Ma. Lourdes Mediran. “This is one of the essential blueprints that reinforce awareness on who we really are and what we are capable of as Filipinos.”
Similarly, CITEM director Arturo Cruz Dimaano of the Creative Communications and Services Department, enthuses that the “My City, My SM, My Crafts” program “is a significant undertaking. More than nurturing and promoting Philippine arts and culture, the program upholds the traditions in various regions, encourages creativity and resourcefulness, supports a community, and advances the livelihood of micro, small, and medium industries.”
The campaign’s first season began at SM City Santa Rosa, and made stops at SM City Lucena, SM City Batangas, SM City Davao, SM City Naga, SM City Cagayan de Oro, SM City Marilao, SM City Dasmariñas, SM City Taytay, SM City Pampanga, SM City Iloilo, SM City Baguio, and SM City Cebu. It unearthed a treasure trove of fashionable artisan finds, which can be seen on these pages.
“My City, My SM, My Craft’s” second season roadshow will feature SM City Clark, SM City Masinag, SM City Lipa, SM City Calamba, SM City Baliwag, SM City Bacolod, SM City Lanang, SM City Olongapo, and SM City Tarlac until the end of the year. In 2015, the campaign will make stops at SM City San Pablo, SM City General Santos, SM City Rosales, and SM City Cauayan in the provincial areas and at SM City North EDSA and SM City BF Parañaque in the Metro area.