Philippines Elevates Sustainable Design at Tokyo International Gift Show 2024
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (front, 8th from left), Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo (front, 7th from left), and Commercial Counselor Dita Angara-Mathay (front, 10th from left) with the exhibitors of the DesignPHILIPPINES Pavilion at the Tokyo International Gift Show Autumn 2024, 4 September 2024.
5 September 2024 – Nineteen (19) enterprises specializing in sustainable home decor, fashion, and gifts are representing the Philippines at the Tokyo International Gift Show (TIGS) Autumn 2024, held at the Tokyo Big Sight Convention Center on 4-6 September 2024.
On the show’s opening day, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano toured the Philippine pavilion, presented under the country’s banner, DesignPHILIPPINES. She engaged with the designers and manufacturers behind the pavilion’s exceptional collection.
“The innovative designs on display reflect the synergy between Filipino artistry and Japanese aesthetics, making them well-suited for the Japanese market. They are a clear demonstration of our commitment to maintaining the momentum for Philippine design excellence and broadening our presence on the global stage,” Ambassador Garcia-Albano remarked.
The Ambassador was accompanied by Ms. Leah Pulido Ocampo, Executive Director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), and Commercial Counselor Dita Angara-Mathay, both from the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry.
The Philippine participation in the TIGS Autumn 2024 runs concurrently with “Finopinas: The Finest of Philippine Art and Design,” a prestigious showcase of the Philippine creative industries at the Tokyo Midtown Design Hub.
Curated by designers Wataru Sakuma and Stanley Ruiz, the Philippine pavilion features products that seamlessly integrate sustainability, Filipino craftsmanship, and Japanese colors and patterns.
DesignPHILIPPINES is a design initiative dedicated to nurturing and showcasing the creativity and originality of a vibrant community of Filipino designers and craftsmen. It seeks to establish the Philippines as a premier sourcing destination for expertly crafted products on the global market.
The Tokyo International Gift Show is Japan’s largest trade show for personal gifts and household goods. Held twice a year, it draws exhibitors and buyers from across the globe, showcasing a diverse range of innovative products, from fashion and accessories to home decor and lifestyle items. The event attracts approximately 200,000 local and international buyers and visitors, making it a premier platform for global business connections.
(L-R) Wataru Sakuma, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, and Stanley Ruiz at the DesignPHILIPPINES Pavilion, Tokyo International Gift Show Autumn 2024, 4 September 2024.
