Do yourself a favor this weekend and spend some cash as an act of goodness. Think of it as early Christmas shopping.
MaARTe 2014, the fifth edition of the annual bazaar-fair, has brought together 50 artisanal groups and vendors that celebrate Filipino arts and crafts, many of which support various charities and provide livelihood to marginalized sectors.
Today is the fair’s last day at the Rockwell Tent in Makati.
If it’s fashion finds you’re after, Gifts & Graces Foundation, a nonprofit, has colorful totes and woven clutches, and even plush teddy bears made of recycled fabric scraps.
Another vendor, Abre Linea, has woven purses, and supports the victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda.”
MaARTe showcases the artistry of the provinces. There are inabel fabrics from Ilocos, mosaic tile trays from Negros, bangles from Cebu, wooden cocktail trays from Pangasinan. Some vendors are exporters who are finally making their pieces available to the local market.
Of course, if you’re buying purely for the joy of a good and beautiful find, some of the brands may already be familiar. For jewelry, there are Riqueza, Beatriz Accessories, Natalya Lagdameo, Joyce Makitalo. There are also caftans from Two Chic, embroidered dresses from Amarie, as well as children’s knit clothes from Muñequita and all-white cotton sleepwear from Antukin.
We couldn’t think of better ways to spend your Sunday.