Meet FAME+, Manila FAME's virtual showroom

Manila FAME launched its virtual showroom FAME+ at the tailend of October and since then, it's become a constant tab in our web browsers that we go to every so often.

Not so much as to browse and ogle at all the beautiful objects on display, but to learn about trends and traditions and read up on Filipino artisans and brands. Because as its name suggests, FAME+ is more than just a catalogue.

According to CITEM's executive director Pauline Suaco-Juan, the website isn't an e-commerce website but a promotions platform. A space in the vast triple W, where SMEs can have a stronger online presence, and where the rest of the world can discover Filipino designers and brands, maybe even connect with them, but surely, a space to feel inspired.

FAME+ is still on beta — that's webspeak for it will get better — but as previously mentioned, it's become a constant tab in our web browsers. We suggest you visit it too, if you haven't yet, because:

1. It's an escape

The internet has become a jungle with the onslaught of seemingly neverending bad news, fake news, and vile comments. So FAME+, full of stylish pieces and even a virtual exhibit becomes something of an escape.

Don't forget to check out Itim, a digital exhibit curated by Emmy Award-winning producer Rita Nazareno and Gabby Lichauco.

It is one-half of the hybrid presentation that had a physical on-site exhibition; the plan B to the cancelled Fuorisalone 2020 at Milan's Design Week, where 9 Philippine brands would have participated.

Online, Itim boasts not only of trippy video installations and a gallery of images but shares stories from behind-the-scenes and how it all came to be.

2. It's informative

At the Stories section of the website — aka Touchpoint — you'll learn all about the trends, traditions, techniques of the products in the website.

Here's you'll discover more about Filipino designers and artisans, their chosen materials and techniques and why; how they've updated and innovated on traditional practices — like weaving for instance — and how their places of origin inform their design aesthetics.

 
This is Suaco-Juan's personal favorite section of the website, she said during the launch. "My heart is really in Touch Pointe in the sense that my favorite stories were about Filipino designers and artisans. They have such inspiring stories."

3. It's going to make your heart swell

In FAME+, you'll see that Filipino talent doesn't end in entertainment. On display are familiar objects you've probably seen in a restaurant or hotel lobby but have never considered to be Filipino-made.

On FAME+, you will learn that they are. Listed are incredible but little-known Filipino brands that making headway in fashion, furniture, beauty and wellness, as well as home ware and lighting.

At one point, we caught ourselves exclaiming, "Pilipino yan?!" It's refreshing to catch yourself reacting in that way, TBH.

4. It's going to set your imagination in motion

At a time where we are all trapped in our homes, FAME+ can show you how else and what else everyday things could be.

For instance, a lamp doesn't just provide light, it can also be a decor. The website can show you how can update your lola's old solihaya-patterned chair. In FAME+ you can even pick up ideas on how to jazz up that empty bedroom corner.

There's also the Design Commune section, which online, has become an ambitious 3D rendering and virtual exhibition featuring products developed for Maison&Objet and More Digital Fair.

5. It can help you find your tribe

Among the objectives of the website that Suaco-Juan mentioned at the virtual launch of FAME+ is to also promote community building among stakeholders by getting more Filipino brands and companies onboard the website, encouraging buyers to register, connecting them to the brands, and sharing their stories.

There are also events to look forward to, one-on-one consultations, and so much more.

— LA, GMA News

Visit Fame+