The FilipinaZ Fair returns on Nov. 16-18, 2024, at The Fifth at Rockwell, bringing together new and established fair trade vendors. This year’s event focuses on supporting small, responsible enterprises, and empowering women through mindful shopping.
In a recent launch at 8 Rockwell in Makati, the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs introduced the refreshed and redesigned FilipinaZ Fair for 2024. Guests were welcomed at the lounge by Rockwell Land Corporation, who, with Phenix Garuda Construction and Development Corporation and Cardrian Builders Corporation, played a vital role in this year’s fair. The launch gave a sneak peek into the fair trade products to be offered in the fair.
Security Bank continues to support FilipinaZ projects to create opportunities for small enterprises to enter market through this female-driven platform. Other partners in this year’s fair are Metro, Pagcor, Anta Construction, and BDO.
The fair will offer unique gifts and products spanning various categories—fashion, travel, and home decor. There will also be unique food items from all over the Philippines, perfect for the holiday season.
Every purchase helps fund projects of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, supporting fair trade practices and female empowerment. Fair trade reshapes businesses through better prices, decent work conditions, and better deals for farmers and workers in developing countries. This year, focus is on start-up vendors, with established fair regulars and new sellers practicing fair trade from developing countries., such as Mexico, Morroco, India, Vietnam, Thailand. Products from these countries will be in the fair.
The products will be under these categories: Gifts & Home for decorative pieces and art-centered products; Food & Travel for Filipino food market and travel-friendly ware, plus an exclusive pop-up by chef Margarita Fores; Fashion for jewelry, accessories, and garments celebrating Filipino contemporary design, alongside fair trade goods.
This year, FilipinaZ Collaborations include limited edition art plates by artist Tiny Nuyda, celebrated for his innovative designs and dedication to artistic excellence. Launched in last year’s Art Program, this project has been extended to allow guests the opportunity to experience Nuyda’s work. Fundacion Sanso is another long-standing partner of FilipinaZ, and limited edition Juvenal Sanso ceramic plates will be available. Kababaihan is a livelihood program of Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, and will be offering handmade hand and dish soaps made by the women of Taguig. DOJ Project Arte will be presenting limited designs for women’s bags produced by Persons Deprived of Liberty at the Correctional Institute for Women of the Department of Justice. These will be available for pre- and even bulk orders at the fair.
Among the Zonta organizers, from left, Jeannie Abaya, Maritess Pineda, Joanne Zapanta-Andrada, Jay Joaquino, Marion Salonga
The FilipinaZ Fair 2024 also proudly pays homage to legendary Filipino fashion designer Pitoy Moreno, a pioneer in the Philippine fashion industry. The tribute is not just a nod to his past achievements, but an inspiration for younger generations of Filipino fashion designers and enthusiasts. By celebrating Moreno’s contributions, the FilipinaZ Fair aims to empower young designers to embrace their cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of fashion.
Marcy Kohchet-Chua, Erlinda Panlilio, Melanie de Leon
The partnership with acclaimed chef Margarita Fores brings an exciting culinary dimension to the event. A tribute to Women in Design and the Young Women in Design grant, sponsored by Mestiza and Organique, will showcase innovations by female designers.
Aliza Apostol and Crystalle Ozamis are among the entrepreneurs whose products will be offered in the fair.
Rosalyn Canas and Paul John Pamaran Zamora of Lulu’s Apple Pie
Mia Jeanjaquet-Manaois from Arete and Jeanjaquet and Juhi Chandiraman
Angelo Salvadora and Chester Acala of Mestiza and Organique
FilipinaZ 2024 will also have a raffle on November 18, and special gifts from Rockwell for top clients in the fair. Among those who attended the launch were representatives of partner and Zonta Club of Makati and Environs leaders: Erlinda Panilio, Melanie de Leon, Maritess Pineda, Jeannie Abaya, Joanne Zapanta-Andrada, Jhay Joaquino, Cristina Barretto-Cabildo, Marion Salonga, Lani Ligon-Robles, Carmina Sanchez-Jacob, Charming Baldemor, Marcy Kohchet-Chua, and Anna Lagon.
The FilipinaZ Fair 2024 is not just an event; it embodies a movement towards sustainable and conscious consumerism. This year’s theme, Females for Fair Trade, underscores the commitment to support women entrepreneurs and artisans from around the globe. By aligning with the international fair trade movement, the fair ensures that each product purchased contributes to better wages, improved working conditions, and environmental sustainability.
The FilipinaZ Fair 2024 runs Nov. 16, 17, and 18 at The Fifth at Rockwell, and will be open 1-10 pm on Nov. 16, 10 am to 10 pm on Nov. 17, and 10 am to 9 pm on Nov. 18.
