Going to ArteFino is always a treat for the soul. Each edition always brings out the best of Philippine craftsmanship whether it is through the artisanal foods made by the loving hands of business owners from different walks of life, to the incredible works created by talented jewelers, fashion designers, and lifestyle brands who exemplify the best of what the country has to offer as a vibrant luxury lifestyle and fashion hub that has always taken pride of what it has to offer.

In its almost decade-long run, the fundraiser founded by Maritess Pineda, Mita Rufino, Susie Quiros, Cedie Lopez-Vargas, and Marimel Francisco has evolved to become an incubator of local talent, a community of conscious retailers, and a cultural movement.

ALL ABOUT PURPOSE

“This year, we wanted to put HeArteFino at the forefront,” the group shares. “It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the many things happening around the fair. Yes, it is a retail experience–one that you have to immerse in to fully appreciate. But it is important that we return to what anchors everything we do: HeArteFino.” 

Since its inception, the non-stock, non-profit organization and its long-term developmental programs have helped chosen communities around the country. Over the years, grants have increased in value, reaching an estimated P1,000,000. The ArteFino group clarifies that the amount given to grantees may also vary depending on the needs of each community. Recipients in recent years include the Bagobo Tagabawa community from Davao and weavers from Argao, Cebu, and the artisans of Kabankalan in Negros Occidental. 

Just last June, Project Nova from Bohol was announced as a new HeArteFino grantee. The initiative, which presents creative ways of transforming discarded kayaks into bags, received an initial or partial seed of P500,000. “Advocacy is the core. We exist because we believe that craft is not just about beauty, but about equity, access, and impact,” the founders assert. 

“Advocacy is the core. We exist because we believe that craft is not just about beauty, but about equity access, and impact.”

Through the years, it has stayed true to its purpose and reason for being: HeArteFino and its programs, and this is why we at Eletom love everything that HeArteFino stands for. Without further ado, these are some of our favorite brands that you need to check out.

ZARAH JUAN

Renowned designer Zarah Juan experiments with natural dyes, creating a series of prints that represent the Philippines, aptly dubbed Full Circle. Juan learned to utilize colors from an immersion experience she had in Jakarta, Indonesia. “I wanted to return to my roots,” says the renowned accessories designer. “Nine years ago, I started my creative journey with ArteFino, and it felt so natural that I would return here with a new perspective.”

GOLDEN MONSTERA

Founded by husband and wife duo Daniel and Jenn, Golden Monstera is one of those brands that you’ve heard about at some point, and you just had to have. Each piece of jewelry, crafted from local brass, shines like a worthy statement piece made for everyday wear. An ELETOM Favorite: their voluminous bangles in different sizes that you can stack together, which elevate any outfit for whatever occasion.

STYLE ANA

Sheryl Buenaventura’s brand highlights the importance of utilizing indigenous fabrics from the northern parts of the Philippines by transforming and incorporating them into modern wearable forms of clothing, such as jackets, trousers, and beaded linen tops with inabel fabric. It’s incredibly versatile and at the same time, perfect for any occasion. An ELETOM Favorite: An open lace capelet with butterfly sleeves that can be worn for almost any occasion.

PEEWEE BENITEZ

A favorite amongst Artefino regulars and fashion icons such as Heart Evangelista, Peewee Benitez is an incredibly talented jewelry designer who creates sculptural jewelry inspired by the beauty of nature. Each of his pieces is crafted in sterling silver dipped in gold and cast with precious stones such as sapphires, garnets, and emeralds, making it jewelry fit for royalty. ELETOM Favorites: dangling heart-shaped sapphire earrings and a toi e moi emerald and sapphire ring.

I AM LOKAL

Helmed by film director Connie Macatuno, I am Lokal fuses cultural motifs into her edgy designs. Think dark denim and cargo pants with strips of fabric and beads together, it’s quite a unique look. An ELETOM favorite is the denim jacket embroidered with Jose Rizal’s face on it, along with the local symbols of each tribe.

BARBA

Barba has always been a favorite of ours. The brand is known for incorporating local indigenous fabrics into each of their pieces, therefore creating a very modern way to show off our heritage in the form of structured tops that could easily pass off as part of a particular European brand’s aesthetic. An ELETOM Favorite: An Inabel corset top that comes in flaming orange, which is a total statement piece for all seasons.

FARAH ABU

Farah Abu is back once again at Artefino, showing off a new line that encompasses her love for florals, the sea, and the beauty of nature, all in one beautiful collection that demonstrates why she is one of the best accessories designers to watch out for. A few ELETOM favorites, a stunning snakeskin clutch that is bedazzled with semi-precious stones, and a pair of tri-cluster “Sampaguita” earrings that are topped off with a pair of gorgeous freshwater pearls.

SEVEN PANTRY

Lastly, it wouldn’t be a trip to Artefino without stopping by Seven Pantry, owned and operated by Patty Pineda and Isa Cruz, the platform is dedicated to highlighting the best of homemade Filipino delicacies from around the region. Some of our personal favorites that keep us coming back for more? The dips, water spinach chips, and sweet potato chips are available in a huge container.