DTI, TPB Showcase Filipino Artistry @ ASEAN Creative Industries Expo

MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) have joined forces to showcase Filipino craftsmanship and creativity at the ASEAN Creative Industries Expo by Malikhaing Pinoy (ASEAN MPEX).
The collaboration features seven of the 18 handwoven artworks previously displayed at the award-winning Philippine Pavilion at World Expo Osaka 2025, highlighting the country’s rich cultural traditions and the growing connection between the creative and tourism industries.
Led by DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, the event brought together stakeholders supporting Filipino artisans, designers and other creative industry practitioners.
TPB Chief Operating Officer Margarita Montemayor Nograles attended the event as a guest, underscoring the agency’s commitment to promoting Philippine culture and strengthening creative tourism as part of the country’s tourism offerings.
The featured artworks were crafted over more than six months and showcase regional stories through a distinctive combination of traditional and upcycled materials.
Among the materials incorporated into the pieces are abaca, cotton, candy wrappers and chicken feathers, demonstrating how Filipino artisans transform both indigenous and unconventional materials into works of art.
The artworks were part of the Philippine Pavilion exhibition at World Expo Osaka 2025, which received the Silver Award for Exhibition Design, further highlighting the international recognition of Filipino creativity and craftsmanship.
The featured works were displayed at the SMX Convention Center Aura until September 19, giving visitors an opportunity to experience the artistry and stories woven into these exceptional creations.
The DTI-TPB collaboration underscores the potential of creative industries to complement Philippine tourism by bringing Filipino heritage, craftsmanship and regional narratives closer to both domestic and international audiences.