Manila, Philippines – More local artisans will gain more traction and spotlight in the eyes of foreign, regular and returning Filipinos travelers as Duty Free Philippines (DFP) is set to open “Go Lokal’s” first premium store before the end of the year.
Marahuyo, which means to be enchanted or attracted, is a concept store that will open at DFP’s newest downtown store that houses high-end brands – the Duty Free Luxe inside Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.
The 50 square-meter store, which will be curated by the internationally renowned interior designer Budji Layug, will feature high-end local brands that will appeal to foreign tourists and the more discriminating Filipino travelers.
DFP Chief Operating Officer (COO) Vicente Pelagio Angala proudly presented the initial batch of suppliers recently who went through extensive product testing of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure its adherence to the global quality standard.
“It is our mission in the service to Philippine tourism to give the best shopping experience to our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), balikbayans, Filipino and foreign travelers and this will be intensified and strengthened though this initiative,” said Angala.
Among the Philippine brands and artisans that will be featured at Marahuyo Go Lokal are Aranaz (handbags), Earl Carlo Gariando Enterprises (clutch bags made of bass), Quiddity (handcrafted leather bags), Helena Alegre Jewelry (scriptural and fabricated Jewelry), and Joanique (fashion accessories), Maria Angelica Rare Finds (antique accessories), Arnel Papa (fashion jewelry), Mele + Marie (handbags), Adante Leyesa (fashion accessories), Joyce Makitalo (fashion jewelry), and Ann Ong (fashion jewelry).
According to Angala, DFP will still accommodate local brands who want to be part of the said concept store as long as it would pass the global quality standards of the DTI and DFP.
“The rich cultural diversity of the Philippines is expressed in these crafts which differentiate us other destinations elsewhere in the world,” Angala stressed.
“When customers buy our local brands, we are not just exporting a product, but more importantly, we are exporting our culture,” he added.
Meanwhile, suppliers expressed gratitude for DFP for globalizing the market for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Our challenge is for us getting our products in the market for wider consumer, that is why we are thankful to Duty Free Philippines for giving us a venue so we can help and provide more jobs to local communities,” a supplier said.
—
Visit Duty Free Philippines’ online shop at https://www.dutyfreephilippines.ph.
