Year on year, Design Week Philippines by the DTI Design Center of the Philippines aims to fulfill its goal of being the national event for design with a month-long celebration together with partners from all over the country to organize hybrid events. 2023 was no different, and it was all the more special as they celebrated their 50th year. With over 7,000 participants from all over the country ranging from workshops, tours, pop-up events, they concluded it with a marketplace featuring local brands and designers, the Design Sari Sari last October 21, 2023.
Design Sari-Sari is a welcoming space that invites not only designers but also anyone curious about design to join in, experience the energy of the Filipino design community, and be part of celebrating Filipino design culture. “We started Design Sari-Sari with a clear goal: to create a diverse marketplace where creators, small businesses, and different creative groups can showcase their work during Design Week Philippines,” they shared. “It’s the hub where everyone involved in design, from makers to enthusiasts, can gather and participate in various events like talks, workshops, and tours happening nationwide.
Some of the brands and artists that participated during the event were Art Toys PH, Novice Magazine, Cafe City Club, The Maverick, Manila Middle Ground, SWASH Originals, Antibiotic Smile, and renowned ‘pintor’ Edwin Tayao.
Images from Design Center of the Philippines
“Since the first Design Sari-Sari, the marketplace has been buzzing with creativity, innovation, and a passion for Filipino design. Visitors loved seeing unique, traditional, and modern products showcased by merchants who infused their personality into their booths. Walking through, you’ll hear conversations and see connections being made, making it a lively and welcoming place. We’re thrilled to watch this community expand and become a catalyst for connections.”
To complement the event in 2023, Design Week Philippines partnered with PURVEYR for Design Sari Sari. “We’ve always kept an eye out for PURVEYR events like the PURVEYR Fair. It’s impressive to see how they honor each merchant’s uniqueness and creativity. They carefully craft everything from ads to exhibition spaces, making the fair a rich celebration of diverse creativity. They also create a space where people can connect and feel inspired to pursue new, meaningful projects. Design Center is truly grateful to PURVEYR for helping us bring a fresh experience to Design Sari-Sari.”
With flocks of creatives across different age groups and backgrounds–students, professionals, enthusiasts–Design Sari Sari provided a safe space for creators to showcase, enthusiasts to appreciate, students to learn, and professionals to connect with like-minded individuals.
So much so that 2024 is already in talks. “The memories of Design Week Philippines 2023 are still vivid, and we’re gearing up for 2024. We’re considering teaming up with PURVEYR again, inspired by the success of this year’s Design Sari-Sari. Plus, we’re looking to partner with more merchants and collaborators to make the marketplace even more lively and exciting,” they shared.
