MANILA, Philippines — For the past 28 years, Manila FAME International, a project of CITEM has introduced thousands of local entrepreneurs who have practically no experience in the export business into the international trade fair circuit.

Through all these years, thousands of international buyers have visited Manila FAME, International to see new styles, new designs, new ideas, and new concepts by Philippine designers.

CITEM stands for Center for International Expositions and Missions, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Of its many projects and programs to promote our exports through trade fairs and exhibits, the Manila FAME International is probably the most popular and the most publicized project of CITEM.

Manila FAME International is held twice a year. A bi-annual fair that is. The second Manila FAME fair this year will be held on October 16-19, 2011 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex. This means tomorrow, Sunday is the opening of the 4-day FAME fair.

The fair is open to the general public with an entrance fee of P500.00 – 20% discount is given to senior citizens and 50% discount is given to students. There is no entrance fee for government employees upon presentation of their IDs. However, children 12 years old and below are not allowed. Furniture furnishings, holiday decors, gifts, fashion accessories and wearables will be showcased in the 4-day FAME fair.

CITEM’s co-organizers of Manila FAME International are: Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP); Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation (CFIF); and Cebu FAME Foundation, Inc. There are also partner organizations of Manila FAME International namely, Association of Negros Producers; Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (Pampanga Chapter); Christmas Décor Producers and Exporters Association of the Philippines; Hospitality and Wellness Pilipinas; Home Accents Group of the Philippines; Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Industries; Philippine Exporters, Retailers, and Producers Development Association, Inc.; Philippine Exporters Confederation; Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc.; and Cebu Gifts, Toys and Housewares Manufacturers Exports Association, Inc.

Past records of CITEM will show that threat of bombings here and there and other disheartening disruptions to the peace and order situation in our country especially within Metro Manila, has not in any way dampened the enthusiasm of the foreign buyers who attended the FAME fair.

The Manila FAME International confirms many things. One, the trade fair confirms the endless creativity of Filipinos. Two, it demonstrates once again the vast potential of our indigenous raw materials in our furnishings, houseware, fashion accessories, gifts and holiday décor industries. Three, the trade fair showcases the fighting spirit of Filipinos even in the midst of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Fourth, there are loyal foreign buyers for Philippine products who risk life and limb to see our new products despite drawbacks like threat of bombings. Fifth, the trade fair climaxes the unwavering commitment of the CITEM staff to push our exports. If only for these reasons, the Manila FAME International show must go on.

Manila FAME, the flagship of CITEM is the country’s only fair that has met the quality standards for membership in the Union of International Fairs (Union des Faires Internationales – UFI), a global organization of the world’s leading trade show organizers and fairground owners, based in France.

For organizing the Manila FAME International bi-annual project for the past 28 years to promote our exports, CITEM deserves an applause. A long applause. A sincere gesture of our appreciation for what the people in CITEM are doing. To encourage them to continue their enthusiasm, commitment, and mission for our economy. For the Filipino people.

CITEM is now headed by Executive Director Rosvi C. Gaetos and Deputy Executive Directors Ma. Lourdes D. Mediran and Maria Rita O. Matute. The Project Director for this October FAME fair is Arturo (Art to his friends) Dimaano, formerly a CITEM Deputy Executive Director – a soft-spoken fellow who has always been well-known for his skill in organization. I know.

Because when I was the DTI Undersecretary for the International Sector from July 7, 1998 to May 28, 2000 supervising CITEM – Art Dimaano was already the action man of the late Ely Pinto-Mansor, the then Executive Director of CITEM credited for instilling in the CITEM staff tough discipline, passion, and enthusiasm to promote exports. Kudos for CITEM!

Have a joyful day!