Loyal and new patrons of the much awaited yearly shopping event called MaArte Fair will never look at an arts and crafts fair the same way again as it steps up for a more fun and festive vibe this year.

Mark your calendars on August 16, to 18, 2019 for the 11th MaArte Fair and first ever MaArte oPen house at The Peninsula Manila. Habitues of the Manila party scene especially during the early 2000’s would remember the famous open-house parties of the North Syquia apartments, one of Manila’s historic buildings from the 1930’s.

MaArte oPen house aims to recreate the laid back atmosphere and inspired energy of that famous Manila address where owners of its posh residential units would leave their doors open once a year to welcome guests for cocktails, comestibles, live band music, even for art performances.

Experience that spirit of fun amid warm company at this year’s MaArte oPen house as guests get to discover and take delight in the hand-picked offerings of all 65 merchants-all appointed in units beautifully recreated like the salons and lounge areas of that famous residential edifice. Just imagine, two floors of the hotel temporarily cleared of its elegant bedroom furnishings to make way for this over-the-top concept!

For local gourmet lovers, there are Auro bean-to-bar chocolates, Green Babes, Felicisimo Gourmet Homecooking, iBuen Provecho (by O&M Home), and Tsaa Laya, House of Negros (Felicia’s, Virgie’s, Casa Carmela).

The chill atmosphere levels up with a bar set-up on each floor of the venue. Here, visitors can enjoy happy-hour cocktails and light refreshments via MaArte Fair’s Cheers! and Snack vouchers. Another MaArte oPen house special feature is the Pinoy Man Cave, this time with more merchants for its manly shoppers. This year, the fair puts spotlight on special collaborative projectssuch as Tatsulok by Natalya Lagdameo, Filip+Inna, and Balay ni Atong, and a special product line by potter Ugu Bigyan, and Gifts & Graces.

Besides the exuberance of shopping bash supporting local artists and artisans, the yearly MaArte Fairs organized by the Museum Foundation of the Philippines also exists to raise funding support for the National Museum and its network.

Start your shopping season with a bang by attending the MaArte oPen house on August 16 to 19 (Friday to Sunday), 10am to 8pm, at the Peninsula Manila in Makati City. Free admission.

Stay hungry,

thehungrychef

Nathaniel C. Uy