Dubai: Philippine creativity takes spotlight at FinoPinas Pop-Up

At the FinoPinas Pop-Up event at Sari-Sari Store in Dubai on October 3, 2024. EXPAT MEDIA

The newly launched FinoPinas Pop-Up at the Sari-Sari Store in Dubai has brought the spotlight on Philippine craftsmanship and creativity. The event on Thursday (October 3), organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, aimed to introduce the UAE market to quality Filipino products, ranging from artisanal fashion and jewellery to handcrafted bags. Philippine Department of Trade and Industry Acting Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, who inaugurated the event, emphasized the importance of supporting Filipino entrepreneurs and products in the UAE. "Let us support Filipino products because this gives jobs to Filipinos and brings them closer to home,” Roque said during the event, which was hosted by Lito German, CEO of Sandbox Middle East, the parent company of Sari-Sari Store, and attended by consulate officials, including Vice Consul Jim Jimeno. Roque said events like the FinoPinas Pop-Up bridge the gap between Filipino creativity and the global market. Among the standout exhibitors were Olivia Pearls, founded by Melon Perez, whose South Sea Pearls are harvested from Palawan and hand-crafted with 18-karat gold in Dubai. “It’s a tribute to my mum, Olivia,” Perez told Expat Media. “I want to dedicate this business to her.” Terno Shop also attracted attention for its traditional Filipino dresses made from handwoven fabrics like Binacol and metallic hablon. Babylyn Quitlong Buchan, the owner of Ternoshop.com, explained the significance of these fabrics: “Binacol is an optical art fabric believed to ward off bad spirits. Our collection includes Filipiniana vests, hand-embroidered Camisa ponchos, and more.” The event also featured handwoven bags from Fab-Rika Handicrafts and Bayongecija. Fab-Rika’s owner, Rosela Paje, highlighted the craftsmanship of the bags from Samar. “We’re helping artisans from Philippine provinces showcase their beautiful skills,” she told Expat Media. A crowd favorite was the new offering from Sna’ap, a chocolate brand created by Dubai-based Filipino chef Nouel Catis. Its account manager, Bam Gudmalin, explained that their new pistachio kunafa flavor is a fusion of tradition and innovation: “We’re launching new flavors every three months, and we’re proud of how well-balanced and tasty our chocolates are.” ICA/Expat Media