REIMAGINING THE BEST: Manila FAME KATHA Awards 2024 nominations now open

By Elie Satuito

As the 72nd edition of the Manila FAME draws near, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is currently accepting nominations to one of its main features – the KATHA Awards 2024.

Now in its 41st year, the Manila FAME 2024 will be held from October 17-19, 2024 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Philippines.

The Philippines’ premier trade show for quality home, fashion, and lifestyle (HFL) products, Manila FAME 2024 carries the theme “Reimagination” – centering on the transformation of abundant raw materials into functional and aesthetic pieces as powered by Filipino design.

“Reimagination” is explored in different subthemes, demonstrated at the creative settings namely Design Commune Home, Design Commune Fashion, Artisans Village, and two new settings: Nostalgia and Philippine Components.

Manila FAME has been home to many of the country’s top designers and furniture makers, bearing witness to the rise of some of today’s global household names in the field, such as Budji Layug, Kenneth Cobonpue, Ann Pamintuan, and National Artist Arturo Luz, who also designed the KATHA Awards Logo. Some of their works will also take center stage in a special showcase this year entitled, “Nostalgia: The Manila FAME Design Retrospective.”

The KATHA Awards is CITEM’s way of celebrating Philippine export products from Manila FAME exhibitors that embody craftsmanship, excellence, and innovation in design and function, including aspects that embody responsible sustainability efforts. From the materials used to the processes employed, the translation of ideas into impressive pieces, the various categories of the KATHA Awards validate the dedication and hard work of Filipino creatives behind each winning piece produced for the various sectors.

Aside from the Special Citation for Best Booth Design and Best Sustainable Design for Booths Awards, nominations and the deliberation for this year’s KATHA Awards will be done prior to the show. One winner will be selected for each Best in Design category: Furniture; Home Décor and Houseware; Lamps and Lighting; Fashion; and Holiday Décor and Gifts. There will also be an Eco-Design Award for products made with sustainability in mind.

The winners will be announced as part of the opening day activities of Manila FAME at the WTC Lobby on October 17, 2024. The winners will receive a KATHA Awards Trophy; a free spot at Manila FAME 2025; and an opportunity for Product Showcase, Market Sensing, and a Round-trip Ticket to an Overseas Trade Fair.

Interested parties must provide the necessary requirements such as the self-nomination form, product photos, product information/narrative, and other conditions relevant to the submission to the CITEM Katha Awards Secretariat on or before September 30, 2024.

KATHA Awards Secretariat

Pinky Valero at mgvalero@citem.com.ph or SJ Nacino at sjnacino@citem.com.ph.

Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM)

Golden Shell Pavilion corner Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue

Pasay City, Metro Manila 1300 Philippines

Visit https://fameplus.com/manila_fame/katha to learn more about Manila FAME 2024 KATHA Awards.