DUTY FREE PHILIPPINES is looking to establish a new “Marahuyo”, an all-Filipino concept store, in Cebu after it recently opened the first Marahuyo at the Duty Free Luxe inside the Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City.
“That’s still under study because this is under coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), but probably we can open in Cebu,” Duty Free Philippines COO Vicente Angala said.
Marahuyo, which literally means “induced, persuaded or attracted”, is curated by internationally renowned interior designer Budji Layug, and it features high-end local brands that will appeal to foreign tourists as well as Filipino travellers.
“Its target is foreign tourists and locals because a lot of our locals are buying already and supporting our own products,” Angala said.
Among the Philippine brands and artisans that are featured at Marahuyo Go Lokal are Aranaz (handbags), Earl Carlo Gariando Enterprises (clutch bags made of bass), Quiddity (handcrafted leather bags), Helena Alegre Jewelry (scriptural and fabricated Jewelry), and Joanique (fashion accessories), Maria Angelica Rare Finds (antique accessories), Arnel Papa (fashion jewelry), Mele + Marie (handbags), Adante Leyesa (fashion accessories), Joyce Makitalo (fashion jewelry), and Ann Ong (fashion jewelry).
“The rich cultural diversity of the Philippines is expressed in these crafts which differentiate us other destinations elsewhere in the world. When customers buy our local brands, we are not just exporting a product, but more importantly, we are exporting our culture,” Angala said.
He said more local artisans will gain more traction and spotlight in the eyes of foreign, regular and returning Filipinos travellers because of the “Go Lokal’s” premium store.
Suppliers also expressed gratitude for DFP for globalizing the market for micro, small, and medium enterprises. “Our challenge is for us getting our products in the market for wider consumer, that is why we are thankful to Duty Free Philippines for giving us a venue so we can help and provide more jobs to local communities,” one supplier said. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora. With additional reporting from Cebu Examiner.)
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