By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
Photos from THEPHILBIZNEWS/MAS
Nothing is more elating and fulfilling than seeing your work being appreciated and patronized by many foreigners and even local delegates at the 21st World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit held on April 20-22 at the Marriot Grand Ballroom.
The head-turner and elegantly designed Marahuyo pop-up store has drawn many foreigners who checked on and buy the Marahuyo brands created by talented MSMEs and renowned Philippine Fashion Designer brands such as Ann Ong, Aranaz, Arnel Papa, Earl Gariando, Helena Alegre, JMakitalo, Joanique, Ma. Angelica Rare Finds, and Mele+Marie.
What makes the store intriguing is its simplicity and yet elegantly laid out and lighted top the delight of the foreign and Filipino delegates who attended the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit hosted by the Philippines. The well-curated and unique items such as necklaces, bracelets, bags, and other covetous. fashion accessories are really enchanting and worth buying whether as an investment or for personal use.
Speaking to THEPHILBIZNEWS, Hazel Garcia Assistant Store Manager of Luxe Duty Free store said, “These are works of hearts and truly artisan jewelry. Every effort taken to create each piece is unique. This is the reason why many are surprised to learn about it. You cannot find the same piece done by the same designer.”
“It’s a novelty item”, she added. We are showcasing to our visitors that the Filipino talents and the Philippines as a country have so much to offer to the world. And these are some of those worth buying and taking home with them.”
Meanwhile, Floraida Sandalo, the Store Supervisor at the time we visited the Marahuyo pop-up store said, “They can find us at Luxe Duty Free store and we have many more items to see and buy for their pasalubong.
This year’s theme of the WTTC global summit is, “Rediscovering Travel,” which was hosted by the Philippines and aimed at supporting the sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. This was the first time that the Philippines hosted the event. There were over a thousand delegates from various countries around the world.
For their part, the Department of Trade and Industry saw the event as an ideal venue to promote Go Lokal! and Marahuyo brands to the international market.