It’s no surprise to know that Hong Kong and the Philippines share an amicable bond. The two destinations, which are a mere hour and a half away from each other, are both frequented by many Southeast Asian fliers. Filipinos have been visiting Hong Kong for its vibrant culture, delicious eats, and even to visit family. Many OFWs find themselves in this bustling city, to earn bread for their families as well.
Celebrating each other, as well as the many other cultures that make Hong Kong such an exciting melting pot, is the annual Home InStyle event. Known for exhibiting thousands of houseware items, brands, and legacies from a variety of countries and regions, this year’s Home InStyle event boasted 1,750 exhibitors from 16 countries which included first-timers from Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. Pavilions featured familiar cultural elements from countries such as China, Taiwan, India, Japan, and Thailand.
In total, the Home InStyle event attracted an impressive 24,000 buyers from 100 different countries and regions to its grounds at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.
Not to be left out from the excitement is the Philippines, from which came two brands: Art Meets Craft and La Bonne Vie.
Art Meets Craft provides homeowners with vibrant, handmade sculptures in urethane varnish. Pieces are playful and cover a range of animals and even “fat ladies,” making it a unique showpiece. Established in 2010, Art Meets Craft also does custom designs, each of which is made meticulously by artists Tisha Paculba, Didi Diaz, or Pau Kimberly Co.
On the other hand, La Bonne Vie specialises in handloom woven textiles and products. Culturally significant, these weaves — which include inabel from Ilocos — are a treasure to the Philippines.
“In the past, Inabel Iloko was used as sails or masts for the galleons during the galleon trade,” shares Geraldyn Bonnevie Savellano, who helms La Bonne Vie. “It was also bartered in exchange for gold since it was at par with the French brocade.”
Despite challenges faced during their earlier years, La Bonne Vie has since grown and is a significant supplier for establishments such as Kultura and Rustan’s. Their shop offers everything from inabel cushion covers to woven blankets, both of which are common accoutrements in a Filipino home.
Currently, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Hong Kong (PTIC-HK) is in talks with 13 potential buyers from around the globe, all of whom have expressed an interest in the brands and suppliers.
The Home InStyle Event is a distinguished effort and has been participated by the Department of Trade and Industry through PTIC-HK and its attached agency the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong.
