The novel coronavirus has done no favours for our economy. But despite this, Artefino has striven to find ways to help both local businesses and their artisans, as well as their chosen beneficiary, through these tough times.
Buying local is a badge of honour. It's something you can proudly tell your friends and family about, especially during times like these. No one knows exactly how long the coronavirus pandemic will last, but while scientists around the world are racing to find a vaccine, it's imperative that we all do our part to support those most affected — a group of which includes our local artisans.
Artefino has been one of Manila's premier artisanal goods fairs since 2017. Although it is fairly new, no one can deny its exponential growth over the past three years. While its founders continuously seek to make Artefino bigger and better each year, they aren't exempt from having to adjust to the demands of 2020. As Susie Quiros of Artefino says: "It’s fair game for everyone [right now]. We all have to adapt to change [and] the brands that continue to evolve are the ones that will stay."
Tatler Philippines reaches out to the Artefino team of Maritess Pineda, Mita Rufino, Cedie Lopez-Vargas, Mel Francisco, Isa Cruz, Imelda Canuel, Susie Quiros, and Monchet Olives to learn more about how this celebration of traditional Filipino culture has adapted into the call of times.
Most notably, Artefino has organised an e-commerce fundraiser that will run from 15 June 2020 - 15 July 2020. This monthlong sale is available at shopartefino.com and will benefit the Philippine General Hospital. Aptly named "Ilaw at Pag-asa", the fundraiser aims to raise enough money to supply the hospital with two new high-tech UV sterilisers. At the moment, the Philippine General Hospital cares for the most number of COVID-19 cases in the country. Unfortunately, their current sterilisers take up to three hours to properly sanitise the room — Artefino aims to provide them with sterilisers that will take only 30 minutes to do its job.
Using the familiar battle cry of "kaya natin ito!", Artefino charges forward on its mission to support the local industries, which have often been overlooked (that is, until recently). Their hashtag, #LocoForLocal, sums it up quite well. Susie Quiros states: "Our communities are the heart of Artefino. Our economy is made up of our local industry and we need to help infuse cash to our local SME’s (small to medium enterprises) — that’s the 'bayanihan spirit'. Supporting each other will help us all weather these times."
And true enough, that strategy seems to work quite well for them. Brands partnering up with Artefino are treated as family, a support group that goes beyond just business. Below, we speak to a few brands that have come out to offer their products online at "Ilaw at Pag-asa."