Artisans and Crafters Level Up at Mandeko Kito 3 Artisanal Market

Mandeko Kito 3 opened on June 15 and features 32 artisans, crafters, and creative entrepreneurs from Baguio, Benguet, Sagada, Mt. Province, and Pangasinan, at the Berkeley School, C.M. Recto St. Twenty-two (22) participants showcased a wide variety of items, from accessories, bags, bath products, basket weaves, home decor and furniture, handwoven items, local textiles, shirts, pottery, and many more. Ten (10) participants on the other hand featured local food items and creations.

The fair is open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm and runs until June 20, Sunday.

Creative Hubs that Support Local Artists, Artisans, and Crafters

BACCI launched Mandeko Kito as its response to help local artisans and creatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the fair continues to be a venue for artisans and their handicrafts. Like last year, the fair is being organized in June and November (in time for the Creative City Month Celebration).

This year’s venue is Berkeley School, a creative hub in the making. Along with hosting the market in its school grounds, the school also opened Gallery Ninety, an art gallery, with Clay & Fire 2, an exhibition of stoneware pottery by ceramic artists Tessie Baldo, Siegrid Bangyay, Ardeth Angway Butic, and Jeff van den Broeck. Curated by Erlyn Ruth Alcantara, this is the second Clay & Fire exhibition, following the first one in November 2013. It runs until September 15, 2021. You may catch it at Gallery Ninety, from Mondays to Fridays 10 am to 4 pm.

The Stories of the Artisans

The fair’s relaxed and open atmosphere gives guests and visitors a chance to look around and check out what the artisans have on offer. All participating artisans have new products and creations. According to the Butatow Artist Collective, their artists designed new products in order to cater to the expected audience of each fair.

Each of the artisans has his or her own unique narrative to tell. Mandeko Kito is also a good venue for buyers to get to know more about the products and how and why they were created. In the end, it is all about appreciating the love and hard work put in by the artisan, making it more valuable than ever.

Mandeko Kito 3 once again hopes to drum up enough exposure, support, and sales for participating artisans and crafters. Come and show your support for high-quality, well-made handicrafts and gift items. The fair is open to the public, June 15 to 20, from 10am to 5:30pm, at Berkeley School, C.M. Recto Street, Baguio City.