04 June 2014 - Philippine handicrafts have made their way into the 56th Tong Tong Fair in The Hague, Netherlands. Participating for the first time in the biggest Eurasian trade fair in the world, the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands organized and designed the country’s booth that was provided through the gracious invitation of the organizers of the Fair.
On exhibit are select samples from the member companies of the Philippine Chamber of Handicrafts Industries and the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority. They range from fabric, gifts and housewares made of raw fiber such as the abaca to elegant pieces made of fine bone china.
“We have partnered with certain organizations to display several quality products and information materials about the Philippines as well as feature items from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions. We hope that our participation can spur interest in Philippine handicrafts and open up windows for Dutch-Filipino business partnerships,” Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands Jaime Victor B. Ledda said.
The Tong Tong Fair was established in 1959 primarily as a platform for Indian culture to be displayed in this part of the world. Over the years the Grand Pasar with the Indonesian pavilion became a hallmark of the Fair as traders from Asia made their way to Western Europe. The Tong Tong Fair has then developed into an annual “East meets West” venue, a sensory blend of cultural festival, exhibition and food festival rolled into one held in an archipelago of tents and stands. The festival within the fair offers hundreds of performances spread over 12 days. The fair attracts thousands of visitors during its 12-day run.
“This marks the first time that the Philippines will have a booth at the Fair. We are also excited to have Triple Fret, an all-female classical-contemporary Filipino guitar trio, perform at the event and highlight Philippine music and talent,” Ambassador Ledda added. The members of Triple Fret are formally trained from the premier Philippine music schools and have brought the appreciation of the classical guitar to a wider audience with their youth, beauty, passion and exceptional talent.
The 56th edition of the Tong Tong Fair runs from May 29 to June 9, 2014 at the Malieveld Park in The Hague. END