The photo above was taken at the April 2008 Manila F.A.M.E, an international trade fair where Philippine made gifts and housewares are showcased .  This booth belongs to a company called Topmark Interiors and Novelties.  It’s a family owned company headed by….my Mom!  Hee hee.  :)  We export these sculptures and furniture pieces to other countries, mostly to Europe.  Most of the pieces in the booth were designed by…ME!  :P  No kidding. ;)  I miss being at trade fairs.  Over the years, we’ve made a lot of friends who (like us!) make beautiful products using a wide variety of materials.  Name a material or a particular product and we’re bound to know someone who is into them: artifical plants, terra cotta, resin, teak furniture, glass, natural fiber, etc.  Philippine exporters are facing stiff competition with companies from other Asian countries and while we can hold our ground in terms of design, we simply can’t beat the prices they are offering buyers.  I hope and pray that the state of Philippine exports will take a turn for the better and that local manufacturers can ride out the storm it is in right now.  Here’s a shout out to our entrepreneurs back home…the best is yet to come so hang in there!