The 17th MaArte Fair, themed "Karnabal," runs from August 13–16, 2026, at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City . Featuring over 220 local artisans and designers, the event includes the exclusive showcase of Pidayit by Philip Dizon Torres at Room 713, open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM . This annual fundraiser by the Museum Foundation of the Philippines supports the National Museum and various cultural projects across the country.
Meet Pidayit: A Kapampangan Tradition of Transformation
Nestled in Room 713, Pidayit's showcase offers a unique glimpse into the world of Kapampangan designer Philip Dizon Torres . Pidayit, derived from the Kapampangan word "pidayit-dayit," meaning to put together or string together, is a fashion and lifestyle brand born from a profound commitment to sustainability and cultural identity. Torres, a proud Kapampangan, transformed his practice over a decade ago when he realized he had accumulated sacks of fabric scraps from his previous ready-to-wear line. Instead of discarding them, he decided to create something new, elevating what was once considered waste into one-of-a-kind works of art .
His creations are a vibrant patchwork of colorful fabrics, stitched meticulously by hand with techniques inspired by traditional crafts. The designer himself has described his work as driven by a desire to create a distinct textile identity for Pampanga—a province famous for its culinary traditions but not for weaving . Pidayit's designs, which include everything from skirts and gowns to shawls, bags, and accessories, are characterized by intricate, textured embellishments and a bold, festive color palette that mirrors the province's lively fiestas. Torres explicitly incorporates elements of Kapampangan culture into his work, stating that "the colors of fiestas, the ingredients like sitaw and kamatis, the happy atmosphere—you find all of these in my Pidayit pieces".
A Legacy of Kapampangan Pride and Social Impact
Pidayit is more than just a fashion brand; it is a social enterprise that has created sustainable livelihoods for over 80 women in Angeles City, many of whom are stay-at-home mothers from the local community. Torres has trained these women in his meticulous techniques, empowering them financially while preserving the art of meticulous hand-stitching . His work has also received national and international recognition, including being selected as souvenirs for the spouses of foreign heads of state during the ASEAN Summit . For the APEC Summit, he collaborated on an installation at the Clark Convention Center and was commissioned by Malacañang Palace to create souvenirs for the leaders' spouses . By participating in the MaArte Fair 2026, Pidayit continues to champion Filipino creativity, cultural heritage, and sustainable practices, reinforcing Kapampangan artistry on a national stage. The brand reflects a wider movement to protect the nation's cultural memory, echoing the efforts of the Museum Foundation to honor heritage through its programs and newly launched Ang Museo awards .
