Merkado Kultura commemorates Filipino American History Month through
a makers market celebrating the Philippines
SAN FRANCISCO, October 13, 2022 – In celebration of Filipino American History Month, the public is invited to check out Merkado Kultura, a makers market celebrating the Philippines curated by France Malvar of Lu France Interiors in San Diego, California and co-organized with Mel Nava, Founder and CEO of ShipIt and 1Export, a logistics company in the Philippines.
Both France and Mel grew up in the Philippines, frequenting local bazaars and markets and working with artisan communities and local businesses respectively. They aim to highlight the amazing skills, artistry, and talents of Filipino makers and businesses as well as connect these brands to audiences beyond the Philippines starting with their first market to be held at Dynamico Space in downtown San Francisco.
Together with Filipino American owned brands in the U.S., Merkado Kultura hopes to be a way for discovering Philippine-based and U.S.-based brands that celebrate all things Philippines- its culture, traditions, food, and products through handcrafted, artisanal, and sustainably made pieces one city at a time.
For the first market, France and Mel are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Dynamico Space, a Filipino owned coworking space in San Francisco, and with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, and the Philippine Trade and investment Center- Silicon Valley, the representative office of the Department of Trade and Industry in San Francisco.
Some of the brands to be featured at Merkado Kultura are:
Angkan, Anthill, Avalani & Co, Barbara Lee, Carie Jewelry, Filiflavors, Hara, Kapwa Baking Co, Kubo California, Lacson Ravello, Lola Severina, Lu France Interiors, Malingkat Enterprise, Oodaalolly, Pili and Blu, Saint C, Sarap Now, Sewn Sandals, Style Ana, Ube Galore Breads, and more.
Merkado Kultura runs this weekend, October 14-16 from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Dynamico Space at at 447 Sutter St. in San Francisco. For more information, go to www.merkadokultura.com and follow them on Instagram.