The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is spearheading the Philippines’ bid to become Asia’s Premier Creative Hub by 2030 with the official launch of the Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo (MPEx), a five-day national event at SMX Aura, Taguig City.
Held in celebration of the Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM), the MPEx is the first event to gather all nine creative domains—audiovisual media, visual arts, digital interactive media, design, performing arts, publishing, traditional cultural expressions, creative services, and cultural sites—and their 73 sectors.
Leading the ceremonial opening, Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said that the expo emphasizes the vital role of Filipino creativity in driving economic progress.
“Under the clear directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Trade and Industry is fully committed to harnessing the power of our creative industries. The DTI will continue to provide our artists and creators with the necessary infrastructure and support, like this Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo, until Filipino talent gains the global recognition it truly deserves,” Secretary Roque said.
The expo features a dynamic and immersive setup, showcasing the nine domains through dedicated creative pavilions, where visitors can explore exhibits of paintings, sculptures, and art toys, as well as original works in comics, animation, and publications.
Another key component of the event is the series of “Malikhaing Pinoy Chats,” which bring together professionals, creative workers, aspiring creatives, and government policymakers for thought-provoking presentations and conversations.
Meanwhile, “Creative Matchmaking for Filipino Games,” pitching session is also set to provide indie and student game developers an opportunity to present their ideas to industry leaders and potential investors, where Dungeon King of Midnight Equinox stood out and earned the Best Game Pitch award.
The event features a wide array of prominent exhibitors and organizations, including the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) for audiovisual and digital interactive media, and the Design Center of the Philippines and Philippine Fashion Coalition for design. The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is a key exhibitor for the performing arts, while the Ayala Museum represents the cultural sites domain.
MPEx is a flagship initiative of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, led by the DTI through the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC) Secretariat, to elevate Filipino creative industries. For more details on exhibitors, workshops, and performances, visit https://mpx.malikhaingpinoy.ph/.
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