MIMAROPA's Hidden Treasures Take Center Stage: Inside the Region's Biggest Trade Showcase

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

MAKATI CITY — The pristine waters of Palawan. The marble-rich mountains of Romblon. The lush forests of Mindoro. The historical heart of Marinduque. For four days starting today, these island provinces are converging at Glorietta Activity Center for what promises to be the most ambitious celebration of regional entrepreneurship the country has seen this year.

The 2025 OBRA MIMAROPA Trade Show opened its doors this afternoon with a bold declaration: #MaramiPaSaMIMAROPA — there's so much more to the region than meets the eye. And with 124 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across five provinces, the event is proving that statement true in spectacular fashion.

A Movement, Not Just a Trade Show

"This is more than a marketplace," explains the event brief. "It's a movement to promote and capture the economic diversification and local entrepreneurship in the region."

The numbers tell a compelling story of growth. Last year's inaugural event brought together 51 exhibitors and generated ₱6 million in sales. This year? The organizers have nearly doubled participation to 124 MSMEs across 59 retail booths, with an ambitious target of ₱7 million in sales.

Oriental Mindoro leads the charge with 35 participating businesses, followed closely by Marinduque with 33. Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, and Palawan each contribute between 18 and 19 exhibitors — a remarkable showing that demonstrates the breadth of entrepreneurial energy pulsing through the region.

The Opening Day Spectacle

This afternoon's grand opening was nothing short of ceremonial theater. Beginning at 2:00 PM, the program featured prayer, the national anthem, and the stirring "Beloved MIMAROPA" and "Bagong Pilipinas" hymns — a reminder that regional pride and national identity are inextricably linked.

DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque was invited to headline the event (just not sure if she would be able to grace the event with her presence) , alongside key officials from partner agencies. The welcome remarks came from RD FnP. Amormio CIS Benter and CESE of DTI MIMAROPA, followed by a message of support from Dr. Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., President of PhilExport.

But perhaps the most anticipated moment was the keynote address by Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona of the DTI Regional Operations Group, who introduced the strategic vision behind this year's expanded showcase.

By 6:00 PM, as the Ganado Cultural Dance Troupe from Occidental Mindoro took the stage for the first cultural performance, the message was clear: MIMAROPA is ready to dance onto the national — and international — stage.

Five Vendors You Cannot Miss

Among the 124 exhibitors, several stand out as must-visit destinations:

Lionheart Farms from Palawan brings their premium organic coconut flower sap products under the CÓCOES brand, along with SLOW Drinks made from coconut flower nectar. In an era of health-conscious consumers, their naturally low-glycemic offerings position them at the intersection of tradition and wellness.

Sea Warriors Furniture from Romblon returns as the reigning champion — they were the overall top seller at last year's show. Their success speaks to the enduring appeal of Romblon's world-class craftsmanship, born from the province's legendary marble deposits.

Carl's Earthen Pots and Ceramics from Oriental Mindoro showcases the artisanal pottery tradition that has quietly thrived in the province for generations. In an age of mass production, their handcrafted pieces offer authenticity that resonates with modern buyers.

PaperThings from Occidental Mindoro has tapped into the trendy macramé bag movement, proving that traditional knotting techniques can find new life in contemporary fashion.

But perhaps the most intriguing is Marbello Enterprises from Marinduque, makers of Cocoong — a bagoong alamang-inspired condiment made entirely from coconut meat and soya, without the fermented shrimp. It's innovation rooted in Filipino flavor profiles, reimagined for vegetarian and allergen-conscious consumers.

Beyond the Retail Hall: A Feast for the Senses

The trade show is divided into distinct experiential zones, each offering something different:

Objects of Art presents creative expressions through food, fashion, and home furnishings. The Product Showcase displays prototypes from product development sessions across the provinces, while the Coco Bar invites visitors into a "gustatory experience" featuring coconut as the star ingredient in both food and beverages.

The Bayanihan Exhibit takes a more immersive approach, inspired by Filipino culture to transport visitors through showroom exhibits that capture life across Mindoro, Marinduque, Palawan, and Romblon.

The Retail Hall is where the serious shopping happens — 59 booths packed with products spanning food, fashion, and home furnishings.

Arte-Xhibit might be the most dynamic space, featuring talks, discussions, and performances from the creative industry throughout the four-day run.

Four Days of Discovery

The programming across October 2-5 is dense with learning opportunities:

Day 2 (October 3) features Info Talks on Packaging 101, the Philippine Quality Award Journey, PhilExport Membership, and supply chain logistics. A live coconut cooking demo by Celebrity Chef Rosebud Benitez promises to be both educational and entertaining.

Day 3 (October 4) shifts focus to the Creative Talks series, with sessions on live recording for podcasts, ceramic pottery demonstrations, photography, dance, and advertising. The day closes with a coconut drink-mixing demonstration at the Coco Bar.

Day 4 (October 5) features a visual arts live painting session by Mr. Wilfredo Rufon of Voyage: The Mindoro Artist Group, before the closing ceremony at 5:00 PM.

Throughout, DIY Postcard Stations invite visitors to collect stamps at each station, completing souvenir postcards that serve as tangible memories of the MIMAROPA journey.

A Partnership Ecosystem

The event's success rests on an impressive coalition of nine partners and sponsors. Event partners include PhilExport MIMAROPA, the provincial governments of Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon, the city governments of Calapan and Puerto Princesa, and the regional offices of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Tourism, and Department of Science and Technology.

Programs like OTOP PH, SSF, DTI-CARP, and DTI-CFIDP serve as sponsors, while the Department of Information and Communications Technology and Department of Migrant Workers provide support. GCash stands as the official payment partner, facilitating seamless digital transactions.

The Bigger Picture

What's happening at Glorietta Activity Center this week represents something larger than a trade show. It's a statement about the resilience and creativity of Philippine MSMEs. It's proof that islands once considered peripheral to Metro Manila's economic gravity are crafting their own narratives of innovation and excellence.

The MIMAROPA region — an acronym for Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan — has long been known for its natural beauty. Now, it's demanding recognition for its entrepreneurial spirit.

As visitors wander through the retail booths, taste coconut-based innovations at the Coco Bar, watch cultural performances, and attend talks on everything from packaging to pottery, they're not just shopping. They're participating in the economic diversification of a region that refuses to be defined solely by its geography.

#MaramiPaSaMIMAROPA isn't just a hashtag. It's a promise — and for the next four days at Glorietta, that promise is being kept.

The 2025 OBRA MIMAROPA Trade Show runs through October 5, 2025, at Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City. For more information, visit DTI MIMAROPA's official Facebook page or email r04b@dti.gov.ph.

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