PASAY CITY, Philippines — Creativity, learning, and community took center stage as The Crafters Marketplace successfully hosted its first ever VIP Lounge Event at the Activity Center of Ayala Malls Manila Bay, attracting journaling enthusiasts, crafters, and creative hobbyists from across Metro Manila and even all the way from Pampanga and Laguna.
The event exceeded its projected capacity, with participant demand surpassing the number of available VIP slots. The strong response highlights the continued growth of the local crafting and journaling community and the increasing interest in hands-on creative experiences.
Attendees enjoyed exclusive access to workshops, giveaways, sponsor activities, and networking opportunities with fellow creatives. The event was made possible through the support of Keds, Papemelroti, Arty ni Kathy, and The Little Red Papeterie.
Among the event’s highlights was the journaling workshop, “How to Create Dutch Doors,” conducted by Teacher Kathy of Arty ni Kathy. Participants learned creative techniques for adding interactive elements to journals and planners while exploring new ways to enhance their memory-keeping projects.
The VIP Lounge also featured a sewing session led by Teacher Pola of Pola Studio, where attendees were introduced to sewing techniques and creative applications that complement crafting and handmade projects.
Beyond the workshops, participants enjoyed a welcoming environment where they could share ideas, discover new products, meet fellow hobbyists, and celebrate their shared passion for creativity.
The VIP experience was further elevated through the generous support of event partners. Papemelroti delighted attendees with premium materials included in the VIP kits, allowing participants to immediately incorporate unique paper crafting elements into their creative projects. The brand also featured a stamp station that quickly became one of the event’s most popular attractions, with journalers eagerly exploring and collecting impressions for their journals, planners, and memory-keeping spreads.
Meanwhile, Keds brought a nostalgic touch to the event through its retro-inspired booth, which resonated strongly with attendees. The display evoked memories of a simpler, more analog era, complementing the journaling community’s appreciation for handwritten creativity, paper-based hobbies, and artistic self-expression. The booth served as both a visual highlight and a reminder of the enduring appeal of slowing down and creating by hand in an increasingly digital world.
“The overwhelming response to the VIP Lounge demonstrates the strength and enthusiasm of the crafting community,” Shine Asuncion, founder of TCM stated. “It was inspiring to see both seasoned crafters and newcomers come together to learn, create, and connect.”
Following the success of the Ayala Malls Manila Bay event, The Crafters Marketplace has announced its next VIP Lounge experience, scheduled from June 12 to 14 at the East Wing Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza.
Only 50 VIP slots will be available per day, allowing participants to enjoy a more intimate and engaging creative experience. For walk-ins, a maximum of only 10 may be accommodated.
Those interested in joining are encouraged to register early, as slots are expected to fill quickly following the success of the recent event.
Upcoming Event Details
The Crafters Marketplace VIP Lounge
Venue: Shangri-La Plaza, East Wing Atrium
Dates: June 12–14
VIP Capacity: 50 Slots Per Day
Form – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWpYJPf_YH2HvHsJ6_uUmrzsr3sIfQkgN6Lb0JABs5jukLA/viewform
About The Crafters Marketplace
The Crafters Marketplace is a community-driven event that brings together artists, makers, journalers, small businesses, and creative entrepreneurs. Through workshops, exhibits, shopping experiences, and community activities, it provides a platform for creative individuals to learn, connect, and showcase their work while fostering a vibrant and supportive crafting community.
