The real estate industry in the Philippines has been experiencing an unprecedented boom in the last few years and, naturally, where homes and commercial development lead, the furniture and furnishings industry follow.
The Philippines International Furniture Show (PIFS) will prove that the industry has indeed stepped up to the plate. It is where the best names in Filipino design and manufacturing converge yearly to showcase their latest offerings to the local audience and foreign buyers.
On March 14 to 17 this year, the three most important National furniture manufacturing associations, from Manila, Pampanga and Cebu, will again come together in Manila, to show the best the industry has to offer.
“PIFS has united the regions and associations. It is now the central showcase for the national industry,” says PIFS chair Christina Gaston. “We are excited to be organizing such a focused show.”
J. Antonio Mendoza, the respected architect and interior designer, has been brought in as Creative Director for PIFS in March. He will oversee the organization of the special settings that has long been an important feature of the annual event, an attraction that has garnered praise from the international and regional visitors and press. The Philippines has always been recognized for its high standards in creative design, and these special tableaux are an opportunity to showcase the Filipino manufacturers and demonstrate their capacity and capabilities. “We are working together with manufacturers to respond to international trends in terms of style and color.” He adds, “Individually, the manufacturers can also respond to buyers’ requirements and adapt existing designs or make new ones to suit.”
PIFS has also partnered with the Design Center of the Philippines which has a creative pool of young designers with a variety of skills in the design of furniture and other related products. The participating manufacturers seeking advice and guidance will be assigned an individual from the pool, or a team if necessary, to address their needs.
Taking place at the SMX Convention Center, the PIFS is conveniently timed between the International Furniture Fair Singapore and the Dongguan Fair in China. This is to enable foreign buyers on the Pacific Rim circuit to pass by Manila and see what The Philippines has to offer.
The roster of exhibitors at this year’s show include the best in furniture, home accessories, lighting fixtures, and even art, among them Catalina Embroideries Inc, Chrysa Manufacturing Inc, Coast Pacific Manufacturing Corp, Dale Mathis, Diretso Philippines Inc., Industria by Vico, Kirsten International Phils Inc., Las Palmas Furniture Inc., Maze Manufacturing Company, Inc., MCCA Industrial Corp. and many more. A full list of exhibitors can be found at www.nextonenow.com/pifs.