WorldBEX and Manila Fame: 2 big events you should not miss

ROOFTOP display by Cai Lim-Regala and MJ Tan of CRL Interior Designs

Exciting developments are happening in the building and construction scene with the opening of the 19th WorldBEX at the World Trade Center. The construction trade show, hailed as Asia’s biggest and most awaited construction event of the year, includes professionals, traders, importers, exporters, associations and other exhibitors.

Officially called the “World Building and Construction Exposition,” WorldBEX caters to all types of buyers, from building developers to first-time home builders. A wealth of design ideas and materials can be found at the exhibit, which is so huge that it occupies the entire World Trade Center and spills into the adjoining Philippine Trade Training Center. The exhibit runs until March 16.

One interesting hall has displays of the alums and graduating students of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers. Wilcon Depot generously sponsored the design showcases of the PIID students, including materials and home furnishings. At the main exhibit hall, Wilcon also has a giant booth showcasing several of its partner brands like Franke and Grohe.

WILCON Depot family Johnny Litton, Alpha Ang of Grohe, Tessa Valdes, Wilcon SEVP-COO Rosemarie Ong, Wilcon president and CEO William Belo, Careen Belo and Stephan Mueller of Franke

Wilcon promo launch

It is very timely to shop now at Wilcon Depot because today is the start of their “Dream Big and Win Big” promo. Five new Mercedes-Benz cars await five lucky winners, along with several other prizes worth over P12 million.

The exciting launch was held at Chef Jessie’s 100 Revolving Restaurant in Libis, Quezon City. Hosted by Johnny Litton, the launch allowed the press to get a scoop on the latest Wilcon news.

William Belo, president of Wilcon, expressed his heartfelt gratitude toward the attendees for the continued support they have been giving the company. He also added that the promo aims to thank the company’s loyal customers for making Wilcon the consistently preferred homebuilding store in the country.

Rosemarie Ong, chief operating officer of Wilcon, said that promotions like “Dream Big and Win Big” are just one of the many projects Wilcon has in store for its customers in line with the company’s upcoming 40th year in the business.

I’ve been very fortunate in being asked to be a Wilcon Brand Ambassador, so I took charge of the raffle portion of the launch. Lucky winners included Ipe Cruz of Rogue Magazine and Anna Sobrepeña of Lifestyle Asia Magazine.

“Dream Big and Win Big” at Wilcon will run at all Wilcon Depot and Home Essentials nationwide from March 14 to Dec. 30, 2014. A minimum single-receipt purchase worth P5,000 at any Wilcon stores is required to get a raffle coupon. The five raffle draws are scheduled on May 19, July 16, Sept. 8 and Nov. 10, 2014, and Jan. 9, 2015, and a Mercedes-Benz B180 and other prizes will be drawn each time. For full promo details, visit www.wilcon.com.ph.

Manila Fame exhibit

After visiting WorldBEX, I headed to the biennial Manila Fame exhibit at SMX, where the latest interior design options and local fashion creations are on display.

Manila Fame is Asia’s only design and lifestyle event that caters to a wide variety of exceptionally handcrafted products from furniture and furnishings to holiday décor and fashion. For endless inspirations and innovations of products, be sure to drop by Manila Fame, which also ends on March 16.

Between the two exhibits, it seems that buyers and potential buyers of anything construction related should plan on being in the World Trade Center and SMX area this weekend. Filipino artisans’ unparalleled design styles take center stage at Manila Fame, and construction is king at WorldBEX. Be sure to tour both to get the complete picture.

Follow @tessavaldes on Twitter or visit www.tessaprietovaldes.com.