The Philippines’s most awaited consolidation of the design and construction industry namely Interior & Design Manila (IDM), Philippines International Furniture Show (PIFS), Philippine Finishing and Furnishing Expo (PHILFFEX), and Philippine Ventilating & Air-conditioning Expo (PHILVAC) opened to thousands of architects, interior designers, engineers, developers, decision makers and design enthusiasts at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. The events will run simultaneously from March 9th (Thursday) to March 11 (Saturday) from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.
Distinct personalities are in attendance during the exhibition’s opening ceremony including Former President Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Usec. Ruth Castelo (Department of Trade and Industry), Governor Lilia Pineda, Peter Kompalla (Executive Director of German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry), KhankhanitAmphuprapa (Minister of Thai Trade Center), Clayton Tugonon (Executive Director of CITEM), Eugene Yap (President of Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines), Sergio Ortiz-Luis (President of PHILEXPORT), Mila Lacson (President of Philippines Chamber of Handicraft Exporters and Artisan), James Jao (President of PIID), Duke Zuluaga (President of Chamber of Furniture Industries, Inc.), Ina Gaston (Exhibit Chair of Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation), RemigioLastimoso (President of Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation), Jorge Consunji (Chairman of Philconstruct Events, Exhibitions and Conference Corp.), Dante Abando (President of Philippine Constructors Association), WilfredoDecena (Event Chairman of PHILFFEX), and more.
A curated show for the industry
“We have made this year’s event a feast not only for the eyes but for the mind,” shared James Jao. IDM featured an artfully handpicked and curated display focusing on innovative products and solutions with the concept of “One Product – Multiple Application.” The organizers also highlighted the PIID Pavilion where selected Interior Designers showcased never-before-seen concepts for the modern home.
Aside from these, IDMhosted theContinuing Professional Development (CPD) Conference and Workshop where international speakers from India, Malaysia, Melbourne, Shanghai, Singapore and Taiwan shared their expertise and the latest trends in the industry. World renowned speakers include Andy Hall (Founding Partner of MQ Studio), Brian Lin (General Manager of O + Design Int’l), Chris Yap SengChye (President of Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers), Claire Larritt-Evans (Founder of Larritt-Evans Interiors), Eleena and Michael Tan (Co-founder of BrandWorks), Iva Foschia (Founder, Principal & Lead Architect of IF Architecture), Peter Tay (President of Peter Tay Studio), PratapVasantJadhav (President of Institute of Indian Interior Designers) and many more.
Milan of Asia
Proving that the Philippines is the top sourcing destination in the ASEAN Circuit, PIFS has gathered trade buyers from all around the globe such as the US, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, China, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and India. “Filipinos are known to bring their hearts to work,” shared Eduardo Zuluaga. “Philippine-made furniture reflects the soul of the artisans who put into shape the designers’ vision and PIFS is the best place to see this.”
The show featured a one-of-a-kind simple but powerful lobby design by Japan’s sought after interior designer, Shigeki Fukuda and also boasted a special feature of designs by the world-renowned Chilean stylist, scenographer, and designer, Nelson Sepulveda. “This is where we show the world how we interpret the latest industry trends, and in many cases, take the lead in design innovation,” added Zuluaga.
Going beyond design, beyond construction
To complete the shows, the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc. and the Philippine Society of Ventilating, Air-conditioning, andRefrigerating Engineers, Inc. joined the team launching PHILFFEX and PHILVAC which cater to the specific needs of this growing interior and fit-out construction industry. “Right now, the market for furnishings and finishing is strong and we want our local talents to get exposure and to get their own slice of this market,” shared Jorge Consunji.
On days one up to the second day of the event, PHILFFEX will be hosting seminars on facilities management in partnership with the Philippine Association of Building Administrators (PABA). Topics to be covered include the Fundamentals of Engineering Operation and Maintenance of Facilities in Mixed-use Development and General Property Management. On the last day, a forum called Design Talks will bring together a select panel of industry experts to discuss trends and business opportunities shaping today’s world of fit-out.
At the front line of these trade events is its co-presenter, Pacific Paint Boysen Philippines together with its major sponsors: CW Home Depot, Matimco Incorporated, Norde International Distributors, andWilcon Builder’s Depot. For more information, you may contact the event organizer, Global-Link Exhibitions Specialist, Inc., at (02) 893 -7973 or visit the event’s official website: www.gesi.com.ph/IDMNL, www.pifs.ph, and www.philffex.com.
“We’re looking forward to the synergy that these trade events will showcase. I’m sure that the continued collaboration of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers, Chamber of Furniture Industries in the Philippines, Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation and Philippine Constructors Association will result in a successful trade event for our respective industries,” remarked Wilfredo Decena.
TRADE SHOW FOR INTERIOR AND FIT-OUT CONSTRUCTION SET IN MARCH
