March signals the start of summer. For enthusiasts of interior design and architecture, it is the season to be inspired and encouraged, with all major local art and design exhibitions and symposiums taking place during this time in Manila.
Emerging from the success of the Art Fair PH and the 3rd ALT Philippines exhibits last February, another noteworthy art event to emphasize is the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) Auction Preview, held earlier this week at The Leon Gallery in Makati.
The ACC benefit auction celebrated and showcased Anita Magsaysay-Ho, Nena Saguil, Fernando Zóbel, and Jose Joya, the organization's inaugural grantee for the visual arts. It is noteworthy that, while we joyfully witness the juxtaposition of various modern and contemporary art exhibitions, we simultaneously recognize the remarkable growth in talent and creativity among Filipino artists in the field of visual arts. The subjects, mediums, colors, and techniques have undergone profound evolution, thereby elevating today's Philippine visual art and communicating on an entirely new level.
Equally important to mention is the scene in the local furniture industry. This week, we witnessed the Philippine International Furniture Show (PIFS) at Interior and Design Manila 2024 at SMX Convention Center Manila. Various local manufacturers and designers gathered once again to showcase globally competitive Filipino craftsmanship in furniture and decorative lighting design and production.
One may wonder how we fare compared to other well-known global furniture, decor, and lighting brands. Perhaps not so secretly, the Philippine furniture export industry, as a niche market, has silently supplied several notable American and European furniture brands throughout the years.
It may surprise you that furniture, like the lounge chair from Crate and Barrel, an international brand based in the United States, is proudly made and handcrafted here in the Philippines. We often overlook materials such as solid wood, abaca, rattan, and bamboo, as well as design elements like solihiya, mother-of-pearl inlays, and bamboo lashings, due to their abundance in our country. However, these materials and elements, seen as too dated or common by some, are actually staples in the international design scene.
27th Worldbex
Good design is best experienced in person, where one can encounter the designed object in real space. It is experiential, meaning it involves the material and construction of the design. The most famous architectural cliché is that "form follows function." The essentials that shape both the appearance and functionality of a design are its materials, methodology, and technique.
From March 14 to 17, Worldbex 2024, the Philippines' largest and most-awaited design and building materials showcase, will take place at the World Trade Center Manila and SMX Convention Center Manila. It's the perfect occasion to witness the dialogue between form and function in action.
In its 27th edition, Worldbex's theme, "Drawn to Ascendancy," will not only showcase the latest global innovations in construction materials and technology but also highlight activities and renowned industry professionals.
“The World of Architecture” will showcase the excellence of some of the country’s leading architects and their landmark projects such as Arch. Jun Palafox, Arch. Cathy Saldaña, Arch. William Ti Jr., Ar. Daniel Terence Yu, and Arch. Karlo Agasa.
In the “City of Tomorrow,” step into the future of the revolutionary projects and advancements that are shaping our urban landscape today.
Coinciding with these galleries is "The World of Interior Design." It is my honor to be invited and featured in the aforementioned gallery, alongside esteemed colleagues in the interior design industry such as IDr. Tony Adriano, IDr. Leo Almeria, IDr. Chat Fores, IDr. Eric Paras, the Hubilla Design Group, IDr. Cai Lim-Regala, and IDr. Claudine Yao-Diez.
Together, we are presenting eight individual remarkable interior design vignettes and mock-ups, along with the booth spaces of the national and regional organizations of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers. In addition to these mock-ups, the event will shine a spotlight on more furniture makers, with a specific focus on the craft of Pampanga furniture makers. This will include scheduled live demonstrations of furniture making and detailing.
Lastly, the exciting "Projeto Ideas & Design Competition" aims to nurture the creative talents of Filipino design and architecture students through an inter-school competition.
Each year, we rediscover our country through design and material innovations, where new perspectives breathe fresh life into common motifs. Against the backdrop of international voices, these shows unveil one of the most crucial design perspectives: our own.