5 reasons to catch the Philippines International Furniture Show 2015

PROUDLY PINOY. Design by Felix at PIFS 2015. All photos courtesy of Visions and Expressions

Filipino furniture design and workmanship take centerstage at PIFS 2015

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines International Furniture Show 2015 (PIFS 2015) is ongoing at the first floor of the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. The much-anticipated bi-annual event opened on March 13, Friday, and will run until March 16, Monday.

PIFS 2015 coincides with another big lifestyle-design event, Manila FAME, which is currently happening at the second floor of the SMX Convention Center in MOA (I repeat this detail because there is an SMX Convention Center in SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City. I've learned of people going the wrong SMX Convention Center when the venue information is incomplete.).

PIFS is the industry event for the interiors sector of the Philippines. It is also the opportunity for Filipinos to see, appreciate, and be proud of what Filipino furniture designers have come up with, and how far they have gone. I personally call it my "Disneyland," while Manila FAME is my "Wonderland."

I love design, I love interior design, I dream of having a beautiful home, and I am proud of our Filipino designers and artisans.

PIFS was launched in 2014 and was such a big hit. It was organized by the industry to showcase the best in the industry, including social enterprise. Local and international markets took note of the 2014 event, and it is predicted that the visitor number this 2015 will exceed that of 2014.

Here are five reasons to head on to PIFS 2015 right now:

1. It showcases why our home and furniture industries are at front and center of global lifestyle design. Great opportunity to see and get to know the people and brands that bring pride to our country.

2. It is curated by J. Anton Mendoza, one of the top Filipino architects and owner of J. Antonio Mendoza Design Consultants. He is also the creative mind behind the Interior Design Vignettes at the event, for more design inspiration.

3. Over 200 companies are in the roster of designers and manufacturers. Where are they from? What do they do? What materials do they use? Find out for yourself at the event.

4. Trade visitors are expected from 70 countries, including Japan, Germany, Brazil, Turkey, and India. This is a good networking opportunity if you are considering getting into the design and export biz.

5. Mary McDonald and Nathan Turner of hit US design show "Million Dollar Decorators" will be there. They will pick their favorite pieces from the show and will present how Filipino furniture can be used in international room settings. Exciting!

McDonald and Turner graced the press conference that followed the official opening of PIFS 2015 last March 13. Nix Alanon asked them what they thought were the strengths of Filipino design, and here's what McDonald said:

Here are some brands you can check out at PIFS 2015:

Filipino Creazione De Mano, Inc.

Betis Crafts

Murillo Export

Padi Outdoor

Pacific Traders

Betis Crafts

Cancio

Calfurn

Aqua Design Amano

Felix

Which aesthetic fits your taste? When you visit PIFS 2015, let me know. Use the hash tags #PIFS2015 and #CoffeeWithKai in your social media posts.

My taste can go from minimal and mod (like the way I designed the condo I stay at now) to rustic and shabby chic (my dream design for my future home). 

I leave you with this statement chair from Filipino Creazione de Mano, Inc., also at PIFS 2015:

For more information on PIFS 2015 and their succeeding events, visit www.pifs.ph or email info@pifs.ph. - #CoffeeWithKai