Philippine Int’l. Furniture Show 2014 Slated

The grandest furniture and furnishings show in the country will once again take place this March 14-17, at the SMX Convention Center, Manila, following the success last year. The Philippine International Furniture Show (PIFS) 2014 will feature local and foreign exhibitors showcasing their newest collection of furniture, lighting, architectural components, interior accessories and accent pieces. A myriad of designs and varieties with a modern Filipino theme are expected to be arrayed in the exhibition.

New products, new concepts, integration of other industries/specifics into the show, and the ideas drawn from the close collaboration of the organizers with the participating companies, are a few of what to look forward to in this year’s PIFS. The organizers have partnered with promotions company Proactive Stratagem to do the Internet marketing of the event.

According to Overall PIFS Chairperson Christina Gaston during the press conference in Cebu, they are already 85% booked for the event and have over 60 registered exhibitors as of press time. She mentioned that PIFS’ distinction from other shows is that the exhibition is focused on the furniture industry’s needs, wherein they have also paired up with the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) for developmental collaboration.

What also sets this event apart, is that it bridges regions in the country and even abroad by bringing in the world-class products of the Filipinos, showing our ingenuity, creativity and the richness of our natural resources abounding in our place, as source. The PIFS 2013 was a testament, drawing visitors from as far as Middle East, Africa and Russia–countries which rarely patronize Filipino products.

“The Philippines is no longer the sourcing destination of the special few. The secret’s out! The show in March 2013 saw buyers coming from as far afield as North and South America, Europe, Russia, India, Africa, Australia and the Middle East…,” remarked Duke Zuluaga, CFIP-National event chairman. PIFS, on its third year now, features products from Cebu, Pampanga, Manila and other regions of the Philippines, along with their international counterparts. “We have top notch designers, working with proven manufactures, producing quality product, at the right price. This is a serious proposition to buying professionals,” Zuluaga added.

“PIFS is the most beautiful show in Asia…It is something that you can be very proud of…It is something that if you just an onlooker, it’s something that you can be proud of…,” enthused Ruby Salutan, consultant of the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (CFIF). Architecture, interior design students and other students from the field of creative arts from different schools and universities in the Philippines will also grace in the exhibition.

The furniture industry unites. Representatives from the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (CFIF), Chamber of Furniture Insdustries of the Philippines (CFIP)-National, and Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (PFIF), as well as event manager Global-Link exhibitions Specialist formally sign the partnership agreement for PIFS 2014. (Front row, l-r) Event Chairman for PFIF Reggie Lastimoso, Global-Link COO Jing Lagandaon, Overall PIFS Chairperson/CFIF Christina Gaston, and Event Chairman for CFIP-National Duke Zuluaga. The signing is witnessed by (standing, l-r) Executive Director for CFIP-Pampanga Liza Samia, Consultant for CFIF Ruby Salutan and Executive Director of CFIP-National Ajun Valenzuela. (Contributed photo)

Among those joining and visiting the show are destination spa directors, interior decorators, hotel partners and owners, property developers, constructions companies, F & B Managers and architects to name a few. Participants can also be mesmerized and enjoy furniture of different kinds like antiques, avant-garde, upholstered, garden & outdoor, and green/eco-friendly among others, while furnishings like artificial plants, organics, gazebos, glass decor, Teracotta jars, houseware, decorative accessories & panels, and fabrics will also be available. Furniture making technology such as abrasives & adhesives, green construction, and wood processing machines will also be showcased.

Some of the participants in this year’s PIFS are Las Palmas Furniture Inc., More Than A Chair, Inc., Muebles De Cristina Int’l Corp., Murillo’s Export Int’l., Obra Cebuana, Inc., Pacific Traders & Mfg. Corp., PADI Outdoor, Padua Int’l. Corp., Peter & Paul Inc., Sara’s Woodcraft Sweden Corp., South Sea Veneer Corp., Vito Selma/Stonesets Int’l., and many others. Some of the top companies who visited during the PIFS 2013 were Aesthetics Interiors & Furniture of India, Altri Tempi of the Dominican Republiq, Artefacto of Brazil, Bagus of Spain, Capris Furniture of USA, Decor Classe of Saudi Arabia, Dome Deco of Belgium, Domus of Italy, Globe West of Australia, Hazel Furniture Designs of Bahrain, LLC Furniture Industries of Malaysia, Nakkash of Abu Dhabi and Zuiver of the Netherlands.

The success of its previous shows has established PIFS as the new gateway for the world’s furniture, lighting, accessories and design showcased in one venue. Gaston said that PIFS is not just about what is being sold, but is about relationships–“who you are selling to”. “The Philippines International Furniture Show has united regions and associations. It is now the central showcase for the national industry. It represents the entire country, promoting Filipino craftsmanship to the global market and we are excited to be organizing such a focused show that is supported by the national furniture industry, for the national furniture industry,” added Gaston.

For inquiries, and space bookings in the PIFS 2014, log on to www.nextonenow.com/pifs for or email Global-Link Exhibitions Specialist info@nextonenow.com. PIFS 2014 is organized by the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (CFIF), Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP) – National and Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (PFIF). (With Press Releases)

Photo above: The Philippines International Furniture Show is set to hold the biggest furniture and furnishings exhibition in the country from March 14-17 at SMX Convention Center, Manila.  (Contributed photo)