The local furniture industry is striving to stay afloat in the midst of a global economic slowdown. This is evident in the Manila Now 2009 organized by the Chamber Furniture Industries of the Philippines.

ANC's Shoptalk recently gave a peek into this a big furniture show at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, which runs from March 5 to 8. 

Patrick Tan, CEO of Global-Link Exhibitions Specialist revealed that the event has everything the Filipino design represents. Different provinces from all over the country are joining such as Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Pampanga.

Global-Link handled the logistics and promotion of the furniture show, which has an an exhibition space of about 15,000 square meters to accommodate over a hundred exhibitors. The participants take pride in their homegrown and avant-garde furniture, lighting and home accessories utilizing materials available in the country.

Tan said that the show has been going on for 14 years and has focused primarily on exports. This year, the show is giving more emphasis on domestic markets. He added that 90 to 95 percent of the things in Manila Now 2009 are fresh concepts that have not yet been launched in the market.

Co-owner of AZCOR Lighting Systems Eduardo Zuluaga, one of the exhibitors in Manila Now 2009, talked about their merchandise.

Azcor started by selling garden lights, and later explored the trade of chandeliers and other indoor light furnishings. They now have several contracts with posh hotels. Azcor boasts of a folio of clients, including Shangri-la hotel in Boracay.

Nicolaas de Lange, president of Designs Ligna, is one of the exhibitors in the furniture show. Using wood as the primary material for its furniture line, Designs Ligna targets home furniture buyers. With over 150 stores in the US, 80% of their business is focused on exports.  Their customer base is mostly retailers, and the company is trying to carve a niche in the local market.

De Lange said the organizers of this year’s furniture show were very creative in seeking exceptionally talented players for the exhibition. The show welcomed small-scale exhibitors and accommodated the large mainstays in the annual furniture spectacle.

Furniture pieces for the bedroom and dining room are some of the many fixtures that Designs Ligna will display. It will also feature its new outdoor collection with a touch of Filipino design, which was brought all the way from Indonesia.

Manila Now 2009 also carries a promise for interior design to flourish and for their talent to be recognized in the local and international market. It could also be a means to generate jobs in the midst of an economic slump. – MIKI ESPE, abs-cbnNEWS.com