MANILA, Philippines - In a strategic and united move to strengthen the industry, the country’s premier furnishing shows CebuNext, Manila Now and Pampanga One have merged to join Manila FAME International slated on Oct. 16 to 19 at SMX Convention Center, MOA, Pasay City.
“Realistically speaking, the furniture industry is on life-support. However, that doesn’t mean we’ll take that lying down,” remarked Eduardo “Duke” Zuluaga, CFIP-national exhibit chairman. “We are facing the challenges head-on, that’s why we’re still alive and kicking despite the odds.”
At the helm of the tie-up are the Cebu Furniture Industry of the Philippines (CFIF), Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP)-National, and CFIP-Pampanga, together with the organizer, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). They will also join the March edition of Manila FAME scheduled for March 14 to 17, 2012.
“Having two shows a year will be beneficial to the industry as exhibitors will get more face time with buyers instead of relying on a one-shot deal,” said Christina Gaston, CFIF exhibit chairperson.
The historic tie-up is anticipated to bring an even larger turnout of foreign and local visitors, an expectation that is in line with its goal of expanding the local market and developing new ones. The boom in fully furnished high-rise condominiums and real estate developments in the country gives an opportunity for furniture manufacturers to reconsider their traditional reliance on the unstable European and American economies.
“The mode of the industry is survival. By co-locating our shows with Manila FAME, we can pool our resources, and with government support we can focus on getting the buyers to our exhibitors; it’s a win-win solution for everybody,” stated Remigio Lastimoso, CFIP-Pampanga exhibit chairman.
The 54th Manila FAME International will occupy the entire SMX Convention Center, with the ground floor featuring furnishings, holiday decor and gifts and, fashion accessories. The second level will showcase furniture and architectural components.
It will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open to the general public with an entrance fee of P500. For more information on Manila FAME International, visit www.manilafame.com or e-mail manilafame@citem.com.ph.