Genteel Home ushers in a new era of Filipino furnishings, unveils Heart Evangelista as newest brand ambassador

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Genteel Home, one of the country’s leading manufacturers of bespoke furniture, is on a mission to help uplift the Philippines’ home furnishing industry and put the spotlight on the exceptional talent and ingenuity of Filipino craftsmen. To pave the way, they've partnered with Heart Evangelista, the country’s top international fashion and style icon.

Host Bianca Valerio, Heart Evangelista, Genteel Home’s Katrina Blanca de Leon

On March 14, Genteel Home's Founder and Principal Designer, IDr. Katrina Blanca de Leon, proudly announced Heart Evangelista as the brand's newest ambassador. She sees Heart Evangelista as a symbol of their brand's growth and evolution. "We've been crafting beautiful furniture for over a decade, and now, with Heart on board, we're blooming like never before," Katrina said. She added that Heart Evangelista embodies everything Genteel Home stands for – passion, pride in Filipino roots, and a belief in making a mark on the world.

Looking ahead, Genteel Home is set on expanding its reach to international markets, showcasing the Philippines' rich talent in home furnishings. Heart Evangelista’s global recognition, not only for her fashion sense but also her social media influence, makes her an ideal representative for the Genteel Home's global aspirations. "Heart's involvement with Genteel Home signifies our readiness to make our mark on the international stage," Katrina emphasized.

Heart Evangelista, known for her global acclaim in the world of fashion and beauty, affirmed and expressed her admiration for the international quality of Genteel Home pieces, “Genteel Home is super at par with international furniture. Not a lot of people talk about it, that's why it’s so nice that Kat and Genteel Home are here to show the world what we’ve got. Most furniture suppliers that you see in the global scene are actually from the Philippines. We are world class. It’s important that we’re trying to celebrate that,” she said.

Genteel Home's journey began in 2013, when Katrina received a special commission that ignited her passion for furniture design. Since then, the brand has been dedicated to crafting pieces that inspire beauty and creativity in every home.

Beyond aesthetics, Genteel Home is committed to sustainability and community engagement. By investing in a Mahogany farm, they're not only ensuring a steady supply of materials but also contributing to environmental preservation and providing livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Genteel Home Collection showcase, styled by Robert Blancaflor

For Genteel Home, every piece of furniture is crafted with love and purpose. Their collaboration with Heart Evangelista represents a shared commitment to excellence, sustainability, and Filipino craftsmanship, setting the stage for an exciting future ahead.

Bath time just got more colorful : Capture life’s colors with American Standard color fittings

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When building a home, everyone dreams of being able to create a space that they truly love. Whether this means having a house that reflects your unique personality or a space that gives you a sense of true serenity, this can easily be achieved by carefully choosing the colors and finishes of your furniture. With the newly launched finishes by American Standard – Polished Cool Sunrise, Brushed Hard Graphite and Matte Black, consumers are now able to add a more personal touch to their bathroom spaces.

Every color has a story. Which one fits yours?

Polished Cool Sunrise

The timeless beauty of Polished Cool Sunrise will brighten up your home. Whether you prefer a more sophisticated feel or want a touch of vibrant color to your bathroom, this bright gold polish can infuse your space with a comforting glow that will match what you’re looking for. With this color, light gracefully dances across its glossy finish which helps you create a warm and joyful ambiance in your home.

Brushed Hard Graphite

For those who want to transform their bathroom space, the stunning Brushed Hard Graphite shade and its rich grey hue and textured finish is perfect. If you pair this finish with dark or earth tones, this will create an atmosphere of zen and tranquility in any room. However, if you’re looking to add more unique character to your home, its industrial-inspired look and refined appearance can also effortlessly balance style and functionality.

Matte Black

The striking beauty of Matte Black helps you escape the noise of everyday life within your home. This finish can either help you set a bold statement or establish understated elegance — all because of its rugged all-black texture that exudes a commanding presence and leaves a lasting impression.

Elevate your bathroom with Acacia Evolution and EasySet

All three-color finishes are available in the Acacia Evolution faucets, EasySet Concealed Auto Temperature Mixer and EasySet Exposed Auto Temperature and select accessories.

Elevate the look and feel of the bathroom with the modern, minimalistic clean lines of Acacia Evolution fittings. With EcoStart, Acacia Evolution faucet releases cold water instead of warm water upon lifting the lever, saving you up to 30% of precious energy as it prevents the boiler from heating up. To get hot water, you will only need to move the lever to the left, and by providing a resistance midway when lifting the lever, ClickMove gives you better water volume control, saving you water. Lastly, ComfortMove provides smooth handle performance for optimal precision and comfort.

The EasySet Auto Temperature Mixers, which come in both Concealed and Exposed variants, will elevate your showering experience to a whole new level of comfort. Adjust the water temperature and volume with a simple push and turn to pamper yourself with a shower at a constant and comfortable temperature with ThermoComfort, even when cold water is used elsewhere in the house. Prevent accidental scalding, especially for the young and elderly, with ThermoSafe which caps water temperature at 49° Celsius and shuts off when cold water supply fails. As an added precaution, the EasySet Exposed Auto Temperature Mixer features CoolShield to ensure the faucet body is always cool to the touch to prevent any instances of scalding when come into contact.

If you’re building your first home or planning an upgrade to your current homestead, the bathroom space design plays an important role in your wellness experience at home. Choosing mood-boosting colors for you and your family can transform your basic toilet and bath into a personal sanctuary – something that you will love to come home to every day, and a space you and your family will enjoy being in.

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ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD

American Standard is the industry leader in bathroom and kitchen products, providing an unmatched legacy of quality and innovation for almost 150 years. American Standard is passionate about improving daily living in ways big and small. From toilet seat innovations to best in class kitchen faucets, American Standard seeks to inspire people to create a home they will love every day.

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ABOUT LIXIL

LIXIL (TSE Code 5938) makes pioneering water and housing products that solve every day, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we create world-leading technology and innovate to make high quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how we do this; through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all and responsible business growth. Our approach comes to life through industry leading brands, including INAX, GROHE, American Standard and TOSTEM. Approximately 55,000 colleagues operating in more than 150 countries are proud to make products that touch the lives of more than a billion people every day. Learn more at www.lixil.com.ph

Uratex Monoblock launches Bawal Ang Marupok campaign

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Plastic chairs, tables and drawers are often used in Filipino households, workplaces, and various establishments. Regardless of size, layout, and design preference, these must-have essentials have proven their importance to furnish and transform a space into a functional, conducive place that can be easily redesigned whenever needed.

Due to the high demand, various brands produce plastic home furnishing items, specifically monobloc chairs, to make them more accessible and available to consumers. However, not all are made the same.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) has implemented guidelines and standards to ensure quality and safety – requiring all manufacturers, distributors, and importers of monobloc chairs and stools to apply for the mandatory Philippine Standard (PS) mark – a proof that the product passed the standards set by the DTI-BPS.

In line with its mission to provide the best quality products and address the desire of the consumers for durable and value for money items, Uratex Monoblock is one of the plastic furniture brands that adhered and passed the mandatory tests and requirements set by the DTI-BPS for monobloc chairs and stool; the first brand in the Philippines to passed the Level 5 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – ISO 7173, the highest plastic furniture standard in the country.

Why Bawal Ang Marupok?

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the brand launched the Bawal ang Marupok campaign with the goal to educate and equip the market on how to be keen and discerning when it comes to investing in plastic chairs and avoid marupok or brittle ones that can potentially harm them. One of the ways that the brand emphasized is to check the warning label to see if the chair has PS certification and recommended seat load capacity for safety and assurance.

Moreover, the campaign aims to highlight the brand’s ongoing thrust and purpose to nurture and protect its consumers by providing top-notch quality products that are not just ergonomic in design, but are also durable and will stand the test of time.

In the recently held campaign media launch at Eton Centris, on January 17, 2023, Uratex Monoblock conducted a forum led by Uratex Monoblock Business Unit Director Dindo Medina, Department of Trade & Industry-Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) Assistant Director Ferdinand L. Manfoste and Department of Science & Technology - Forest Products Research & Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) Deputy Director Rico Cabangon as part of the panel. 

During the panel discussion, Mr. Medina explained the objective, rationale, and inspiration behind the Bawal Ang Marupok campaign while Mr. Ferdinand Manfoste and Mr. Rico Cabangon explained why Uratex Monoblock chairs easily pass, if not exceed industry standards. Both industry experts shared their insights on the safety and durability of Uratex Monoblock chairs.

“Uratex Monoblock’s passion has always been to provide our consumers with quality items,” Mr. Medina shared. “With the Bawal ang Marupok campaign, we aim to further communicate Uratex Monoblock’s standard for excellent craftsmanship, as well as to educate consumers to be more discerning of the quality and durability of plastic chairs as they value the safety of their family.”

Apart from industry experts, Mommy celebrities, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio and Camille Prats Yambao graced the event to share their thoughts and actual experiences – highlighting their role as a mom to be alert and well-informed with regards to buying quality household items for the home.

“For me, my family’s safety always comes first,” Rica shared. “Whenever I purchase items for our home, I always consider how the item can serve our family. Is it safe? Is it durable? Can it last for a long time?”

“Monobloc chairs have been a Filipino household staple, but I agree that not all are made the same,” Camille said. “I really agree with Uratex Monoblock’s campaign, bawal talaga ang marupok. It’s really an invitation for every Filipino home to give importance to products that are safe and durable,” she added.

Media invitees were also given a short walk-through of how Uratex Monoblock chairs are being tested before they go out to the market. They also got to participate in various strength tests that ensure the durability of Uratex Monoblock chairs.

Uratex Monoblock chairs come in various designs and styles and are both BPS and ISO Level 5 certified. They are guaranteed safe and durable, can withstand time, and can hold up to 200 kilos. With its recent campaign launch, Uratex Monoblock is a living proof that quality and durability matters – Bawal ang Marupok!

To learn more about Uratex Monoblock and its products, visit uratex.com.ph/collections/monoblocks. You may also follow/uratexmonoblockchairs on Facebook, and @uratexmonoblock on Instagram for updates and upcoming promos.

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About Uratex Monoblock

Established in 1993, Uratex Monoblock is a brand of high quality, stylish and durable – made from strong solid plastic – plastic furniture that is widely used in homes, offices, restaurants, and other establishments and institutions. For three decades, Uratex Monoblock has assured its customers of the durability and quality of its products through accreditations and recognitions by both the national government and other local and international organizations.

IKEA Pasay City has Special Treats for its First Birthday!

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Enjoy up to 50% off on home furnishings and Swedish meatball packs, and more

IKEA Family offers from November 21-25, 2022

Birthday Alert! It has officially been a year since the largest IKEA store opened its doors to Filipinos at the Mall of Asia Complex. Receiving a warm welcome from 4.5 million visitors, the retailer continues to bring 8,000 affordable and instantly available products to everyone for a sustainable everyday life at home. To celebrate its first anniversary, IKEA Pasay City is treating you to a big blowout with special offers including exclusive rewards to IKEA Family members!

“The vision has always been to create a better everyday life for many people. This entails expansion and opening ourselves to different areas of the globe to be able to fulfill this purpose and deliver on our promise,” said Georg Platzer, Store Manager of IKEA Philippines. 

“Opening our largest store in the Philippines was ambitious, but with the enthusiasm and love we’ve received from our Filipino customers, it is an unmistakable fact that IKEA has a place in their homes. The ‘many people’ who look for sustainable and affordable products who want a home they love are here” said Georg Platzer, Store Manager of IKEA Pasay City.

During just the first year of IKEA in the Philippines, customers have already chosen their favorite products. Affordability and quality proved to be a priority for customers in the past year, as the OFTAST 25cm plate was the top selling item with almost half a million pieces sold. The IKEA signature blue FRAKTA shopping bag was also a hot item selling almost 700,000 pieces since the store's opening giving more Filipinos choices to be sustainable.

A Call for Celebration

From 21 November to 25 November, IKEA Pasay City will be offering all shoppers an even better experience just in time for the holiday season. Filipinos can get up to 50% off on IKEA home furnishings, and other food offerings at their Swedish Restaurant, Bistro, and Café. If you love the Swedish meatballs so much that you want to take it home and cook them yourself, Tito Ball’s special birthday gift to all Filipinos is offering the frozen Swedish meatball 1kg packs at 50% off.

If you are an IKEA Family member, you can also enjoy treats to exclusive anniversary gifts! Members who purchase a minimum of Php 5,000 on a single-receipt in-store will be receiving a free limited-edition birthday tote bag and 11,250 IKEA Family points.

With IKEA Pasay City being the biggest IKEA store in the world, it is bound to have a big celebration for its first year anniversary. True to its vision, the brand looks to continue finding ways to reach the many people in the Philippines by improving their services, expanding delivery at IKEA.ph, and opening more collection points in the years to come. Don’t miss out and celebrate with IKEA Philippines by visiting the Pasay City store this coming 21 November to 25 November!

To learn more, visit IKEA.ph/birthday and stay tuned for news and updates about the brand to get the best experience as you shop and create a home that you love. Share your experience and join in the celebration by tagging #HappyBirthdayIKEAPH.

Reflections, Ultimate Design and Lifestyle Experience set at Philippines International Furniture Show (PIFS) for March 2018

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The Philippines International Furniture Show (known to some simply as PIFS) is one of Southeast Asia’s premier trade fairs, offering an extensive range of furniture products, accessories, and décor. 

Jointly organized by the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc. (CFIF), the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), and the Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation (PFIF) and will be held on March 8 to 10 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex. 

Visitors are encouraged to register online at www.pifs.ph to get a free 1-day pass.

“We see PIFS as the ultimate collaboration of Filipino Collection. It is where we show the world the ingenuity of our local manufacturers and designers, how we interpret the latest industry trends, and in many cases, take the lead in design innovation,” said Eduardo Zuluaga, overall event chairman of PIFS and President of Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines. 

Keeping true to its form as the “Milan of Asia”, the Philippines has a strong reputation for originality and new, often ground breaking, interpretation. That’s why PIFS continues to attract of buyers who want to see first-hand what Filipino design and craftsmanship has to offer.

They come from countries as far as the United States of America, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, China, Australia, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, and India.

“This year, we decided on portraying different kinds of lifestyles with our featured furniture pieces, furnishings, and fixtures,” says Ina Gaston, Event Chair for the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc.

“And that’s how we came up with this year’s theme of Reflections. Every day, each person we interact with, every place we go to, the pieces define the lifestyle and way of living,” Gaston adds. PIFS proves to be the ultimate furniture lifestyle event fit for all design and furniture enthusiasts.

As a show feature, PIFS will bring light to one of the most respected hardwood artists and furniture designer in the country. Osmundo Esguerra, a self-made furniture maker, has made a name for himself by having a distinct style and approach in handling indigenous wood. His crafts reflect his natural creativity and ingenuity, celebrating the true Filipino craftsmanship. In commemoration of his artistry, PIFS will be doing a special tribute to showcase a number of pieces by Esguerra during the show.

Some of the returning exhibitors who will feature their latest creations at the show include Aerostone Inc., Azcor, Betis Crafts Inc., Calfurn Manufacturing Phils., Inc., Cancio Contract Furniture, Carpetworld Manufacturing Corporation, Cmc Lighting De Arte Inc., Coast Pacific Mfg. Corp., E. Murio Inc., Fashion Interiors Furniture Philippines Inc., Feliix, Inc., Filipino Creazione De Mano, Inc., Furniture Doctor Trading, Hacienda Crafts Company, Inc., Home Mavericks, Inc., Jb Woodcraft, Inc., Spring Artisanal Furnishings (Trading As Liza Tazewell Designs), Mehitabel Inc., Multiflex RNC Philippines Inc., Natures Legacy Eximport, Inc., Obra Cebuana, Inc., Ohmm Furniture Mfg. Inc., Pacific Traders & Manufacturing Corporation, Philiana Design, South Sea Veneer Corporation, Stonesets International, Testex Swiss Textile Ltd., Tumandok Crafts Industries, Venzon Lighting Manufacturing, Vito Selma, Weave Manila, Inc., and Wood Classics Enterprise.

Branded as the ultimate design event, PIFS will once again be held alongside the Interior & Design Manila, the most sought-after event for architects, interior designers and design enthusiasts. Stimulating and interactive activities are conducted for young professionals namely Interior Design Plus, Interior Design Excellence Award Pavilion and the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Conference where known personalities in the industry, local and international, are invited to share knowledge on their field of expertise.

Last year, PIFS reached another record breaking 11,453 in visitor count and 40% of which were trade buyers from 32 different countries across the world.  

For more information about the show, visit our website and pre-register at www.pifs.ph and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @PIFS_Manila.