Philippine furniture and home décor makers are gaining a coveted showcase in the heart of Manhattan as the Likhang Filipino exhibition brings the country’s design craftsmanship to one of the world’s most influential commercial corridors.
Running until September 30 at the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue, the exhibition highlights furniture, lighting, home accessories, and décor pieces from 11 Philippine manufacturers and exporters, underscoring the country’s growing ambitions in the global design and furnishings market.
Since opening on May 4, the showcase has attracted hundreds of visitors from the architecture, design, and trade communities, offering a window into a Philippine design industry increasingly blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. The collection features pieces ranging from rustic and artisanal to sleek and modern, reflecting the versatility that has helped Philippine-made furnishings gain recognition in international markets.
The exhibition is part of a broader strategy by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) to elevate the visibility of Filipino brands in the United States, one of the world’s largest and most competitive home furnishings markets.
“Bringing Likhang Filipino to New York is a strategic move to establish our foothold in the US market,” said CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido-Ocampo, noting that the initiative complements the Philippines’ participation in High Point Market in North Carolina, the world’s largest home furnishings trade show.
Beyond generating sales leads, the exhibition serves as a platform for forging industry partnerships. CITEM said the initiative has already opened discussions with the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA), potentially creating new avenues for collaboration between Philippine manufacturers and international design professionals.
The showcase also reflects a broader shift in global consumer preferences toward products with strong design narratives, sustainable materials, and artisanal value—areas where Philippine manufacturers have increasingly carved out a niche.
With a Christmas Holiday showcase scheduled to open in October, CITEM is looking to build on the momentum, positioning Likhang Filipino not merely as an exhibition but as a long-term vehicle for expanding the global reach of Philippine design.
