MANILA -- The recently concluded Philippine International Furniture Show, or PIFS 2017, ended on a high note. The exhibition, which ran from March 9 to 11, drew a record attendance.

“Last year, we had over 5,000 visitors; this year we had around 11,000,” disclosed event co-chairman Ina Gaston.

There were reasons for the enthusiastic turnout. At the event, PIFS revealed its new logo and color, a calm blue, which conveyed an assured but relaxed vibe. The PIFS 2017’s expanded scope now includes partner events from the construction sector, as well as a trade show, Interior & Design Manila, that featured foreign and local guest speakers.

New talents were highlighted with an exhibition of the top entries from the IDisenyo competition -- a contest initiated by the UP Interior Design Alumni Association which is open to all students -- capped with the awarding of prizes during the show.

Though PIFS has evolved, the presentations by participating furniture and home accessories manufacturers are still PIFS’ top draw.

The organizers pulled out all the stops, starting with a sleek installation created by Japanese design consultant Shigeki Fukuda, owner of Tokyo-based Latitude Ltd.

Fukuda’s work, which highlighted a selection of furniture and accessories, was a strong focal point that served as an introduction to what lay ahead.

In a special setting, international designer Nelson Sepulveda shared his collaborative projects with Philippine manufacturers. It was a favored stop for design aficionados and buyers alike who were curious about Sepulveda’s exploration of local techniques and materials.

There was much to see with the participants putting up an inspired exhibition that reflected the manufacturing and design sectors’ positive outlook. Here’s a recap of the PIFS 2017 highlights. (Photos courtesy of PIFS 2017)

Stonesets International’s collection featured reworked classics from the company’s product library. This collaborative project with Eric Paras of A11 Studio included the Corinne chair, which was awarded Best in Contemporary Furniture Design.

Photo courtesy of PIFS 2017

Aerostone Inc. played up classic style and bold scale for its dramatic presentation of outdoor furniture and decor.

Photo courtesy of PIFS 2017

Eric Paras also worked with Cancio Contract Furniture Corp. for a line of furnishings inspired by the company’s early designs from the '60s.

Photo courtesy of PIFS 2017

Cancio Contract Furniture Corp.'s accent pieces atop a tray table are made from old books.

Photo courtesy of PIFS 2017

Hein Cripspijn Metamorfose Philippines’ hand-woven domes were crowd favorites.

Photo courtesy of PIFS 2017

Hacienda Crafts outsized drop lights (left) are covered by fabrics made by the weavers of Bohol.

Photo courtesy of PIFS 2017

These skull-themed side tables are from HoliCOW.

Photo courtesy of PIFS 2017

Metal assumes a delicate character in Industria Home’s booth.

Photo courtesy of PIFS 2017

Coast Pacific Manufacturing Corp. presented its core outdoor collections.

Photo courtesy of PIFS 2017

Architect Rene Ybanez’s Panulo Fishing Village – which he designed for Obra Cebuana Inc. -- is a mesmerizing assemblage of huts replete with details such as fishermen going about their ways.

Photo courtesy of PIFS 2017

Awarded Best in Visual Merchandising, Prizmic & Brill’s booth was a recreation of a bygone world.

Photo courtesy of PIFS 2017

Azcor Lighting Systems Inc. showcased a broad range that spanned various styles.

Photo courtesy of PIFS 2017

Fans of maximal style trooped to JB Woodcraft’s booth to marvel at the Pampanga-based company’s intricately carved wooden frames.

Photo courtesy of PIFS 2017