The Item: Colored Monobloc Chairs

I'm guessing no other country in the world loves monobloc chairs as much as we Filipinos do. And why not? They're sturdy, stackable, and less of an eye sore than the aging wooden chairs that the Philippines has in abundance. Only problem I have though is their off-white blandness. That's why I was pleasantly delighted when I saw these brightly colored numbers at SM some weeks back. Those will definitely work as accents to the minimalistic house I plan on living in in the future. I'm liking the red most, but if you read this blog often, you already know that.

Another shining example of dopeness created by simply freshening up the colors

The Art: Dekahon Carton Furniture

Chalk it up as one of the greatest ideas I've seen in a bit. Cardboard boxes molded into practical furniture? Well, color me delighted; but this new discovery of ours from yesterday's venture to Manila FAME is quite the minimalist's dream. Made of thick cardboard panels put together by easy-lock plastic bolts, these pieces of furniture make quite the eco-statement. Desks, drawers, coffee tables, chairs, shelves, even a bed - yes, all cardboard and as my girlfriend and I have agreed, beautiful pieces which will adorn our home whenever that fateful time comes.

This charming desk would be a wonderful addition to my room

Kiddies and grown-ups alike would love these little chairs

There's the bed in the foreground. The base is made of durable cardboard!

The Happening: 50th Manila F.A.M.E. International

My girlfriend and I love us some beautiful furniture. So there was no way we were going to pass up the golden installment of Manila F.A.M.E. International, the country's premiere design show which featured contemporary takes on classic home essentials.

So glad we caught it this time!

The whole event showcased the immense talent of Filipino furniture makers, one that is so sophisticated that I was left in awe at the craftsmanship of many of the pieces on display. It makes me wonder though why we aren't more known worldwide for our awesome furniture. Anyhow, I will now leave you to gawk at but a taste of the beautiful things we saw today.

Quirky Mushroom Lamps

The golden angel wings were a witty addition!

An asymmetrical love seat

Some words I'd love to post on my wall

A fresh take on rattan weaving

This would fit in well in the country home I don't have

I wanted to share a lot more snaps with you all, but some exhibitors are really timid (see paranoid) about their works, so drop by next year's April edition if you want to see the goods for yourself, up close and personal!

The Art: The Best from the Milan Furniture Fair

My girlfriend and I love going into fine furniture stores. We don't plan to buy anything, we never do. But we just go in to admire the beauty and ingenuity of the pieces on display. For one, she's a big fan of them Philippe Starck chairs over at Kartell in Greenbelt 5, and why not? Those chairs are just friggin' awesome!

Today, however, we venture into uber chic Milan Furniture Fair - the site of many innovative pieces which will look good in the house that we're planning to get a long long time from now. Who knows? Maybe then we can afford a piece or two and stop this seeming permanence of window shopping. A man can dream, can he not?

Zumbotel Starbrick Light: A kaleidoscope in your living room!

This Peter Marigold Leather Table made entirely out of recycled leather

Talk about having a barbecue: Higher and Higher by Catarina Carreiras

Marco Dessi Prater Chair: The standard of exagerrated imperfections

Moooi's Raimond Lamp: Kinda reminds you of the New Year's Ball in NY, noh?