The DBP Building as a Landmark of the International Style At the corner of Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and Makati Avenue stands a landmark of the Makati Central Business District. It is one of the last still standing that were built in the first wave of construction in district fifty years ago. The Development Bank […]
Highlights from WORLDBEX 2026: A Masterclass in Industry Excellence
WORLDBEX 2026, running from March 12 to 15, 2026, proves itself as the Philippines’ leading construction and design expo as it wrapped its 29th edition. It drew together 1,000 local and international exhibitors under one theme, “Building Opportunities: Sustaining Lives.”
Organized by Worldbex Services International (WSI), in support of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc., the event was held across the World Trade Center Metro Manila and SMX Convention Center Manila. A Gala Night at The Manila Hotel set the tone, with partners and industry professionals mingling, setting the stage for celebration and anticipation.
Related Reading: Sustainability as the New Luxury at WORLDBEX 2026
Four Days of Activities
The Projeto Ideas and Design Competition drew 40 official architectural entries and a total of 10 finalists. Team Pabada of the University of the Philippines was ultimately awarded the top honor, Projeto ArchiWinner. On the interior designInterior DesignThe discipline of planning and shaping interior spaces for function, comfort, safety, and beauty. It covers layout, lighting, materials, finishes, furniture, and color, and in the Philippines is a licensedGo to Interior Design Glossary side, 66 entries were received for the interior design portion. Czalia Studio of Batangas State University took the prize.
Meanwhile, the WORLDBEX Summit and Arc Circle Collective provided a platform for meaningful exchange. It brought together industry leaders, visionaries, and innovators to discuss trends, insights, and future directions in architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary and design. Additionally, Business Matching connected participants from 11 countries, including Australia, China, India, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Related Reading: WORLDBEX 2024 Soars to New Heights, Shaping the Future of Building and Design
Expo Highlights: Craftsmanship, Technology, and Collaboration
One of the expo’s highlights includes Likha, a showcase of Filipino craftsmanship that brought together notable contributors such as Rojo Galerie, OUR HOME, Mr. Francis Libiran, and the UP College of Fine Arts Young Artist Studio. It also included a special exhibition, featuring works by National Artist Abdulmari Asia Imao.
Complementing this was the WORLDBEX Lab which spotlighted the latest in construction technologies, cutting-edge tools, and industry innovations that transform the way we build and design.
World of Architecture showcases visionary architecture concepts, iconic structures, and the creative minds shaping the future of the built environment. The lineup includes participating firms such as Barchan + Architecture, WTA Design Studio, DEQA Design Collaborative; HANDS Group, Headroom Concept Design Visualization Co., and many more.
On the other hand, World of Interior DesignInterior DesignThe discipline of planning and shaping interior spaces for function, comfort, safety, and beauty. It covers layout, lighting, materials, finishes, furniture, and color, and in the Philippines is a licensedGo to Interior Design Glossary featured curated interior spaces by some of the country’s leading designers. Showcasing trends, styles, and functional aesthetics, the exhibit was further enriched by the participation of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) and its chapters across the country.
A Glimpse Into the Future
This year’s edition showcased innovation, collaboration, and creativity. WORLDBEX emphasized its role as the premier platform for the construction and design industry. Embracing its theme, the event provided a dynamic space for local and international companies to expand networks, connect with industry professionals, and engage with potential clients.
WORLDBEX begins to set the tone of what lies ahead, Powering the Next Era of Construction and Design. It offers a glimpse into the vision for its 30th edition.
Read More:Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls: A New Era for Philippine Design and Craftsmanship
Frequently Asked Questions
The theme of WORLDBEX 2026 was “Building Opportunities: Sustaining Lives,” focusing on the intersection of industry excellence and social responsibility. As the 29th edition of the expo, it brought together 1,000 local and international exhibitors to showcase how construction and design can improve lives while creating economic opportunities.
The top honor for the Projeto ArchiWinner competition was awarded to Team Pabada from the University of the Philippines. In the interior design category, Czalia Studio of Batangas State University took the top prize among 66 competing entries, highlighting the event’s commitment to showcasing emerging architectural and design talent.
The WORLDBEX Lab is a dedicated exhibition space that spotlights the latest advancements in construction technologies and cutting-edge building tools. It serves as a hub for industry innovation, demonstrating how new digital and physical technologies are transforming modern building and design processes globally.
WORLDBEX 2026 promotes Filipino craftsmanship through the “Likha” showcase, which features works from notable contributors like Rojo Galerie, Francis Libiran, and the UP College of Fine Arts. A major highlight of this exhibit was the special showcase of works by National Artist Abdulmari Asia Imao, bridging traditional art with modern design.
The Business Matching program facilitated professional connections between participants from 11 countries, including Australia, China, India, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. Other participating nations included Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the host country, the Philippines, fostering a truly international exchange of industry expertise.
“Buildings only become architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary when they are shared,” said William Ti Jr., founder of the Anthology Festival and WTA Architecture and Design Studio, […]
A Filipino Interpretation of Modernist Architecture Unlike the rest of Makati today, the northern end of Paseo de Roxas in Makati is anchored by a low complex rather than a tall skyscraper. This is the elegant Asian Institute of Management, designed by architect Gabriel Formoso and completed in 1971. In my opinion, the building is […]
“Thailand has claimed urban creativity and livability. Singapore has institutional design leadership. Indonesia is emerging as a design hub. Vietnam is moving into design innovation. And the Philippines? Its position is not weak. It is simply unclaimed.” For IDr. Cecil Ravelas, National President of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), the challenge is not […]
The Ramon Magsaysay Center as a Modernist Landmark Driving down Roxas boulevard from Rizal Park, what will catch your eye is the most elegant modernist structure in the country, the Ramon Magsaysay Center. Most established Filipino architects put it in their top ten lists of favorite buildings. It was designed by Alfredo J. Luz, who […]
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