Bigkis is the act of binding. In Tagalog, the word can refer to something used to bind or encircle, as well as a bundle formed by tying several separate elements together. Figuratively, it can also mean a bond, union, or unity. The meanings move from the physical act of joining things together to the connection […]
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.
Two sketches of Singapore connect BluPrint Editor in Chief Paulo G. Alcazaren’s personal and professional history with Shared Ground: 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 of Care, Culture, […]
Some have become household names – Coleman, Oster, and KitchenAid – products that have found their way into Filipino kitchens, homes and family routines. In home furnishings, brands such as B&B Italia, Ethan Allen, Sub-Zero, Miele, SieMatic, Louis Poulsen, Hunter Douglas, Tempur, and Technogym, have helped shape the way Filipinos live. From everyday essentials to […]
In a way, designers are the modern-day soothsayers and prophets. They design for the future, predicting how a room, a house, a building or a whole city will be used by people. They foresee how users will interact with a space, conjure exact shades of colors to elicit specific behavior and arrange furniture to build […]
Art and furniture are often selected separately, yet their relationship can shape how a room looks and feels. The collaboration between Hooga and Galerie Joaquin explores how these elements can work together, bringing contemporary artworks into furnished residential settings at Hooga’s showroom in Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City. For Hooga, which curates furniture, lighting, and […]
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