Cebu Furniture Brand Finali Elevates Filipino Craftsmanship at Global Design Fair
The world stage for home, fashion, and lifestyle design has welcomed a standout from the Philippines, as Cebu-based furniture brand Finali makes its mark at Maison&Objet Paris 2026. This prestigious international trade fair, renowned for attracting over 70,000 visitors and 2,300 exhibitors worldwide, serves as a premier platform for design innovation. Finali is among only 14 Philippine exhibitors selected for this year's edition, showcasing the country's rich heritage through contemporary furniture and home accessories under the Artipelago III initiative led by DESIGNPhilippines.
Zulu Bench: A Masterpiece of Material Contrast and Refined Construction
Featured prominently at the Philippine Pavilion, Finali presents the Zulu Bench, a signature piece that immediately captivates with its striking material contrast and meticulous construction. This contemporary bench masterfully weaves lampakanay and raffia fibers around an intricate metal frame, achieving a perfect balance between organic textures and industrial precision. Sculptural yet highly functional, the Zulu Bench invites close inspection, encouraging visitors to touch, sit, and fully engage with the exceptional craftsmanship behind it. The piece exemplifies Finali's design philosophy, which translates the language of materials into functional art for contract, hospitality, and high-end projects.
Angelo Cadungog: The Visionary Behind Finali's Material-First Approach
Behind the brand's success is Angelo Cadungog, Finali's founder and creative director, whose material-first approach seamlessly blends natural fibers with structured frameworks. His design philosophy emphasizes restraint, precision, and collaboration, allowing traditional materials to take on contemporary forms without losing their cultural character. Drawing inspiration from Cebu's lush landscapes, Cadungog works closely with skilled master craftsmen to bring ambitious visions to life, resulting in pieces like chairs that bloom like flowers and infinity-looped rattan couches inspired by the sea. "Representing Cebu among the 14 Filipino exhibitors is a true honor. Seeing the craftsmanship of fellow Filipino artists at Maison & Objet shows the remarkable creativity and skill of our designers and artisans on the world stage," Cadungog shared.
Finali's Global Expansion and Recognition
Finali's participation in Maison&Objet Paris 2026 builds on its steady international expansion, reinforcing the brand's growing presence in the global design market. The brand has previously showcased its collections at prestigious trade shows across New York, London, Italy, Dubai, and Paris, gaining recognition for its innovative designs. In 2024, Finali was honored at FAME Manila, receiving the Best Product Design for Furniture award at the Katha Awards. This accolade underscores the brand's commitment to excellence and its ability to enchant even the most discerning audiences with pieces that have graced airports, resorts, luxury hotels, and specialty shops worldwide.
The Future of Filipino Craftsmanship on the World Stage
As global buyers increasingly seek meaningful, well-crafted design, Finali's presence in Paris highlights the competitiveness of Cebu-made furniture. The brand demonstrates how Filipino craftsmanship, anchored in innovation, skill, and thoughtful design, can stand confidently on the world stage, blurring the lines between functional objects and art. Through its use of hand-carving, flame-bending rattan, shell abrading, veneer inlay, metal forging, and stone hewing, Finali celebrates the exquisite potential of materials, creating furniture that is both practical and visually striking. From tabletop accents and floor-to-ceiling lighting to larger-than-life luxury lounge chairs, the brand continues to push the boundaries of design, ensuring that Filipino artistry remains at the forefront of global conversations.
