Matt Mason Silang, Cavite signage at night
At the heart of the what was previously a vast wilderness south of Manila emerges a suburban metropolis bursting with dymanism and character that is Tagaytay City. If you are one of the countless weekenders who choose to enjoy its cool breeze, pine trees, and scenic spots, your attention certainly must have been caught by then imposing white architecture along Silang, Cavite, where some of the finest woodworkers in the south set up shop. Among rows of furniture stores you would see on your way to Tagaytay, of the Matt Mason furniture building. Silang, Cavite is home to some of the finest woodworkers in the south made apparent by the rows of furniture shops you would see on your way to Tagaytay - but Matt Mason stands out among these as one depicting bespoke furniture - intricately modern deisgns that can be stylized and fit to suit your taste - bespoke furniture, if you will..
When it comes to being a designer, Mike believes that one must always create a furniture piece that has purpose and visual appeal:
An artist would have the incredible task of conceptualizing her art. focusing on the aesthetic and the meaning of it; whereas an engineer is someone who operationalizes plans and figures out how to make each cog and wheel function according to it's purpose. I believe that a designer bears the responsibility of having to be both an artis and an engineer - to consider a design that is both aethetically and ergonomically sound
Moreover, he also considers that it is very common that designers find themselves creating furniture that they personally find pleasing. He adds:
It is important to consider who will be using this furniture piece, will they find it reliable?, will they find it appealing? Because inevitably that piece of furniture will be part of that person's life-- well, depending on how durable you make it to be
When asked about the most central and unique quality about his furniture concepts, Mike answers, "Marriage between materials is a fundamental aspect of my designs. As much as possible, I try to incorporate my other expertise outside of furniture, to create distinctive pieces that everyone can use. One example would be how I used my background in construction to maje industrial-strength furniture designs, some of which are featured on the 2017 Matt Mason Glass Furniture Line."
Catalyst for a Change and Global Recognition
Aside from leading the charge to revolutionize the way furniture is made, Mike also believes that all enterprises must seek to effect positive change to it's surrounding community. That is why he is an advocate of choosing local. From the materials to labor, needed to produce his crafts, his products are locally sourced, thereby generating jobs and contributing to the economic growth for many in the area.
"My vision for the brand is not only for it to grow exponentially in the next few years but for the people who've worked so hard to make it happen to grow along with it. Matt Mason Furniture will inevitably expand to different parts of the country (and hopefully the world) - and my vision is that each community it touches will prosper"
Mike Yu being featured on Experience travel + living magazine
Another one of Mike's worthwhile visions is for Matt Mason Furniture to be a global Filipino brand at the forefront of furniture design excellence. "I want to eventually evolve this brand that equates Filipino with modern, dynamic and the standard of quality" he added.
Perhaps this pursuit for world recognition, is unavoidable to encounter a few bumps on the road or an iceberg in the sea. When asked what he thinks will be the biggest challenge for Matt Mason Furniture as reaches the stars, Mike asserts that - "People are always looking something that is unique but at the same time universal in furniture. For me achieving the balance between innovation and universality in my design would be the biggest hurdle to be able to expand in the global market - something original , but transcends borders."
Words of Wisdom
Michael Yu, as young and up and coming designer, is not afraid to dream big and take on bigger challenges. His words of wisdom to his fellow young designers is: "Be open to new ways of doing things, be sensitive to your environment"
Watch out for the game changer....
Innovations are constantly introduced in the exciting world of global interior design and revelling at center of it all is up-and-coming designer and scholar Joy Merryl Ngo. While the 28 year old is currently based in Milan, Italy, pursuing a Master's Degree in Home Luxury Collection Design at Instituto Marangoni Milano, she continues to draw inspiration from work experience at home.
Her previous immersions include projects with local institution such as the School of Fashion and Arts (SoFA) Design Institute, as a Theater Design and Commercial Interior Design Instructor; One Mega Group, as a stylist and feature writer for publications Appetite, Lifestyle Asia, Celebrity Mom and My Home; SM Engineering, as design manager for department store renovations and AIDEA Philippines Inc, as interior designer. She reveals that it was her job in publication that helped what she wanted to take up as an advance degree, a program that perfectly fits her passion for combining design and research and looking up upscale brands.
I find gratification seeing creativity translate into something vast and tangible and being the catalyst in turning clients' ideas into reality
As a young lady, Joy was lured to the industry watching family at work. Her brother is an architecture student and her father is a building contractor. Despite objections from her parents, who wanted her to become a doctor like her mom and sister, she followed her artistic calling and enrolled in fine arts advertising at University of Santo Tomas in Manila, To please her parents, who saw prospect of her working alongside her brother and father in construction she switched her major to Interior Design. She fell in love with the field, graduated and proceeded to become a licensed member of the Philippines Institute of Interior Designers.
It is seeing how her creativity immensely affects space that Joy finds most fulfilling about her line of work. "I find gratification seeing creativity translate into something vast and tangible and being the catalyst in turning clients' ideas into reality" She is also happy to influence and inspire other artists.
I am more of a contemporary artist. Not necesarrily modern or minimalist, but I always incorporate contrasts in colors and materials in line with my clients' preferences or requirements, of course
Joy describes her design aesthetic as contemporist. "I am more of a contemporary artist." she declares. "Not necesarrily modern or minimalist, but I always incorporate contrasts in colors and materials in line with my clients' preferences or requirements, of course".
Despite constant challenges at work, which demands an endless stream of creativity and physical stamina for late nights, she remains excited about her career prospects. She muses: "At 28, I have explored the field of my profession and achieved immediate goals. In the next 10 to 20 years, I wish to pursue a career on design research, trend forecasting, media and publication, working with luxury brands and upscale design. "She adds: "The challenge of creating a design that is thoughtfully researched, pondered and self fulfilled will keep my blood pumping and me on my toes."
The challenge of creating a design that is thoughtfully researched, pondered and self fulfilled will keep my blood pumping and me on my toes.
Simundac family's home
The Simundac Family love sports and the outdoors and their six-bed-room modern contremporary home is a testament to their common interests. Resting on a lush 1,208 square meter property, the family home boasts an expansive lawn and a lap pool. Mom, wife and businesswoman Hanna Simundac is an avid tennis player and her four children enjoy swimming and playing football
Displays reflect the family's interests ranging from sculptures to music and sports. Fortunately the lady of the house is a natural at merging all these varying interests in one cohesive style
The choice of finishes and furnishings were easily a function of the family's aesthetics as they were a reflection of their busy lives and varying interests. The Simundacs' carefully selected Matt Mason Furniture pieces, while comfortable for lounging, are tough enough for four athletic children who literally like to invite the outdoors in
Hannah Simundac
Simundac Family's living room adorned by Matt Mason Furniture pieces
Inside the home, three levels of stark concrete and glass are offset by warm tones lent by natural finishes on walls and posts. Wooden panes provide a natural frame to picturesque views outside. With the Philippines' tropical climate in mind, the family opted for a six meter ceiling and open layout to ensure airy and light-filled living and dining areas. Most points in the 800-square meter home have access to stunning outdoor views, although a viewing deck on the 2nd floor provides the best vista
Making a splash. A view of the swimming pool is ode to the family's appreciation for outdoors and sports
Finding the right colors was a breeze for Hannah, who sought relaxing neutral colors for the master bedroom and gray and blue tones for her boy's rooms.
Neutral colors anchor the master bedroom's relaxing aesthetic. Colors, graphic prints and a drum set make for a decidedly boyish space
It was Hannah who made sure that all furniture pieces complement and merge the tastes and requirements of the entire family. Bedrooms feature Matt Mason beds that are covered in soft-to-touch, but resilient and easy to maintain high quality fabrics and imported leatherettes. With longevity in mind, she chose solid wood mahogany framing with high density foam cushions.
The Batangas home of construction and supplies magnate Abegaile de los Reyes-Catapang, or Abby to friends, exudes balance and calm, from proportions in her furniture layouts to the cerulean focal pieces.
Matt Mason Furniture's tufted grey Enrico sofa and sky blue cushioned wing-back armchair adorn the home's living area, Abby's favourite part of the house. A flair for mixing and matching furniture is evident in her flawless integration of classic among contemporary pieces, such as the white centre table with exposed metal rivets and a bold graphic print rug. The walls are lined with family portraits and paintings featuring warm colours for contrast.
Abby's eye for quality finds it's match Matt Mason Furniture. "I was able to draw a lot of decorating ideas from them" -she reveals, refferring to an online publication of the trusted furniture company. "Matt Mason Furniture got me the moment I laid my eyes on their designs," she adds "Eye-catching and well made."
White dominates in the formal dining area, with a modern square table that comfortably seats six on cushioned high-back dining chairs. While Abby initially wanted a modern Asian theme for her décor, she found that her design aesthetic resonated more with classic and modern-contemporary styles.
The home of successful oil and gas engineer Edgardo Remo and his décor hobbyist wife Maria Remo echoes distinct yet compatible interior styles. Mr. Remo prefers the mute palettes and clean lines while Maria gravitates towards colors and ornaments. The result is a marriage of tastes; Glass floor tiles and panoramic windows that bring in the light and provide a clean backdrop for big furniture pieces in geometric shapes and earthy hues. Accessories break the monotony with pops of bright colors and soft contours.
The couple believe that their choice of furniture gives life to their home, which they share with their two young children. They turned to Matt Mason Furniture for unique pieces to enliven their favourite spots, such as the living area, where they do most of their entertaining.
There a boxy sectional sofa is paired with a two-layer, multi purpose coffee table. The pieces' sharp lines are balanced by bright throw pillows, a shaggy rug in deep ash, and bright red armchairs.
Maria took to lifestyle magazines for inspiration in styling the 420-square meter family home. "It doesn't have to be grand. Simple things can become extraordinary if we learn how to mix and match especially with colours." she said about her favourite decorating element.
The home's entertainment area was designed with durable hardwood flooring, warm-toned sofas, and a (kind of wood) coffee table with curved feet as focal pieces.
The premiere custom furniture maker in the south. We specialize in bespoke and custom furnitures that are specifically made for your needs. Each furniture we create is proven to be made of high quality materials and is proven to last long for life.
Matt Mason Furniture, Balibago - Tagaytay Rd. Brgy. Pasong Langka Silang, Cavite
0943 701 4458
mattmasonfurniture@gmail.com
