Leaders of Luxury: Ferdie Ong
I prefer working with family-owned companies. There’s something invaluable about direct interaction with the owners—the people truly driving the brand. This open communication allows us to exchange feedback and insights, helping the brand resonate with the needs of the Philippine market.
Over the past two decades, we’ve built deep relationships with brands like Minotti and Bulthaup and others like Bang & Olufsen, Gaggenau, and Dedon that have stood by us for over ten years. These are not just partnerships. They feel like family. I seek brands that are led by individuals who understand both the design and business sides of the equation. The goal is to curate a collection that complements, not competes.
Exclusivity and brand integrity are essential. That means projecting the right ethos to the right audience. Localization plays a big role, as not every concept translates seamlessly to the Philippine context. As distributors, it’s our job to shape an image that resonates with the local market. Success in China, for example, doesn’t guarantee the same outcome here. Nuance matters. I believe in sharing our local expertise to help brands grow. With one of our partners, we’re even indirect shareholders—a responsibility we take seriously. We offer honest feedback because we’re invested in their success.
On the client side, we deliver more than furniture. Our role is to help bring their dream homes to life. That means exceptional service, on-time delivery, and guiding them from concept to completion. Our clients expect the best, and we aim to exceed that. But the market has its challenges. Home construction timelines have doubled—what once took two years now takes up to four. Product lead times have stretched from three months to six or more, especially during European holidays. Planning, scheduling, and warehousing are now critical. Our response: the Living Innovations Experience Hub—a unified space in Metro Manila that integrates a showroom, office, and warehouse for seamless service.
We operate exclusively through brick and-mortar stores. Online retail doesn’t capture the experience luxuryLuxuryA lifestyle defined by exceptional quality, craftsmanship, exclusivity, and sophistication, encompassing the finest products, services, and experiences that represent the highest standards of refinement and excellence.Go to Luxury Glossary demands. These are modern classics—timeless investments meant to last years. That kind of value needs to be felt, not scrolled through. Social media, for us, is about visibility, not transactions. It keeps our brands top-of-mind for when clients are ready to build or renovate. Influencers and KOLs have a limited impact in our segment. Architects, designers, or the occasional celebrity might boost awareness, but real influence lies in trust and expertise.
This is our philosophy: thoughtful curation, long-term vision, and relationships that endure—both with our brands and our clients.
As told to Alicia Colby-Sy. Photos by Joseph Pascual