Michael Villardo: In the Mood for Success

When the global financial crisis hit in 2008, many family-run export businesses struggled to stay afloat.

At Manila FAME 2025, designer-entrepreneur Michael Villardo showcases Moodism, a collection inspired by nature and crafted by Filipino artisans—turning every curve into a celebration of Filipino creativity. (Photos: Manila Fame 2025)

For Michael Villardo, who grew up surrounded by fabrics and patterns in his family’s garments enterprise, the setback would become the start of a creative reinvention.

Years later, that same resilience would lead him to establish Studiomoodism, a design-and-fit-out studio that evolved into one of the country’s most promising furniture brands.

Villardo’s journey from clothing to chairs might seem like a leap, but to him, it was a natural progression.

“It’s a belief that design shouldn’t be just seen, but felt,” he shared in an interview leading up to Manila FAME 2025. “We transform objects to create an emotional experience.”

That idea — design you can feel — has become Moodism’s north star. His furniture is not just meant to fill a space but to shape it. Sculptural forms meet comfort-driven ergonomics, and each curve is hand-carved from layers of foam to achieve the perfect proportion.

The result: pieces that elevate both mood and movement.

Craft and Place as Competitive Edge

Villardo made a strategic decision to build his factory in Mabalacat, Pampanga, tapping into the province’s deep craft ecosystem. “Pampanga and Cebu are the furniture provinces,” he explained.

“The artisans are there — carvers in Betis, upholsterers, weavers—and raw materials are accessible.”

This connection to craft and community grounds Moodism in Filipino artistry.

Villardo’s pieces echo cultural stories — from his Pastillas Collection inspired by local delicacies to the whimsical Barn Series featuring sheep, ducks, and carabaos that bring a touch of humor and heritage into modern homes.

A New Face of Filipino Design

At Manila FAME 2025, Villardo unveiled Moodism Outdoor, a line inspired by rose buds and flowers, along with a chaise lounge shaped like the bakya.

He also collaborates with designer Mark Wilson on sustainable lighting pieces made from oyster shells, ceramics, and abaca, weaving in indigenous Yakan textiles from the south.

These creations embody a movement toward local design that is both globally appealing and rooted in culture — a vision that aligns perfectly with this year’s Manila FAME theme, Objects of Nature.

Building a Brand in the Age of Instagram

Villardo’s rise was powered not just by design, but by digital savvy. When the pandemic halted in-person trade shows, he turned Instagram into his living portfolio.

“During the pandemic, it was all social media,” he recalled. “Instagram is your portfolio.” Each post became an open showroom, attracting clients from developers to designers seeking bespoke collaborations.

His creative process is as meticulous as his craftsmanship. Every project begins with a client’s idea, progresses through sketches and 3D renderings, and ends with handcrafted precision.

Michael Villardo proves that Filipino creativity and craftsmanship can compete with the world’s best.

“A high-end developer client was very happy with the turnover,” he said, smiling. “That validated I was on the right path.”

Eyes on the Global Stage

Moodism is now gearing up for expansion beyond Philippine shores. Active in CITEM trade missions to Dubai and Tokyo, Villardo is eyeing Paris and Frankfurt next. A flagship showroom is rising in Bonifacio Global City to anchor the brand locally and connect with the hotel and real estate sectors.

“People ask if it’s made in Europe or Italy — that’s validation we’re ready for export,” he shared.

Lessons from the Journey

For Villardo, success has never been about chasing numbers. “Give it all. Don’t rush — your time will come,” he advised aspiring creatives. “Lead with passion; the numbers are a bonus.”

From his roots in garments to shaping furniture that uplifts moods and spaces, Villardo’s story is proof that Filipino design can hold its own on the world stage — beautiful, functional, and deeply felt.

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