In a world capitalizing on fast-paced, mass-produced goods, there’s something refreshing about a business that champions quality over quantity. Here on the island of Cebu, Among Balay is doing exactly that—crafting a legacy one custom chair at a time.
Each piece isn’t just functional; it tells a story. One that carries warmth of locally sourced materials and the unmistakable touch of hand-woven elements, lovingly made by local artisans.
It’s not just furniture—it’s heritage carved by skilled hands. From raw materials to the final design, every detail is thoughtfully refined with the client’s vision in mind. Among Balay’s in-house draftsman leads the design development, working closely with artisans and clients to ensure each piece feels truly personal and purposefully made.
What started as a personal project has now turned into a full-blown, furniture-fueled business—founded by husband-and-wife duo Johanna and Ericson Mangali.
The pandemic may have slowed the world down, but it didn’t stop the Mangalis from dreaming up a home that felt like, well, home. With a creative streak and a love for sketching furniture designs, Johanna brought one of her concepts to life for their new space.
Turns out, a picture really is worth a thousand words. When her piece made it online, it sparked a flurry of inquiries from people drawn to its clean charm and handcrafted soul.
Business boomed. But like any good story, the road had its potholes, and the journey to their current workshop was anything but easy.
Before establishing their own space, Joanna and Ericson acted as project managers—coordinating with multiple subcontractors just to bring each design to life. But as demand surged, it became clear that their subcontractors couldn’t keep up with the volume of orders.
So they made a bold move: build their own workshop. Hire local artisans. Take control.
It wasn’t until 2023 that the Among Balay workshop officially came to life—a major step that allowed the business to grow sustainably (and with way less stress).
Today, the Among Balay team handles everything in-house—from concept to final polish.
They work closely with clients during the design development phase, produce detailed shop drawings, and oversee everything: procurement of materials, construction, templating, cutting, and assembly.
Yes, it’s a whole production. And yes, they’ve got an in-house upholstery workshop, too. So every cushion, every seam, every piece—finished with care, craftsmanship, and a Cebuano sense of pride.
And the magic doesn’t stop at furniture. Among Balay also offers fit-outs for cabinetry and kitchen countertops. They’ll even do site visits to make sure your space is measured down to the last millimeter.
No cookie-cutter here—only pieces that actually fit your life.
Sure, your dream table or chair might take a little time (45 to 60 days, to be exact), but good things—and great furniture—take time.
What makes it worth the wait? Every piece supports local livelihoods. All materials are sourced locally, and even the type of wood is chosen with sustainability and durability in mind.
Among Balay isn’t just selling furniture—they’re building a community through craftsmanship.
What makes it meaningful is seeing your vision come to life. What makes it truly Cebuano is how local everything is—from the hands that build it to the stories it holds.
Thinking of a custom piece? Don’t wait. Visit their showroom and workshop at P. Sanchez St., Pagsabungan, Mandaue City, Cebu. You can also explore their latest work (and maybe get inspired) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Got a design in mind? Among Balay is ready to build it—heart first, wood second.
Photography Kyrra Kho
