Benji Reyes is a Filipino furniture artist based in Antipolo, who has an international cult following because of his customized chair creations handmade from recycled wood and hand-polished in oil. I heard about the Legend of the Benji Chairs when I was still with P&G. Most of the P&G Expats would buy his creations with price ranges from P20,000+ to P200,000+. One expat even furnished their entire house with Benji’s furniture.
Ever since I heard that legend, I always dream of owning a dining table made by Benji with customized chairs custom-made for each member of the family’s butt. My passion in owning a Benji was ignited once again when I met Benji Reyes personally for the research trip of OAP’s culinary tour of Antipolo. When we saw Benji Reyes’ “Tahanan” made entirely from recycled wood, it is like being transported into a picture in an architectural magazine that leaves you wondering — is this for real?
From just a dream of owning a dining set, the dream transformed into owning a bahay kubo dream house of recycled wood overlooking a beach created by Benji Reyes:)
Here are the samples of Chairs by Benji Reyes: (clockwise from top left) Lola Basyang, Keesha, Datu, Rajah, Eena, Pedro.
(Photos are from Benji Reyes’ Official Blog). The chairs are sturdy and yet super comfortable to sit on like wearing Crocs everyday.
Aidan and Aikee sitting on a Benji chair in the living room of the Reyes “Tahanan”.
Here is a Michael Cacnio creation given by the artist himself to Benji Reyes 🙂 I love the elegant glass balloons.
A picture of the dining room at the Reyes Tahanan. If you look closely at the lower left of the picture above, you’ll see the Benji Reyes and Michael Cacnio collaboration artwork.
During the Antipolo Culinary tour, we will have merienda in Benji Reyes’ “Tahanan” while he shares with us his design philosophy and gives us a grand tour of the house.
The kitchen was simply awesome and picture perfect. My wife loves a kitchen like this one.
Benji Reyes is one of the grandsons of Severino Reyes popularly known for Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang. The study table above is originally owned by Benji’s lolo who could have used it to bring Lola Basyang to life.
The photo above showcases the Kite Flyer- another Michael Cacnio Creation, with a backdrop of Benji’s chairs in their living room.
Benji gave us a grand tour of their house and their personal “spa” place with a backdrop of raw forest and the sounds of flowing creek water.
Here is a sneak peek of their personal “spa” with swimming pool and a bar area. Hopefully, they open it for reservations specially for honeymoon couples or barkada looking for a weekend bed & breakfast place in Antipolo.
The spa has one room with an overhanging bed perfect for a romantic getaway. Benji is thinking of opening a restaurant soon and hopefully this Bed & Breakfast place.
The Benji Reyes’ Design Philosophy is defined by his articles on “The Need to Design” which shares what it means to have your own true Originality, and “Wood is Man’s Oldest Natural Resource” where he advocates the use of recycled wood. He also runs an apprentice program that gives poor children a chance to learn the art of woodworking craft by sanding and treating the wood used in his furniture. The best kids become the master-craftsman and become his competitive advantage in his workshop.
I highly recommend to all OAP readers to meet this awesome Filipino in Antipolo.
Benji Reyes “Tahanan” and Antipolo Workshop
Private viewing by appointment only.
Email: benji.reyes@gmail.com
Blog: benjireyes.blogspot.com
Address: 23 Lores Drive, Lores Farms, Antipolo
Live an Awesome Life,
hi anton…meron po bang showroom si mr benjie wherein we can see and check his creation…i also wanted his works. hope u can share it to me his whereabouts.big thanks sir
Definitely in Antipolo 🙂 I’ll share the address… thanks so much!
This is awesome and beautiful. Thanks for introducing Benji here. Just yesterday, I was talking to a Filipino living in Japan who brought a whole living room of Kenneth Cobonpue furniture.
This is a another discovery. We have a lot of talented (albeit undiscovered) furniture makers.
Thanks Anton!
Yes 🙂 We fell in love with his entire house…. ganda 🙂
hi Anton!
I’m trying to get in touch with Benji Reyes and Michael Cacnio. Could you please share with me their contact details? There seems to be a problem on Mr.Cacnio’s website because i can’t submit my message on Contact Me page. An email from you for the Telephone/Mobile numbers, email add, address of both artists will be very much appreciated.
Support Filipino Artists! Thank you!
I only have the email of Benji Reyes which I posted in the post. I’m don’t
know Michael Cacnio yet so I won’t be able to give you his contact info.
Anton
he has a lovely Gus albor painting in his study room 🙂 lovely home! thank you for sharing.
That Cacnio sculpture of the lady, child and balloons is amazing! I want! But his website is crappy, the email function isn’t working. Argh. The furniture is great too. I’ll have to go see that place!
Yeah, sayang nga yung website… but still ang ganda nung gawa niya
talaga… thanks for the comment!
Wow! Galing naman…
is he open now for bed and breakfast? we are looking for a place to stay in antipolo. thanks
Not yet, he is still thinking about it and planning to start the restaurant
first. Maybe within this year 🙂
thanks anton. could you recommend a nice bed and breakfast in antipolo or in tagaytay? what about a nice restaurant in antipolo for a day trip? merci.
The best ones are Vieux Chalet, Laya Dining, and Crescent Moon Cafe. I’m
still searching Antipolo for the best B&B places…
anton
Hello 🙂
The Michael Cacnio website is still under construction.
Those who wish to get in touch with Michael Cacnio can send him an email at any of the following email addresses:
– info@michaelcacnio.com
– t_cacnio@yahoo.com
Michael Cacnio replied to my querry! Woot! He even gave me his contact details 😉 Im not sure if I can publish it here so just email them first. 😉 as for Benji Reyes, he has not replied yet to my email. So I don’t know how prospective customers can inquire & make an appointment.
hi Anton!
do u happen to have an idea how much that Sultan (?) chair (where Aidan is sitting) costs?
I don’t have an idea… I’ll ask nga next time the correct address of
Benjie…
anton