Walking into the Dexterton showroom in Bonifacio Global City, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of textures and patterns on display. Yet, for Gabriel Biolchini, Export Area Manager of Ceramica Rondine in the Philippines, tiles have been a lifelong language—one he speaks fluently.
I’ve spent my childhood surrounded by tiles,” he says with a knowing smile. “I was born in Sassuolo, where all the tiles are made. I’ve talked about tiles daily and that was my dream.”
That dream eventually led him to Ceramica Rondine, a company that has shaped the tile industry for over six decades. Founded in 1961, by a group of forward-thinking farmers, the brand has since evolved into a global powerhouse, seamlessly blending heritage with cutting-edge technology. “Rondine is a historical brand, we’re especially known for our iconic bricks,” Gabriel explains. “We’ve been in the Philippines for more than 20 years now, and we plan to stay for a long time.”
But tiles, as Gabriel insists, are more than just a utilitarian element in a space. They hold stories, reflecting a vision that extends far beyond floors and walls. “People often think of tiles as just surfaces, but they can be used everywhere—ceilings, facades, countertops,” he says. “In 2025, the mentality that tiles are just for walls and floors belongs to the past.”
[Seen in image: Ceramica Rondine’s Baltic Modern ceramic stoneware tiles in Grey, available at shop.dexterton.com]
[Seen in image: Ceramica Rondine’s Baltic Modern ceramic stoneware tiles in Light Grey, available at shop.dexterton.com]
The tile industry, like architecture itself, moves in cycles—constantly revisiting the past while embracing the future. According to Gabriel, two opposing trends are currently shaping the industry: the push for large-format slabs and the revival of small-scale tiles. “It’s not easy to identify a specific trend, but I’d say the industry is moving in two directions—very small sizes and very large slabs,” he notes. “These are the main paths I see unfolding.”
Despite the evolution in formats, sustainability remains the defining challenge and opportunity of the industry. “Sustainability is a top priority—even before the creation and design of a tile;” he says “You can have the best-looking tile, but if the industry doesn’t recognize you as sustainable, you lose the perception of beauty.”
Ceramica Rondine has taken that challenge to heart, integrating eco-friendly production methods and advanced filtering systems into its manufacturing process. “The good thing is, sustainability and innovation are not opposing forces,” Gabriel adds, “You can be both creative and sustainable at the same time.”
For Gabriel, tiles are more than just another design choice—they are a long-term investment in the space’s identity. “Tiles stay in your home for at least 15 to 20 years,” he emphasizes. “It’s not like a car you replace every five years. It’s a decision that should be made with both mind and heart.”
It is this philosophy that has guided Ceramica Rondine’s approach—creating tiles that not only meet functional needs but also tell a deeper story. Their pioneering work in rustic bricks, first launched in 2014, set a new industry benchmark. “We were the pioneers in small rustic bricks,” he says. “Now. we have around 15 different collections, four sizes, and everyone is trying to imitate us.”
[Seen in image: Ceramica Rondine’s Nolita Brick Generation in Multicolor available at shop.dexterton.com]
[Seen in image: Ceramica Rondine’s Nolita Brick Generation in Mud (floor) and White (walls) available at shop.dexterton.com]
Yet even as the industry pushes forward, Gabriel believes there is something to be gained from looking back. “I don’t have a specific tile era I’d like to bring back, but I’m a bit nostalgic,” he admits. “Sometimes we’re moving too fast. It would be great to slow down and appreciate where everything began.”
It is a sentiment that underscores the essence of Ceramica Rondine’s work—the delicate balance between past and future, between art and function. And as the conversation draws to a close, Gabriel leaves us with one final piece of advice: “Pick your tiles with heart.”
[Seen in image: Ceramica Rondine’s Infusion Wood and Concrete Effect of Porcelain Stoneware in Nut available at shop.dexterton.com]
[Seen in image: Ceramica Rondine’s Infusion Wood and Concrete Effect of Porcelain Stoneware in Oak available at shop.dexterton.com]
Dexterton Corporation proudly showcases Ceramica Rondine’s exquisite selection of tiles at its premier showrooms in Quezon City and Bonifacio Global City. You can view their tile range at shop.dexterton.com or visit them on site by booking a showroom visit with us today.
[Gabriel Biolchini, Export Area Manager for Ceramica Rondine, during his exclusive sit-down interview with Dexterton Corporation on February 27, 2025]