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Saturday, September 03, 2005
Libre: Creative Cebuanos
By Mel Libre
Seriously Now
The multi-sectoral forum "Mugna Namo Bai" was an eye-opener for one not too familiar with individuals who have created an impact in their respective fields in the international arena. All resource persons, who are mostly young entrepreneurs, talked passionately about their companies, their inspirations and their creations.
They were: Kenneth Cobonpue, Jonathan Jay Aldeguer, Bernard Nicolas Villamor, Gil Z. C. Carungay, Roger T. Sy, Jesse Baring and Alfred Ngosiok.
Cobonpue, of Chinese descent, has won international awards for his furniture designs. He showed some of his award winning works, which he said was inspired by his experiences in Cebu. Having reached a respectable status in his field, Cobonpue demands from sellers of his items specific-designed showcases as well as prominent display of his signature logo. He said the sellers have come to accept that "Cebu is home to artisans of the highest caliber."
Aldeguer, a second-generation apparel businessman, said he is an entrepreneur more than a designer. Successful in island-flavored outfits, he admitted that he did make mistakes, like having an outlet in Saipan that turned out to be a dud. These errors, along with proven business practices, helped him create a good business model that has since been duplicated in all his outlets.
Villamor is in the field of software and engineering design, having initially serviced the Department of Trade and Industry. He has since expanded, drawing strength from a team that gives excellent solutions to problems of clients.
Carungay is into fashion accessories after spinning-off his company from that of his exporter-parents. In 2000, he manufactured exquisitely designed fashion accessories "not constrained by traditional notions." The demand for his creations has increased because of the awards received from independent bodies, thus he will soon expand into an export processing zone.
Sy, manager of TMX Phils. Inc., shared the story of Indiglo, which was created by a team he headed. His team's creation has become a standard in TMX products, thereby placing the Mactan plant in the hallmark of the company.
Baring, an inventor-entrepreneur, promoted not only his inventions but also those of fellow inventors. Sadly, he said, there are very few businessmen willing to finance the mass production of these useful products.
The most extensive sharing was by Ngosiok who, together with his brother, improved the process of making noodles known as bihon. He even allowed the participants to sample his products if only to prove that these were of better quality.
One speaker mentioned the Cebu advantage: innovation, creativity and design. If there is a bright spot in this crisis-ridden country of ours, it is the creative and innovative individuals who strive for excellence. And Cebu is home to many of them.
If Cebu has become a haven for foreign investors, it is because they have discovered the Cebuanos' talent and industry. Agree ka, Bai?
(September 3, 2005 issue)
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