Friday, January 12, 2007 Award-winning designs show Asean delegates Cebu’s flair in furniture
THE award-winning furniture collection of international designer Kenneth Cobonpue is back in the lobby of the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) for the Asean summit.
At least 30 pieces, worth at least P3.4 million in the market ($70,000), was already on display last December but was pulled out after the meeting of leaders was postponed.
The designer’s contributions join millions worth of other world-class furniture from 25 manufacturers and exporters under the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation.
Cobonpue, who uses native materials like rattan and bamboo for his modern design, said his “love for Cebu” prompted him to lend his collection to the CICC.
It’s his way of showing his support for the province that is hosting the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
Cobonpue said he likes to find “beauty in things that are ordinary.”
His intriguing style has caught the attention of Hollywood’s Warner Bros., which used the Cebuano designer’s furniture for the third installment of the “Ocean’s 11" franchise, “Ocean’s 13.”
“Everything is handmade, and that is the strength of Filipinos. The design is very unique and we would like to surprise the Asean leaders with the beauty and craftsmanship found in the Philippines,” Cobonpue said before members of local and foreign media.
He said the only way to compete in the world market is to make something unique and special that has an identity.
Although Cobonpue has at least 150 showrooms in many countries, from Africa to China, he wants to keep his company “medium-sized,” with 250 people working in his factory here in Cebu.
The lower and middle market for furniture has been taken over by the Philippines’ neighbors, he said, so the only market left for Filipinos to target is the high-end one. (JPM)
