KAPAMPANGANS have always been known for their creativity and ingenuity. It’s the same reason why Pampanga continues to emerge as one of the undisputed sourcing destination for finely crafted products not only in the Philippines but also in Asia and beyond.
This year, globally competitive and passionate community of Kapampangan craftsmen and designers once again gather for the 8th Pampanga Furniture and Furnishing Exhibit, which will run until September 6 at Marquee Mall in Angeles City.
The notable exposition is annually organized by the Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation Inc. (PFIF), recognized as one of the most important furniture manufacturing associations in the country to date.
Exhibit chairman Judith Manarang shared that since its inception, the exhibit aims to help Kapampangan furniture manufacturers showcase their wide range of world class products—from accessible items to the more upscale pieces.
“Through this event, we want to demonstrate why our province takes the lead in excellence and innovation when it comes to furniture-making. Moreover, we also see this as a way to attract local buyers and convince them that they do not need to go all the way to Manila to find quality and unique products because we already have it all here in the province and now under one roof through this exhibit,” she said.
She added that their whole organization is proud to promote the works of this year’s exhibitors composed of distinguished names and new players in the home furniture and furnishings sector including ACA Designs & Interiors, A. Garcia Crafts, Philiana Design, Venzon Lighting Manufacturing, Fleur D' Elise Manufacturing, Filipino Creazione De Mano, OEM International Trading, Furniture Doctor Ellen’s House of Frames & Craft, Wooden It Be Nice, and L.A. Classic.
Andy Garcia, Marketing Director of A. Garcia Crafts, noted that his company is privileged to join the exhibit for the first time.
“We decided to join because we realized that this is actually a viable platform to expose our brand and our products to our prospects from Pampanga and Central Luzon. Although we have a showroom in Makati and a factory in Sto. Tomas where our customers can see first-hand our crafts, we feel that it’s important that we go out every now and then to actually engage with our clients personally,” he said.
“We are grateful that PFIF conducts this yearly exhibit and we are looking forward to joining again next year, now that we know how this event is very efficient in helping us reach a wider network,” he added.
Ellen’s House of Frames & Crafts founder and owner Ellen Ramirez, a long-time exhibitor, also shared the same message. She noted that she has been taking part of the exhibit for over five years now and through the event, she is able to market her array of products such as metal and glass tables, dressers, wall mirrors, and small gift items.
“During our exhibit launch yesterday until today, I was already able to sell many of my decorative works and I am excited to meet more furniture enthusiasts who appreciate my modern contemporary designs,” she said.
The future of Pampanga’s furniture industry
As Pampanga positions itself as an attractive haven for aspiring homeowners and steadily become “the next residential hub in the North,” Manarang highlighted that she foresees that the province’s furniture industry will continue to grow.
“As you know, we are experiencing a boom in the economy, and lot of new housing developments are being constructed here in the countryside. I believe this will benefit us a lot, as there will be an unprecedented number of subdivision and condo dwellers who will need our products, more than ever,” she said.
“We can also note that with the up and coming hotels here in Pampanga, especially around Clark, the demand for Pampanga-based furniture manufacturers will further increase because of their reputation and accessibility,” she added.
She then reiterated that the mandate of PFIF is to professionalize the industry and help prepare local manufacturers through empowering them to improve their knowledge on their field of expertise.
“We want to encourage not only our members but also other Kapampangan craftsmen to find their niche and create their own identity, as they continue to produce and design furnitures that will showcase Kapampangan creativity and originality,” she noted.
Meanwhile, Marquee Mall Marketing Manager Trisha extended her gratitude for PFIF for choosing the premier mall as their venue.
“In behalf of the management, I would like to express our sincere thanks to PFIF for our strong and lasting partnership. We’ve been supporting the association and their cause for several years now and we are looking forward for many more years of collaboration, as we also support and value the craftsmanship of the Kapampangan furniture makers,” she said.