Sunday, March 15, 2009

RP Furniture Makers Took Center Stage at Manila Now 2009

Despite the global economic downturn, the Philippine furniture industry showed that they can keep up with the times and continue to penetrate the global market during the Manila Now 2009: Philippine International Furniture Show held last March 5-8, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Organized by the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), and managed by Global-Link Exhibitions Specialist Inc., the event gathered over 50 exhibitors from the furniture and manufacturing industry that showcased their ingenuity and creativity using imported and indigenous materials. The event aims to serve as a venue for local furniture manufacturers to introduce and offer their unique creations to the local and global market.

The event also hopes to produce more global stars like Kenneth Cobonpue, whose designs are featured in international magazines, and Clayton Tugonon, a craftsman whose work has gained rave reviews in Japan, Slovak Republic and Singapore.

Vice President Noli ‘Kabayan’ De Castro graced the opening ceremony of Manila Now 2009. Vice President De Castro lauded the participants for their craftsmanship in turning ordinary materials like cogon grass and driftwood to useful and world-class furniture. The first two days were open to trade visitors. It was opened to public from March 7-8.

Manila Now 2009 also served as a venue for this year’s Likhang Pilipino Awards. The winners of the Likhang Pilipino Awards 2009 are:
  • Best in Furniture Design - Passad
  • Best in Furnishing Design - Asia Embroideries
  • Best in Furnishing Design - Kalikasan Crafts
  • Bagong Sibol Award – Evolve Designs
  • Best in Visual Merchandising - Azcor

The Manila Now 2009: Philippine International Furniture Show is sponsored by Metrobank Foundation Inc., MADE, Furniture Shanghai, Manila Bulletin, Business World, The Philippine Star, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, AREA, SMX Convention Center, Centrex, Uratex Philippines, Inc., JIMAC, Inc., Chase Technologies Corp., Agility Logistics, Coltrans, Global POS, Makati-Shangri-La Manila, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Century Park Hotel Manila, The Heritage Hotel Manila, and Bayview Park Hotel Manila.

Manila Now 2010 is scheduled on March 3-7, 2010 at the SMX Convention Center. For more information about the event, contact CFIP at (632) 631-2834, 632-9007, 631-2977, fax (632) 637-2743, email info@cfip.ph, or visit the event website at www.manilanow.ph.

0 comments:

Post a Comment