Cebu by design
Philippines show offers distinctive looks
By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, March 20, 2005
Cebu, Philippines — In promotional material, the CebuX International Furniture and Furnishings Exhibition describes itself as the "Design Destination of Asia." It urges visitors to "Get to the Source of Design Passion."
This year's show, held Feb. 26–March 1, lived up to those descriptions.
Using a variety of natural resources such as abaca, rattan, wicker, stone and bamboo, local artisans and manufacturers displayed an eclectic array of furniture celebrating the lush natural environment of this Southeast Asian country.
In just over 200,000 square feet, CebuX featured 128 exhibitors from Cebu, Manila and other parts of the Philippines. With elaborate carvings and sleek curves, the styles ranged from traditional to classical Philippine contemporary.
There was a heavy contingent of buyers from the Middle East, Europe, and Australia. But some also came from the United States to find designs they couldn't see at other shows.
Much of the product mix was indoor residential furniture, but the show also offered a wide selection of outdoor furniture, lighting and accessories made from the same mix of natural materials.
Some product — including large beds with elaborate carvings and gold- and silver-tipped finishes, and chests with elaborate etched-brass plated drawers — clearly was geared for Middle Eastern appetites. Other goods appealed to the U.S. market with such design elements as creamy finishes and handpainted floral motifs on beds, chests and vanity sinks.
In general, local manufacturers here were looking to differentiate themselves stylistically from other Asian competitors lacking such abundant natural resources.
Among the design innovators was Manila-based Locsin International, which uses a combination of Philippine organic materials such as abaca and rattan. The materials are woven into its contemporary canopy-style seating and beds. Such designs draw interest from buyers from a number of countries, said company President Roberto Locsin.
He said the United States accounts for about 30% of the manufacturer's business, an amount he is comfortable with given his desire to retain a diverse clientele.
Cebu Fil-Veneer was exhibiting along with nine other companies in an area show organizers dubbed the "Design Hot Spot." The company said its contemporary laminated-bamboo sofas, beds, tables and chairs are popular in the United States, where customers including Ethan Allen help account for about 30% of its business.
Casa Cebuana showed several chests, armoires and occasional tables made from lawaan, or Philippine mahogany, and gemelina, another native wood. The company also offers bedroom and dining room furniture using similar materials, as well as imported woods such as alder, maple, cherry and pine.
About 70% of Casa Cebuana's sales are to U.S. customers, among them Marge Carson, Ethan Allen and Sligh Furniture.
Some CebuX exhibitors were looking to gain more of a U.S. foothold. That includes Mandaue City-based AE Design Concepts, which produces highly carved bedrooms and seating with mixed media elements including metal, woven rattan and cane. Its designs are primarily geared to the Middle East, but it hopes to make headway in the U.S. market by selling to regional retailers with eight to ten stores.
"We're not going to jump in with both feet, but we will stick our toe in the water in order to get with the proper buyers," said company CEO Peter Cullen.
Accent and occasional manufacturer Creative Furnishings offered a line of tables, chests and consoles using combinations of lawaan, abaca, raffia, sea grass and cocoa bark inlays. It also uses antiqued mirrored glass for a look it believes separates it from its competitors.
"For me it is about the development of new product lines, maintaining quality and being innovative in terms of designs and materials used," said Erwin Cabilao, company director of production and design.
Final attendance figures weren't available for CebuX, but the American presence was evident. Among the companies represented were Coon Rapids, Minn.-based Top 100 store HOM Furniture and manufacturers and importers Lifestyle Enterprise, Bernhardt and Palecek.
One first-time visitor was furniture designer and importer Graham Peterson of Tryon N.C., who was looking for a manufacturer to produce a line of writing desks. He said he was impressed with the expertise of the local artisans and also the friendliness of the people, factors that could make the Philippines a better bet for him than China.
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Philippines show offers distinctive looks
Mar 24, 2005
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