Cebu Furniture Book Launch

CEBU, Philippines - Being strong in mixed media furniture  such as  rattan, wood, abaca, bamboo, aluminum and raffia, has earned for the Philippines the reputation as being the Milan of Asia. 

Cebu in particular has made a name for itself in the furniture industry through its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs. It continues to be one of the country’s highest export sales earners. This  can be attributed to the continued global recognition for excellence of Cebu’s furniture makers in product design, as well as originality, imagination and resourcefulness in the application of materials.

To document the history of the Cebu furniture industry   which started in the 1920s,  publishers Charles Streegan of Pacific Traders and Manufacturing Corp., and  ArtPostAsia  recently launched  the  much-anticipated book entitled Cebu Furniture, a History of Inspiration and Innovation at the classy lounge, Gilt.

Guests had the opportunity to admire and try out some of the furniture items displayed which are   featured in the book . They included iconic pieces from designers and manufacturers  such as Bernice Montenegro for Pacific Traders,  Debbie Palao for Design Ventures Cebu, Frank Ligthart for Dedon,  Marguerite Lhuillier for Infini and Paula Rodriguez for Detalia Aurora.

Also included in the book are  exquisite, world class  furniture by Mehitabel,   award winning designer Kenneth Cobonpue for Interior Crafts of the Islands,  Alenter Cane, Gamallosons Traders, Maitland-Smith, Raphael Legacy Designs, Casa Cebuana and Castilex. 

Streegan, former president of the  Cebu  Furniture Industries Foundation (CFIF),   in his foreword speaks of this book project as a “tribute to the industry, an appreciation of its history, a recognition of the many remarkable and passionate people who pioneered and blazed new trails, and  catapulted Cebu furniture design and manufacturing into today’s global arena.”

The 300-page book traces the Cebu furniture industry’s beginnings and evolution, following the personal and corporate journeys of those who have developed the industry to where and what it is today. It also establishes a graphic timeline and origin of over 100 classic and modern landmark pieces that  placed  Cebu on the global map, as a source of quality and well-designed furniture. 

Given  special mention in the book  is  U.S. Army Major Clarence Gushurst  who took an  interest in rattan while in Cebu. He partnered with Doña Maria Montenegro Aboitiz and in 1947, they established Mehitable Furniture Company. The following years also brought a number of expatriates to the islands, thereby creating  new businesses for themselves and their Filipino friends.

Another significant event  that changed the course of the Cebu furniture industry was the initiative  of John and Elinor McGuire, former residents of the Philippines, who took notice of the potential of the skilled craftsmen and  became one of the first international buyers of Cebu rattan furniture.  

Among the very first  distinctive Cebu made furniture  that made its mark abroad is the McGuire bamboo table used at the foyer of the White House in Washington DC during the term of President Richard Nixon. Likewise, in 1983, US President Ronald Reagan and the Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher,  UK Prime Minister,  were photographed sitting on McGuire rattan arm chairs proudly handcrafted in Cebu.

The Cebu Furniture  book   provides a peek  into  the creativity of Filipino craftsmanship and entrepreneurs who  continue to make worthy  contributions in the industry.  It is an informative  and valuable addition to any library or coffee table collection. (FREEMAN)