Mi Ystilo Dos: A showcase of design ingenuity

CEBU, Philippines - Turning a rough idea into a tangible, functional piece is what fine furniture makers specialize in. But for the six budding furniture designers from the University of the Philippines Cebu Fine Arts Program, "seeing [their] prototypes and sketches come to life [feels] surreal."

As part of "Mi Ystilo Dos," a flagship event of Heritage Muebles Mirabile Export Inc. or simply Heritage, the six UP Cebu Product Design majors, together with two other interior designers from the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers, were given the platform to showcase their designs during the launch of Heritage's furniture exhibit at SM City Cebu Activity Center on February 20.

The featured artists were Kriztel Nicole Camalongay, Marriel Colaljo, Via Louise Biaco, Michelle Andrea Jusay, Mandissa Marie Diaz, Gabriel Vincent Zosa, and interior designers Mark Jason Dacua and Paula Katrina Cañete.

Having been in the furniture manufacturing and export industry in Cebu for over two decades, Heritage emphasizes the value of being open-minded to new ideas and perspectives in order to keep up with the dynamic preferences of discerning patrons. Alongside, Heritage values "top quality and originality of every furniture piece," says Heritage chief marketing officer Sunshine Lim.

The works of the six student designers were selected among many other entries. Under the guidance of New York-based designer Eric Lopez, the students developed their designs into complete, full-scale furniture and fittings.

The designers explored a range of smart and contemporary furniture pieces, paying attention to aesthetic details, quality of material, usability and durability - all translated to fine craftsmanship.

Now on its second year, Heritage's Mi Ystilo (My Style) is an innovative service arrangement that allows clients to design their own furniture based on their own wants and available spaces.

The featured pieces from Mi Ystilo Dos are now on exhibit at the Heritage showroom in Soong, Mactan, Lapulapu City. More information is available at www.heritagefinefurniture.com. (FREEMAN)