Cobonpue, HYC team up to raise funds for 'Yolanda' victims

MANILA, Philippines - Habitat Youth Council (HYC) has partnered with world renowned Filipino furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue to create limited edition centerpiece lamps to help raise funds for communities left homeless by supertyphoon Yolanda.

“When I heard that Kenneth [Cobonpue] was launched as a HFHP ambassador in Cebu and that he was looking for a legacy to leave with the organization, I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to collaborate on a shared vision and work with him,” said Alex Eduque, Habitat Youth Council founder and chairperson.

“After what was then only a dream concept was approved, a colleague and I approached him to pitch the idea of creating a Kenneth Cobonpue piece to help raise funds for Habitat for Humanity Philippines," she added.

“First Light”, the lamp with a unique design was unveiled last night at the KENNETHCOBONPUE showroom in Makati.

Cobonpue said Habitat for Humanity Philippines has given him the perfect avenue to use his craft for the benefit of the underprivileged and to get more people involved and sympathetic to the plight of others.

“The lamps are a way for me to merge what I love to do with what I want to do for my fellow Filipinos,” said Cobonpue.

"Especially in light of what has happened to the Philippines, I feel that this is the time for our countrymen to step up and become more engaged in helping other people," he added.

All proceeds from the sale of the “First Light” lamps priced at P3,500 each will go toward rebuilding houses for the families affected by supertyphoon Yolanda.

"The Habitat Youth Council has built over 500 houses to date. With Kenneth Cobonpue's aid, we are able to build more, at a time where the people of Visayas need us the most," said Simon Tantoco, HYC vice president.

We are prioritizing partnerships with the local government units of the municipalities affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Our focus is to implement our projects to these areas as soon as possible," Tantoco added.

The “First Light” lamps by Kenneth Cobonpue will only be available for the holiday season at Swatch shops in Metro Manila and at the KENNETHCOBONPUE showroom in Greenbelt Residences or you may contact Habitat for Humanity Philippines at 846-2177 to place your orders. - Mike Frialde