Vatican picks Pinay’s design for pope’s chairs

MANILA, Philippines - A young industrial designer could barely contain her excitement as she plays a part in the historic visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines.

Veronica Lazo, along with other designers, was asked by her boss, furniture maker Nick de Lange, to create two chairs for Pope Francis, according to an article posted on the website CoconutsManila last Wednesday.

Much to her surprise, it was Lazo’s concept that was selected by the Vatican, the article read.

“I am definitely honored and humbled. I’ve told just my family and a few friends about it and even up to now, it still surprises me,” Lazo said.

De Lange then sought the help of his friends to execute the design. It was Betis Crafts of Pampanga which did the solihiya weaving while the papal crest was done in Iloilo by a group called WUTHLE (Women United Through Handcrafted Lace and Embroidery), under the supervision of Sisters Gemma Abellana and Inday Mendres, the article further said.

Lazo said she, De Lange and their colleagues are thrilled to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The two chairs, which have been shipped to Tacloban, will be used when Pope Francis celebrates mass there tomorrow. The pope had said he wanted to visit the areas hardest hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

Meanwhile, photos of three other chairs to be used by Pope Francis when he meets Filipino families at the Mall of Asia Arena today, during his visit to the University of Santo Tomas and in the mass at the Quirino Grandstand on Sunday have started to surface in social media.