MANILA, Philippines – Often than not, people confuse porcelain and china. Porcelain is commonly called china as this is where the material originated.
One type of porcelain is the bone china, which was created and perfected by Englishman Josiah Spode II in 1800. Bone china comes from actual bones of animals, fired at temperatures reaching to 1,000 degrees and then pulverized. The resulting ash is mixed with water and clay additives to come up with a wide range of ceramic wares, furnishings and decor. Materials made of bone ash are highly valued for their intrinsic qualities. Such qualities make the bone china rare and as Filipino entrepreneur Clemente Manrique Jr. and owner of CSM International Corporation, an exporter of decorative porcelain, home furnishings and holiday décor, would ascertain, “bone china commands a very high quality standard and is the most difficult ceramic to work with.”
Bone china possesses qualities such as ivory whiteness, translucency, durability and fineness making it synonymous to affluence and royalty attested by tradition. Not everybody can work with genuine bone china, most of it is done in England and few European countries but CSM general manager Manrique says that what makes their products unique is it is “genuinely handmade.”
Having an extensive experience in the ceramic industry along with business contacts both local and foreign established the family-owned business. “I was out of job after being an overseas Filipino worker for five years in Saudi Arabia and my age was already a hindrance in getting employed,” Manrique relates.
Now, they export their products worldwide with “anyone who can buy in volume be it wholesalers and retail stores.” Normally, one could expect ceramic plates and figurines but CSM maximized the use of bone china progressing into products that are truly unique and extraordinary. Their products made of bone china are formed into flowers like orchids, bamboo vases with birds, night light figurines and tea light candleholders, and various Christmas decor. Except for the flowers that are hand-painted, all CSM products are plain ivory white.
Asked what the company’s marketing style is, Manrique replied: “It’s a personal approach, knowing the buyers in a personal level, introducing the company and the products well. Participating in trade shows attract more buyers and improve visibility abroad.”
At Manila F.A.M.E. International April 2009 edition, CSM showcased its world-class bone china products. “Although we are hit by the economic crisis, we plan to survive by maintaining the high degree of quality standard for bone china items,” he said.
Led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotions agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, Manila FAME (Furnishing and Apparel Manufacturer’s Exchange) International have always paved the way for exceptional Filipino design and products to enter the international market. Manila FAME is held twice a year (April and October) and as Asia’s best design destination, it is the only trade fair in the Philippines recognized by the Union Des Foires Internationales (UFI), the union of the world’s leading tradeshow organizers, fairground owners and major international associations from the exhibitions industry.