CEBU, Philippines - After moving to its new house, late-night public affairs program “Powerhouse†received a warm reception from viewers as it posted an impressive nationwide rating during its premiere last week as part of GMA-7’s Night Shift block.
“Powerhouse†is all set to mark another milestone this Wednesday as it gets the rare opportunity to feature the residence of internationally-acclaimed Cebuano furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue.
Cobonpue first came to the Pinoy consciousness about five years ago when Hollywood celebrity couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt brought home a Voyage bed, which he crafted from buri (palm leaf spines) and abaca, followed by red Dragnet lounge chairs and the La Petit Voyage crib for the super couple’s first biological child Shiloh Nouvel.
His other distinct creations crafted from bamboo, rattan and abaca, which are all native materials from the Philippines, made their way into the homes of famous personalities including “Charlie’s Angels†actress Lucy Liu, Senator Grace Poe, Kris Aquino, Boy Abunda and Regine Velasquez.
This year, he made his country proud when he was awarded the first Maison Et Objet Asian Designer of the Year. The award can be considered as the Oscars of the French trade fair for furniture and interior design.
While he has been interviewed and featured in several local and international magazines such as Newsweek and TIME Magazine, the designer is quite secretive when it comes to his personal space. Many are wondering: What does his house really look like? For the first time, Cobonpue opens his house to the public. With a contemporary and organic theme, his three-story house was designed by designer Budji Layug and architect Royal Pineda. The house has two living rooms, two dining rooms, two kitchens, a gym and a music room.
Join Kara David in this special episode of “Powerhouse†tonight after Saksi, on GMA-7. (PR)