AS AN industry leader capable of adapting to the demands of modern technologies, Mariwasa officials revealed during the opening of the 23rd WORLDBEX that they have already embraced e-commerce and digital marketing.
“We are aware of the big change on how e-commerce shapes the consumers’ buying behavior most especially in other countries. For now, we are thoroughly studying if we can adapt it now here in the Philippines setting. Our main focus is digital marketing. Going through online particularly website, social media and search engines will reach our market and company’s objective faster. We are also using online communication as a channel to interact with the young sector or the millennials,” said Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc. President Phaskorn Buranawit, who is also the Country Director for SCG Philippines, Mariwasa’s mother company.
Jakkrit Suwansilp, vice-president for sales and marketing of Mariwasa Siam Ceramics Inc., agrees.
“As you can see in our digital platforms, our mascot, Tyler, shows how to properly install tiles to our customers through our do-it-yourself video. We are very much into digital promotion and innovations,” said Suwansilp.
Mariwasa, the Philippines’ leading ceramic tile manufacturer, unveiled its latest tile collection FOCAL POINT at the WORLDBEX, World Trade Center in Pasay City.
FOCAL POINT is a fusion of ideas from different generations from Gen X to Millennials, captivating the distinct taste of society’s diverse clientele with its timeless, modern and stunning natural designs.
The collection is divided into three categories, namely Revitality, a timeless design which gives a relaxing, therapeutic and energetic sensation; Technique, which is a cross cultural vibe and modern function; and Wanderwall, which gives an extraordinary ambiance.
“Mariwasa has been part of Filipinos’ homes for more than five decades already. We kept up with the demand and taste of the changing sector through our innovations,” said Buranawit.
An example of such innovation was when Mariwasa launched its new tile size of 20 x 60 cm that is a good alternative of wood plank designs.
“Our wall tiles are commonly used in the kitchen and bathroom before. Now, we noticed as we go around the country that people are already using 30×60 cm tiles as wall cladding in their house façade,” added Buranawit.
Arch. Rina Soriano, VP-Architectural and Interior Design of DMCI HOMES one of Mariwasa’s top project clients, attests to this.
“During plant visits, I can see they update their machineries. They’re willing to develop a different size based on the specifications that we wanted. They are very flexible and very easy to work with,” said Arch. Soriano.
And while Mariwasa reveals that its big sizes such as the 60×60 cm and 30×60 cm, together with its FULL HD Tiles, which are commonly in Wood, Marble and Stone designs, are the fast moving ones in tile shops and home depots, this does not stop them to search for new designs.
“Our designers go to different places in the Philippines and abroad to look for inspirations that will be incorporated in the tiles. They also roam around Europe and Asia to look for the latest tile trends. Moreover, each year we have a trend spotting workshop to identify the new trends, patterns and pulse of the consumer,” Buranawit revealed.
“Last 2016, we donated tiles and sanitary wares to more than 100 public schools nationwide. We are continuing this advocacy with DepEd because we believe that the best way in giving back to the community is through the public schools because we know that uplifting the conditions of the schools could lead to better learning,” he said.
Mariwasa focused on donating tiles and sanitary wares to remote public schools in the country, where building materials are not accessible, with the tile company and DepEd identifying these schools to improve their sanitation.
Some cities in Negros Oriental province have already received the donation and more schools are being targeted.
