Philippine furniture industry features Greenovation at Manila FAME 2013

THE furniture sector will once again showcase the excellence and exceptional talents of Filipino designers and craftsmen when Cebu Next and Manila Now join Manila FAME International 2013 at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City until March 17. This exhibition features collections from well-established and internationally recognized designers as well as young upcoming talent—all presenting the latest innovations using indigenous and sustainable product. “The furniture industry was the second highest export earner in the Philippines last year. In order to maintain and grow these figures, it is essential that we promote our newest designs and latest collections to the local, regional and international markets, and events such as Manila FAME give us this platform,” said Christina Gaston, event chairman for the Furniture sector at Manila FAME. Spring 2013 will once again see the three major furniture manufacturing regions (Cebu, Manila and Pampanga) come together as a united force to present their newest product in the Furniture Hall at Manila FAME. The Philippine furniture industry has always been recognized for creativity and the ingenious use of locally available materials. One of the key messages at this year’s Manila FAME is the importance of environmental awareness and Green Innovation, this has even been demonstrated within The HUB, the activity center for the Furniture Hall The Hub is described by Duke Zuluaga, CFIP national Chairman, as, “an informal gathering place where, buyers, exhibitors, designers and other trade related individuals could meet and freely exchange ideas.” The Hub will feature speakers from the different sectors of the furniture industry and has been designed by highly-acclaimed furniture artist Daniel Latorre Cruz and architect Aya Maceda, The Hub this year is made from Gmelina timber and bamboo, pure sustainable materials to signify support the new era of Greenovation for the Philippine furniture industry. “The goal of this project is to demonstrate the importance of sustainability, ways to incorporate eco-friendly materials, and, how the different sectors within our industry are cooperating and taking action,” said Gaston. Among the topics to be discussed within The Hub will be: creative cities, designing for sustainability: re-inventing the Mactan Cebu airport experience, innovative programs for green initiatives, sustainable design for the millennial and much more. “Each and every one of our members are behind our Green Innovation campaign and the support that they have given for The HUB has been amazing. We are delighted,” said Reggie Lastimosa, chairman for CFIP Pampanga.