From New Collection to New Showroom: 2 Local Furniture Brands Champion Filipino Craftsmanship and Creativity
Filipino craftsmanship is no doubt something we can be proud of, from creating world class sculptures to well crafted furniture pieces that elevates every Filipino home. Having an abundant source of natural materials, the Philippines have produced countless export-quality furniture pieces.
Last week, the BluPrint team met two household names in the furniture industry: Pampanga-based designer Katrina de Leon and Cebu-based designer Kenneth Cobonpue. In two separate events, we have witnessed important milestones for these designers.
Live to Love: Genteel Home Celebrates 10 Years of Inspired Living
Founder and Principal Designer Katrina de Leon started Genteel Home a decade ago in the garage of her old home in Pampanga with only a machine she bought from a local craftsman who needed money to pay for the hospital bill of his father. De Leon used to work as an interior designer until one of her clients encouraged her to try designing furniture pieces for her client’s home. Her works show her talent and creativity as she managed to grow her clientele through recommendations from satisfied clients.
In celebration of Genteel Home’s 10th year anniversary, the Pampanga grown brand opened its first showroom in Metro Manila at The Podium Mall. “Our goal is for you to feel seen and understood, as if your desires have been brought to life because Genteel Home is an embodiment of all that is personal, touching, and inspiring. This is what we proudly showcase here at our newest Design Atelier. It is an open invitation for anyone to step in and have a piece of furniture uniquely designed for them”, de Leon said.
In the evening, Genteel Home transformed the Bonifacio Hall of Manila House into an enchanting garden as part of its celebration. The brand launched six iconic chairs inspired by Filipino icons who made a mark in their respective fields, including Celebrity and Global Fashion Icon Heart Evangelista; Olympic Gold Medalist Hidilyn Diaz; Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno; Box-office comedy queen Vice Ganda; award-winning broadcast journalist Karen Davila; and multi-awarded actor and singer Piolo Pascual.
Every Genteel Home piece tells a story and is carefully crafted with the users in mind. Beyond their creative prowess, Genteel Home is a brand with a conscience. Sustainability and community lie at the core of their values. The studio has invested in its own Mahogany farm, ensuring that for every furniture creation, trees are replenished. This not only promotes sustainability but also provides valuable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
In The Loop: Kenneth Cobonpue Collaborates with Metrobank
World-renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue unveiled his latest collection in collaboration with Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. last July 12, 2023 at the Kenneth Cobonpue Showroom at The Residences at Greenbelt, Makati.
Metrobank credit card holders received exclusive offers on the Cebu-based industrial and furniture designer’s latest collection called: “The Loop & Barnacle Mirrors” from July 12 to 15, 2023. The Bank also held a preview of the collection among its Private Wealth clients on the first day of the offer.
Cobonpue’s latest design is his visionary take on locally-made functional art, capturing the essence of Filipino aesthetics with innovative techniques and materials.
“Opportunities to enjoy the best deals and offers are what we always strive to give our clients. With this exclusive offer of master designer Kenneth Cobonpue’s collection, they can bring home a piece or two of his latest collection of innovative pieces at special prices when they use their Metrobank credit card,” said Ramon Jaime Del Rosario, Metrobank Consumer Business Head.
Kenneth Cobonpue and Katrina de Leon are both incredible designers who are not afraid to showcase their roots and elevate Filipino craftsmanship for the world to experience.
Images from Genteel Home and Kenneth Cobonpue x Metrobank
