Cobonpue: “Learn to innovate”

CEBU, Philippines -  â€œWhy do something that’s not going to be great? If it’s not going to be different and unique, why make it?”

Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue, the Golden Son of the Queen City of the South, who has strived hard and established his own name in the global furniture industry, asked this to his audience as he shared his thoughts, advices and expertise during the 2nd Cebu Creative Industries Summit in celebration of the Cebu Business Month 2013.

He remembers his childhood experience when he used to play and make things out of scrap rattan from his mother’s factory.

In his early years, his mother who was also a designer then was not impressed when Cobonpue showed her his finished output that was copied. She then encouraged her young son to be unique and make something different.

Although he admitted he could not draw before and was not even accepted into universities offering fine arts courses, he said he spent time to learn the skill.

In 1997, he was able to create his first design, the yin and yang, a skeleton structure made of rattan and steel.

Cobonpue revealed that he gets his inspiration from things which may look simple but could actually seem stylish such as a crushed can, bowl of noodles, grass reeds, sheep, fishing nets, braided hair, leaf, palm, dimsum steamer, and an opera house.

“I actually get my inspiration from everything and nothing. I look for it everywhere. There is beauty in everything,” he stated.

He cited that his journey towards making it globally has never been easy. He said that he started his career as a designer when the Filipino furniture brand was not acknowledged by the market. 

He worked hard to come up with designs out of locally-sourced and synthetic materials along with local weavers who are gifted with unique weaving skills, or as Cobonpue would describe, “designs that would last for generations and won’t go out of style.”

He further believes that the arts and craftsmanship of a Filipino is unique in the world and is worthy to be showcased and patronized.

He added that the furniture industry, which he also refers as mini-architecture, should not just focus on design alone but also on quality in terms of packaging, branding and weaving pattern.

“I believe that all the things I do can only be done in the Philippines. All of my creations are proudly made in the Philippines,” he said.   /JMD

After years of creativity, innovation and perseverance, Cobonpue’s creations are now being sold and displayed in stores, resorts, hotels, restaurants, commercial establishments and residences all over the world.

He has also expanded his design skills to the world of fashion and home accessories and even created a car made of bamboo and tricycle which were recognized in the global market.

Cobonpue was also the designer of the unique finisher’s medal for the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines last year.

 â€œPursue your passion. Whatever you do, love what you do. Remember, when starting a brand, your product should be unique and different. Learn to innovate,” he concluded.  /JMD (FREEMAN)