Romelinda Garces

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Expo handled by the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry gave us a review of the creative prowess of the Mandauehanons.  Not only have they shown their skill in creating something out of a seemingly ordinary material as displayed by Clayton Tugonon of Classical Geometry, but the display also showed the versatility of the Mandauehanons as a people as expressed in the designs and items of  Grace Quinnefellou of  Cebu Intertrade Export Incorporated.

Shell crafts and metal works interspersed with leather, wood, cane and  fiber added color to the varied shapes and designs of furniture, décor  and gift items that were all works of art that fetched hefty conversations and commanded equitable prices.

Refreshing and comfortable outdoor sets from Dedon and classy lifestyle pieces of Coast Pacific could make a home, a resort and a hotel a beautiful haven.  The unassuming simplicity of  APY Cane that places one in awe at how a simple palwa (coconut leaf stalk) can fold itself into a table or a chair.

The stories behind the Bantayan  Crafts’ pieces depicted how people can rebuild their lives through their handiwork and come up with beautiful house items and accessories that used available materials left after the storm Yolanda.

For the garment industry which we thought died with the influx of the ukay-ukay (used clothing) is growing with a new trend of fashionistas and fabric architects.  The flair of the young designers of Mandaue like Stefen Tirado, PacoSerafica, Manuel Tomaque, and Celine Borromeo, demonstrated the observant and keen sense of art as comfort and style were integrated in eye-catching gowns.

Delectable morsels of chocolate, peanut bars,  polvoron and mango preserves from Tablea, Didang’s, Profoods and  February 20 Enterprises,  delicacies of Mandaue, that reflect generations of  community enterprise and patronage, as well as silent carriers of the Mandaue flag were  featured.

Now, Mandaue has been recognized as a city that is concerned for its environment by the APEC and has been selected as a green model town in Asia-Pacific.  In Mandaue, business is asked to integrate green practices in their conduct of day to day manufacturing, and enterprise and for a long time, the City has pored over programs and systems to institutionalize green buildings in future structural developments.

In all of the efforts of the City, we can see that beyond the desire to be visited, appreciated and recognized, is call to be IN Mandaue, and imbibe the spirit of a silent mover, and great contributor to national progress.

After the Mandaue Expo, which was at Oakridge Pavilion last October 7-9, made-in-Mandaue products  are a continued feature and can be bought at the I am Mandaue shop in City Timesquare, Mandaue City. (FREEMAN)