CEBU, Philippines - In the old days, before the advent of high- tech, all weather furniture and fabrics, the choices for outdoor furnishings were pretty simple. A couple of rockers for the lanai, some folding lawn chairs and you were done. But as the years passed, sun, rain and wind would take
their toll on the furniture which deteriorated and faded
with mildew.
Today, the outlook is bright and different. As our lifestyle changes, with more focus on nature and environment, we look at the great outdoors, the gardens and patios, terraces and decks as essential extensions of our home – the perfect place to relax, to play and entertain.
Recently, I chanced upon dear friends Charles and Sunshine Lim, owners of Heritage Muebles Mirabile Export . Over tea, we shared pleasantries, shifting world concerns and, before long, I found myself casually interviewing Charles about the latest in their family- owned furniture business.
Q: When did Heritage start?
We established our business in 1994. After several years of subcontracting, we discovered our niche in the market by creating a line of outdoor furniture that was both beautiful and comfortable.
Q: What is the vision of Heritage?
To promote and advance exceptional Cebu-made furniture for domestic and international markets and make available career opportunities for our skilled labor while doing our share in boosting the Philippine economy.
Q: And your mission?
To design and create world-class furniture of superior quality and excellence that will provide comfort and elegance in every home and establishment.
Q: What is your firm’s commitment?
Providing clients with the best cost-effective product, punctual delivery and service in the market consistently ignite our life-long passion to create exceptional furniture.
Q: Does the word Heritage define the look and style of your product line?
We consider every piece we create as a “heritage” as it reflects the art and style of our Cebuano designers that exceed international standards. It likewise is resilient and durable which make for a lasting investment.
Q:What were the early successes that jump-started the company's growth?
We joined the Manila Furniture Show in October of 1994 and met Stein World of Tennessee, USA.They surprised us with an order of four containers of one Heritage-designed chair.
In another instanc,e a Sydney-based Australian buyer – the Merlino Group, made an initial order of five containers then repeatedly ordered more containers monthly. From the Middle East, Riyadh-based Hamid al Turkish continues to order two containers of wrought iron and stone furniture every month.
Q: What made Heritage decide to serve the local market?
We are proud to say that Cebu is branded as the furniture capital of the Philippines. We firmly believe it is time to make our very own world-class, Cebu-made furniture available to and within reach of Filipinos, primarily the Cebuanos.
Q: What do you hope customers will get from owning a piece of Heritage Muebles Mirabile furniture?
We are proud of the excellent quality furniture that our highly-skilled craftsmen design and manufacture .I would like to believe owning Cebu-made furniture is reason enough to be proud.
With an impressive company background and the equally remarkable designs and quality of workmanship, we have a wonderful opportunity to own outdoor furniture that is beautifully crafted, requires very little maintenance , durable and stylish, right in our midst - Heritage Muebles Mirabileat Soong l, Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City. (FREEMAN)