A builder's destination

To Americans, the home is the most significant investment. A recent poll conducted by the research firm Market Facts revealed that 45 percent of Americans see the home as the most vital investment for their family’s future financial security.

If someone were to conduct a similar survey in the Philippines, the results would perhaps be the same, or maybe an even bigger percentage of Filipinos would say the home is their prime investment. We build a sound structure, we furnish it, and we defend it against the onslaught of natural calamities.

Federal Hardware Builder’s Center believes in the importance of the home and aims to help the Filipino build his home. Defying the popular concept of a hardware shop – dim, crammed and uninviting – Federal Hardware is a US-derived retailing concept. Its flagship store on Pasong Tamo in Makati carries the widest assortment of local and imported tile products in the country, ranging from ceramic to vinyl and carpet tiles to related accessories. Properly arranged on tall racking systems are a large variety of do-it-yourself products, lumber, lawn and garden accessories, hardware, hand and power tools, paints, electrical items, kitchenware, pre-mixed concrete, lights and car-care products.

"If you’re building a house or putting finishing touches on it, Federal Hardware has all the items you need," says Lino Gernandiso, Federal Hardware assistant vice president for operations. "Our vision is to provide it all under one roof at a cheaper price," notes marketing officer Gerald Wong. "We have suppliers coming in directly, so the price is cheaper."

"Some are 10 percent or 15 percent lower," adds engineer Glenn Leh, AVP for merchandising.

The nearly 4,000-square-meter Federal Hardware on Pasong Tamo is air-conditioned and conveniently located near EDSA. It has a large parking area and an adjacent coffee shop.

Federal Hardware carries world-class brands such as 3M, Royal Tern, Dutch Boy, GE, Philips, Jett and Yale. Customers can actually handle the things they plan to buy. And because the merchandising team sources materials from here and abroad, they can easily spot trends and bring the latest innovations to the shelves of Federal Hardware.

On each aisle of the store are personnel who can advise customers. Entrepreneur Bubbles Jusi says: "The service assistants are very helpful, quick to respond to queries, and patient when waiting for the customer to make a choice."

In addition to its excellent service, Federal Hardware will soon be holding presentations of new products and free lectures on subjects like tiling and gardening.

The company has branches in Taytay and Cainta in Rizal; Angeles City; Las Piñas; Bacoor and Imus in Cavite; Calamba, Laguna; and Bocaue, Bulacan. Federal Hardware is developing these shops to look and feel like flagship stores. Before the end of the year, Federal Hardware will open stores in San Pablo City and Biñan, Laguna.

* * * Bon Voyage, Sonny

One of the more important hosts in Philippine society is the astute entrepreneur, philanthropist and Papal awardee Consuelo "Chito" Madrigal Collantes. Chito and her husband Manny once again opened to guests their opulent home in North Forbes when they recently co-hosted a cocktail buffet with Dr. Daniel and Ising Madrigal Vasquez. The occasion was held in honor of outstanding US Consul Sonny Busa.

Sonny has been coming to the aid of millions of Filipino migrants in the United States by serving as consul in the US Embassy in Manila. Sonny, however, will be assigned to a new country, where he will face new challenges, meet new friends and, of course, help more of our countrymen.

Before Sonny and his wife hied off to their new destination, guests feted them at the well-attended dinner. Each white table burst in happy colors at the center with a splendid arrangement of orchids and birds of paradise. Strategically-placed candles and little lamps at the sides lent an air of warmth and intimacy as, one by one, the pearl-bedecked ladies and dashing gentlemen greeted Sonny an auspicious journey. Among the well-wishers were the lovely Tingting Cojuangco, Francisco del Rosario, Gina Montinola, Francisco Ortigas, international jetsetter Nene Quimson, Ramon Sy, Dondi Teehankee, Isabel Wilson, and many more.

We are happy for you, Sonny! May you have a safe journey and may you remain an inspiration and helping hand to Filipinos abroad.