Exquisitely Filipino at APEC Summit Cebu
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), a regional economic forum for 21 Pacific Rim member economies, was established in 1989 to promote free trade throughout the Asia Pacific region. Business leaders and strategists meet regularly to tackle important topics that include trade and investment, energy and climate change, security, and disaster readiness that generate prosperity for the people of the region.
This year the Philippines is privileged to chair APEC’s annual Leaders Meeting, which runs through November. Host venues have included such places as Manila, Clark, Tagaytay, Bacolod, Boracay and Iloilo.
Cebu was tapped to be the venue for APEC 2015 Third Senior Officials Meeting and other related conferences which were hosted by different departments such as the senior finance officials’ meeting and the finance ministers’ meeting hosted by the Department of Finance; Transportation Ministerial Meeting by the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Energy Ministerial meeting hosted by the Department of Energy.
To give the delegates the chance to indulge in the total Cebu experience, APEC Philippines 2015 National Organizing Committee led by APEC chair Laura del Rosario, in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry, Cebu Provincial Government led by Governor Hilario Davide III and SM City Cebu’s driven vice president of SM Prime Holdings, Marissa Fernan presented a unique fashion show, a special exhibit and shopping event dubbed “Exquisitely Filipino” at the SM City Cebu Northwing area .
APEC delegates and other guests were spellbound by the culturally inspired and artistically designed creations by Cebu’s very own fashion experts Philip Rodriguez, Jun Escario, Oj Hofer, Phillip Tampus, Cary Santiago, Yvonne, Quisumbing, Edwin Ao, Albert Arriba and Mia Arcenas. The much-applauded show was entitled “Paradiso, The Resort Collection”.
The exhibit, on the other hand, showcased the best of Cebu’s high-end furniture and furnishings and fashion accessories products. APEC delegates and guests were all invited to visit the display areas and take advantage of the opportunity to buy or own exquisitely crafted, export –quality products made by Cebu’s leading designers and creative artists.
The outstanding display, which was curated by D’oro Barandino, featured 18 exhibitors. Among the notable participants were Arden Classic, Avatar Accessories, Janice Minor Export, Luisa Home by Luisa Robinson, Mia Arcenas of Ferimar Import-Export, Kultura Filipino by SM Store, D’oro Barandino for D8, Vito Selma, Detalia Aurora and Pacific Traders and Manufacturing Corp.
Kultura Filipino by SM Store highlights uniquely Filipino artistry and craftsmanship. It offers an expansive range of products made from materials that best reflect Philippine heritage and contemporary culture under three main categories: fashion, home and souvenirs. Selections include traditional and modern filipiniana, barongs, pearls and other accessories, artisanal home décor and novel souvenir items. In line with its corporate social responsibility, Kultura also carries Crafts for a Cause, a special product line which supports various foundations working with marginalized communities.
Arden Classic produces handmade home furnishings and decorative accessories made of natural sea shells, coconut shells, fish skins and other indigenous materials accented with silver plated solid bronze embodying timeless elegance.
Avatar Accessories produces traditional Philippine wood and shell jewelry. It is included in the Swarovski “Trendsetter” list making us the only Philippine manufacturer to be part of this elite group that counts some of the world’s best-known designers and brands as members.
Janice Minor Export pioneered the use of mixed media, recycled glass, gemstones and petrified wood along with the staple wrought iron and rattan in order to create sophisticated and unique furniture and furnishings.
Luisa Home by Luisa Robinson is an advocate of modern and clean design. It integrates natural indigenous materials with modern technology and applications.
Mia Arcenas of Ferimar produces luxury resort wear and accessories which are on exotic shores of Morocco, Maldives, Thailand, Australia and Japan.
D’oro Barandino for D8 is founded by a well- known designer D’oro Barandino .With his innate creativity, clever ingenuity and utter determination, he broke new grounds by pulling and molding his ideas into new designs. He manipulates materials into simple shapes that are understated, architectural, linear and modern.
Vito Selma is an independent furniture brand that is quite adamant on its focus on the natural. Wood is its primary medium and its designs reveal a love affair with shapes and textures that are often repeated in the earth, the sky and sea.
Detalia Aurora is a lifestyle brand that offers a variety of products for fully furnished, livable and beautiful spaces, occasional lighting, home décor and custom made furniture.
Pacific Traders and Manufacturing Corp. continues to meet the demands of the ever changing markets with exciting ideas and fresh innovation. It is home to a variety of furniture material including rattan, metal, wood and more. It has decades of experience, consistent quality delivery and commitment to service excellence.
