Cebu's best in words and images

MANILA, Philippines - Dynamic and vibrant yet resilient and pliant best describes the evolutionary chronicle that is Cebu Furniture: A History of Inspiration and Innovation. But that’s getting ahead of our tale.

The story begins from a humble pile of raw rattan poles, bent into the most classic of all designs, strapped together by rawhide in a bond inseparable and lasting. By means of carving, twisting, hammering, then emblazoning with articles such as nylon, stingray, steel, resin, glass, microfiber and petrified wood, the rattan furniture first undergoes experimentation, then production and eventually exportation to foreign shores which have found it creatively fascinating, bewilderingly strange – perhaps even intriguing.

Meanwhile, dried fish scales, coconut bark, cocowood reeds and abaca, all wild and abundant, become part of the wonders that make Cebuano furnishings both works of unconventional, oftentimes avant-garde art and of ingenious function.

The pliability of the palm plant rattan greatly appealed to John and Elinor McGuire, former Philippine residents, who were among the original American buyers of Cebu furniture produced since the 1950s. They founded the McGuire Furniture Company in San Francisco, California to promote and sell Maria Montenegro Aboitiz’s desired products. Today, the family firm Mehitabel Inc. has reached new heights in design and workmanship through the years of management under Josephine Aboitiz-Booth and, currently, grandson Robert. As a matter of fact, two pieces are revered as classics and are permanently displayed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Florentino Atillo Sr. was among the first to venture into the once-upon-a-time cottage industry with his Atillo’s Rattan and Wood Industries, which unfortunately ceased operation due to clan dynamics. At about this time, Guillermo Figueroa successfully surpassed the trials of the then growing trade with his Casa Cebuana, now being run by daughter Angela Figueroa-Paulin.

Exploring other resources such as stone iron, bamboo, fiberglass, leather, mother of pearl and brassware, this highly specialized business opened to more players and innovators such as Interior Crafts of the Islands of Betty Cobonpue, Pacific Traders and Manufacturing Corporation of Hugo Streegan, and Mindanao Rattan Corp.

The creation of furniture and fixtures in Cebu had so captivated and appealed to Paul Maitland-Smith that his company, one of the largest producers of furniture in Asia, soon opened a shop on the island. And he did wonders with wood.

Designs by John Black, Winsor White , and Bernice Montenegro .

In time they diversified to home accessories such as ceiling and floor lamps, side and tray tables and wall art decor.

Made from indigenous items and unyielding entrepreneurial spirit, these iconic furniture and innovative home accessory pieces have made waves in local and foreign markets. And history tells us of the bamboo tables that had been part of foyers of the White House during the time of US President Richard Nixon, the rattan arm chairs where American President Ronald Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher sat on for a photo opportunity, and the Kenneth Cobonpue-designed sets for Ocean’s Thirteen, Wimbledon, CSI: Miami, and Chuck to name just a few.

The industry’s 60-year journey, reflective of a rich craft heritage, is captured in a masterpiece of a publication by ArtPostAsia and Charles Streegan, with creative director Tina Colayco, managing editors Jacqueline Joan Arquiza and Melody Gocheco Wigforss, designer Katrina Palomo Garcia and writer Maricris Encarnacion.

Recognizing the many remarkable and passionate people who pioneered and blazed new trails in the industry, the compilation – all 300 pages – presents a chronological and endearing narrative complemented by captivating visuals.

The collector’s item of a book highlights the trends in patterns, goods and production, while more relevantly discerning the importance of both the designer and the design that has led the furniture manufacturing business to maturity. Pages 92 to 279 takes the readers to a world where over a hundred images of fixtures and furnishings – chosen by leading industry players – are artistically displayed in the gallery that include the artist, inspiration, materials, stylistic variations, manufacturer, year done and size.

“All works carry the mark of the high quality of craftsmanship and design, through the inspired use of indigenous materials that have seen remarkable evolutions with newer techniques, mixed media and design expertise,” publisher Streegan states.

Tina Colayco and Charlie Streegan (above left). Ruben de Jesus, Ernie Canlas, Tina Colayco, and Lito Carating (above). Petty Benitez Johannot, Lourdes Montinola, and Phyllis Zaballero (far left). Maricris Encarnacion, Sabrina Panililio, and Rene Orosa (left).

Then a small enterprise, it is now a critical economic machine; an industry of pride to Filipinos, many of whom have been given jobs or even inspirations to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

Cebu’s furniture industry now battles with the challenges of competition from China, Vietnam and Indonesia, shifting consumer preferences and fast-changing trends in its decisive move to achieve higher degrees of excellence and fortune. Improving market development and productivity, it continues an endless reinvention of itself, a fitting trait of the Cebuano bloodline that can be as unyielding as the rattan.

Copies of the book Cebu Furniture are available at Borders (La Fuerza Compound, 2241 Chino Roces Ave., Makati) (632) 831-0112 and (632) 893-2905.