Philippine designs shine at French furniture show

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino designers returned to Paris after a six-year hiatus to showcase Philippine designs at the French furniture trade fair 'Maison et Objet,' the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Wednesday.

The five-day festival which ended on Tuesday is the second largest furniture fair in the world, second only to Milan's 'Salone Internazionale del Mobile.'

The Philippine delegation under the banner 'Design Ph,' was composed of Budji Layug, Royal Pineda, Betis Crafts, Hive (Kenneth Cobonpue), Industria, Ito Kish, Luisa Home, Masaeco, Mayumi, Domicillo, Schema by Kalikasan Crafts, Tadeco Home, Triboa Bay and Vito Selma.

"Design Ph is now a movement in design which aims to establish the Philippines as a reliable source of quality export products in the home sector with a strong commitment and dedication to the highest level of design and craftsmanship," DFA said.

The designers were accompanied by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Gregory Domingo, DTI Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) Executive Director Rosvi Gaetos, CITEM Deputy Executive Director Rhea Matute, and representatives of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Paris.