CLARK FREEPORT – The Philippine Exporters Foundation Region 3, Inc. (Philexport R3) staged the “Obra Design Award,” a furniture and furnishing design competition showcasing Kapampangan talents at the Deco Central Showroom here Tuesday.
Philexport R3 Executive Director Malou V. Balano said the Klas Coffee Table by Triboa Bay emerged winner in the furniture category. In the furnishing category for lighting, Tripod Lamp by Dale Mathis Studio, Inc. won while in the accessory section, Timeless by More Than a Chair was judged winner.
The Best Booth was also bagged by More Than a Chair. Balano said the contest was conducted to encourage Kapampangan furniture manufacturers to come up with new designs and innovations for the local market which are displayed at the Deco Central Showroom.
“We came up with this design competition as a way to excite our regular clients because every time they come in here and they see the same stuff, they get irritated. We try to promote the furniture industry in Pampanga,” she said.
“We are also encouraging companies to come up with new products,” she added. “It is also meant to reinforce the creativity of our Kapampangan designers and manufacturers.” The judges were Myrna Sunico, executive director of the Design Center of the Philippines; Architect Anton Mendoza of J Antonio Mendoza Design Consultants; and Michael Pizarro of the Michael Pizarro Interior Design (MPiD.)
Balano said there were 24 entries for the furniture category while in the furnishing category, there were five entries for lighting and six entries for accessory. Balano said the judges evaluated the entries and the products as well as the booth set ups.
Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Judith Angeles graced the occasion. Philexport R3 is an association of 87 member-companies, all of which are exporters, mostly based in Pampanga. Balano said 95 percent of the member-companies are in the furniture and home furnishings business.
