8 March 2014 – Thirty-nine ambassadors and diplomats from Asia Pacific countries participated in a cultural and economic familiarization tour of Central Luzon today, an activity initiated by the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs.  The diplomats were introduced to Betis Crafts Incorporated in Guagua, Pampanga. Betis Crafts started as a small family business producing woodcrafts and is now a producer and exporter of world class furniture already found in Malacañang Palace and palaces all over the world.

Founders of Betis Crafts, Mr. Jose Bituin, his wife Myrna and family, personally toured the diplomats in their showroom of world-class home decor and furniture.

Her Excellency Datin Malai Halimah Yussof, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Philippines shared her impression of Betis Crafts and said, “I was very impressed by what I saw. I was surprised that Pampanga, aside from places like Cebu, also produced such high quality furniture.” END