26 May 2015 – Philippine Consul General Mario De Leon, Jr. accompanied a delegation representing seven major Philippine furniture designers, led by world-renowned Kenneth Cobonpue and Budji Layug, which participated in the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) held at Javits Center, New York City from May 16 to 19. On May 18, a dinner reception at the Official Residence of the Consul General, hosted by Consul General Mario and Eleanor De Leon, was held in honor of the Philippine delegates.
At the dinner reception, Consul General said he was pleased by the Philippine participation in the ICFF this year which is the second straight year after an absence of 13 years. He believes that participation in ICFF is the right move because ICFF provides the right platform for Filipino designers to showcase their unique designs that combine individual creativity with indigenous raw materials.
He also honored the participating Filipino designers in the field of contemporary furniture who continue to reap praise and positive feedback from ICFF organizers and many visitors. Their fresh take on furniture design has been acknowledged internationally and are much in-demand among high-end clients and gives the Philippines a positive image and establishes the Philippine brand in contemporary furniture, he added.
Mr. Ito Kish conveyed thanks to Consul General on behalf of participating delegates for hosting the dinner and welcomed the support by the Consulate General and the Philippine Trade and Investment Office to their delegation during their visit to New York City. He hopes more Philippine furniture designers can be encouraged to participate in ICFF and similar exhibits worldwide to showcase the best of contemporary Philippine furniture design.
During the reception, Consul General De Leon also announced the departure of Trade Representative Michelle Sanchez who is ending her tour in New York. Ms. Sanchez, along with DFA officials, is credited for pioneering the widely-successful gastronomic event called Inuman at Pulutan. Consul General De Leon also welcomed incoming PTIC representative Mr. JP Inigo who was cross-posted from India to New York.
The 2015 Philippine Delegation to CIFF was composed of the following participants: Mr. Reimer Jen and Lynmarie Bonghanoy of Bon Ace; Mr. Margarito Gallano Kish and Mr. Oliver Co of Ito Kish; Mr. Kenneth Cobonpue, Suzanne Cobonpue and Mr. Christopher Reiter of Kenneth Cobonpue; Ms. Mariciris Floirendo-Brias, Ms. Juvenal Fernandez, and Mr. Russel Barrizo of TADECO Home; Mr. Randolph Viray and Mr. Rodrigo Viray of Triboa Bay Living; Mr. Vito Angelo Selma and Ms. Maria Isabella Selma of Vito Selma; Mr. Budji Layug and Ms. Bianca Marbella of BL+RP; and Ms. Leona Paula Catly of CITEM’. END