Health and Safety Certification a Must for Construction Workers in 2010

Health and safety issue is one of the critical concerns of the construction industry in the coming years. In UK alone, construction company and site should be health and safety certified. This means, it is the duty of every employer to assure that every construction site remain a feasible environment for workers.

How can this help the employer? This is CSkill have to say:

"A good health and safety records is everyone's business. Employing qualified workers aware of the all the basic health and safety issues on site, helps to reduce accidents, has a positive effect on your business profitability, reduces downtime and lessens the risk of litigation."

Health and safety accreditation is one of the services offered by CITB-ConstructionSkills to employers who want their employees get the right training. In partnership with the CITB Northern Ireland and the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Sector Skills Council for Construction, (Construction Skill) CSkillc offers other construction related accreditation and technical skills improvement.

Visit them at their website.

Vitalstrats Creative Solutions is looking for a Final Cut Pro trainee

This ad just came into my inbox. Should you be interested in working with them, please feel free to contact the details below:

Are you very creative, willing to stay up most nights, and is interested in learning new things?

Vitalstrats Creative Solutions is looking for a Final Cut Pro trainee. Eventually, trainee status will be lifted and promoted to in-house editor.

Applicants may or may not be knowledgeable in FCP but must be very creative and willing to learn. Editing takes a lot of time and we need someone patient enough to learn the technical aspects of editing and come up with creative ideas as well.

Some of our clients include Ford, BPI, Dept. of Tourism, Bangko Sentral, Isuzu, PDSI, St. Paul Manila, Warner Music (music videos), Summit Publishing, and a number of indie filmmakers.

Interested? Email us your contact details at amrei.dizon@vitalstrats. net or contact us at 435-9379 and 435-9289.

CFIF CHECKS OUT RUSSIAN MARKET

A delegation of furniture exporters headed by the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation (CFIF) President Eric Vincent Casas and Cebu X Chairman Laurie Boquiren visited Mebel in Moscow, Russia for a Study Mission.

Mebel, the International Exhibition of Furniture, Fittings and Upholstery, now on its 19th year ran from November 12-16, 2007. Amidst the apparently challenging traffic situation in the largest country in the world, the group found the engagement a successful one having been able to touch base with the show organizers, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation and the Philippine Embassy in Russia.

The Cebu delegation was composed of the top management of APY Cane Inc., Castilex Industrial Corp., Coast Pacific Manufacturing Corp., Diamond Cane International, Inc., F & R Ceniza Family Trading Corp., Kirsten International Phils. Inc. and Pan Arts Accessories. These dynamic furniture and accessories manufacturers that actively participate in trade shows saw the huge business opportunities in Russia. The strong spending power of the local buyers, which is 65% of the Mebel show visitors and the remaining international visitors that are mostly from the former USSR, is very much apparent.

CFIF is seriously considering the organization of a group participation to Mebel in the 2008 show.

All praises to Armi Garcia, Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation for organizing the mission and making it one that exceeds every participant’s expectations. Through Consul Garcia the Philippine business community, very much including the Cebu furniture industry, will have a lot of positive things to look forward to now with the signing of Philippine Russian Business Assembly, co-founded by Garcia herself.

Photo Caption: Cebu delegation with Philippine Ambassador to Russia Ernesto V. Llamas (center)

"Three Days of Darkness / Tatlong Araw ng Kadiliman"

FAST FACTS:

Directed by Khavn Dela Cruz

Starring Katya Santos, Gwen Garci

Introducing Precious Adona and Bugz Daigo

Opens on December 12-24 exclusively at Robinsons Movieworld IndieSine-Galleria, Manila and Bacolod



Inevitable. Inescapable. Inexorable. The only option left is to be prepared!

The unsettling events we see in the world today are sure signs of what is yet to come, doomsayers everywhere unceasingly warn an increasingly skeptical public. Yet it will come to pass- the `Three Days of Darkness,' an apocalyptic scenario which sees all of mankind literally groping in the dark under a dead sun, leaving the world in pitch black existence.

This highly-cerebral premise is merely but a starting point of the full length feature "Three Days of Darkness" (Tatlong Araw ng Kadiliman) which then ponders- what unspeakable horror awaits man if he's all too suddenly thrown in the blindness of three seemingly endless nights? More interestingly, what if instead of a man, it is a woman, nay make that three covetous women who are left to themselves in the dark? And are they, in fact, truly alone? Push the envelope further and see what if these lovely women become "playthings" in the hands of IT that thrive only in the dark? Can lust and desire veil the body from the assault of the unimaginable monsters of the night?

Questions on spirituality, morality, (homo)sexuality- one film simply cannot mix all three opposing elements. It is almost taboo.

But "Three Days of Darkness" is not a film.

From the recognized Father of Philippine digital cinema, Khavn Dela Cruz, comes "Three Days of Darkness" (Tatlong Araw ng Kadiliman), a full length feature unlike anything the local audience has been offered to see before. Little wonder as its creator, enfante terrible Khavn is unlike any Filipino filmmaker the world has known before. Before any other, he has long decided to shoot only in digital. Non-traditional digital features. No non-sense non-traditional digital features. You get the picture? (in digital-pun intended!)

So even for his most "commercial" endeavor, an admitted attempt of the filmmaker to entice and expose to a much wider LOCAL audience his version of cinema, Khavn could not be anything but true to his passion-the exploration and exposition of themes and ideas many others would find too taboo to even mention. Simply put, the digital master painstakingly chose his material, one that would equally excite the artist in him and the audience's dictum for unqualified entertainment.

The result is "Three Days of Darkness" (Tatlong Araw ng Kadiliman), a horror-thriller without a single ghost yet will MOST DEFINITELY leave the audience engulfed in a sea of terror and nightmare PLUS an unblinking dose of lesbian encounters that likewise stretches the limits of Viva's most daring sex goddesses, KATYA SANTOS and GWEN GARCI. Newbie nymphet PRECIOUS ADONA and young hunk BUGZ DAIGO complete the libidous quartet.

If a film be rated FOR ADULTS, let it be with a genuine adult premise and stance and substance. This year, no other local feature could be as adult as the encounter of the three women with their darkest secrets and the unseen monster in the darkest corners of the house that just suddenly went black. Total blackout for three days.

"Three Days of Darkness." It is here and escape is only for the sissy. Challenge your gut and your senses and experience an overblown scare-ride in the darkness of IndieSine cinema. That is if you're 18 and above-and we don't just mean your birth age.

CFIF WINS MODEL CLUSTER AND ENVIRONMENT AWARDS

It’s a double treat for the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation (CFIF) this year as it gets recognition from two separate organizations for programs it has implemented over the years.

The first award is for the Cebu furniture industry cluster as the “Model Provincial Cluster” besting other industries nationwide in this category. The award was given by the Export Development Council thru the National Cluster Management Team and was presented last October 24, 2007 at Malacanang Palace with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo giving the keynote address.

Industry clustering is one of the strategies under the Philippine Export Development Plan 2005-2007 aimed to benefit business in the regions and provinces of the country not only in terms of increasing productivity, but also in bringing down shared manufacturing costs, encouraging novel partnerships, and stimulating opportunities for innovative entrepreneurship.

The other recognition, PCCI-Pearl2 Environment Award (Excellence in Ecology & Economy), was given by CIDA Pearl2 to CFIF for its successful implementation and institutionalization of an Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Program to address the issues concerning the industry’s aspects and impacts to the environment. The award was presented during the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Conference at the Manila Hotel also last October 24, 2007.

On hand to receive both awards were Eric Vincent Casas, CFIF President, Charles Streegan, Vice President for External Affairs and Ruby Salutan, CFIF Executive Director.

CFIF is the primary professional support organization of the Philippine furniture sector. It is comprised of 164 of the most successful furniture manufacturing and exporting companies and organizes the highly acclaimed annual Cebu International Furniture and Furnishings Exhibition Show or Cebu X.

CHRISTIAN YOUTH MONTH SCHEDULES

Peacetech Embassy :"Bridging Youth. Building Peace" CALL FOR APPLICATION

We are looking for 45 of the Philippines most dynamic youth advocates in the fields of peace; human rights; multiculturalism; and sustainable development. The gathering offers you an opportunity to work alongside young people who are committed to change and who are dedicated to being that change!


THE COURSE
As a PeaceTech Ambassador, you will undergo a course in peace and conflict studies including trainings and interactive workshops on the following subjects:

1. Peace Education - Peace and Conflict Perspectives, Transformation Skills and Analysis Tools

2. Embracing Diversity : Islam and Christianity as Religions of Peace

Understanding Islam and Christianity in relation to conflict transformation.
Understanding Islamic and non-Islamic cultures and ways of life.
Understanding the conflict in Mindanao (history of Muslims in Mindanao)

3. Practical Skills - The course does not only provide theoretical knowledge but also gives you skills to improve your work for sustaining peace in your own communities. Workshops focus on: Leadership and Youth Empowerment Skills
Facilitating Skills
Organizational Development
Community Empowerment
Youth Mobilization
How to give Workshops
How to facilitate Dialogues

Our trainers have hands-on experience from different fields. Their personal experience and knowledge creates a captivating, atmosphere.

4. Alternative Activities/Immersion - An aspect of the course focuses on sharing – celebrating similarities and appreciating differences. This includes activities such as immersion to Christian and Muslim communities, visits to Mosques, Churches and religious schools.


NOTE FOR APPLICANTS:
PeaceTech aims to provide our Ambassadors with a well-rounded experience. The course is not a "12-day walk in the park". While it is an amazing experience, we expect you to commit to giving back to your communities with the knowledge you have acquired during the course

Anyone who is interested should apply! We will consider your application as long as you can convince us that the course will add something to your life and help you make a difference.

We will screen applicants through interviews in your community. The 40-hour course is subsidized.

Successful applicants will pay a Php 100.00 registration fee (your contribution for the course, kits and materials). Certificates of completion will be given to those who successfully complete the course.

Final schedules and classes will be announced soon.

If you are 16 to 30 years old, fill-up the Application form and send it back to us via email at peacetech.net@gmail.com. For inquiries, contact 02-636-6562 , or email at peacetech.net@gmail.com or visit www.peacetech.net.

Eskwela.com : The Philippine's largest social network for Filipino students

I was invited to join this site months ago.

Eskwela.com is a "social directory for Filipino students and alumni. The webmaster claims that the website contains list of registered students from 1,510 universities, 6,639 high schools, 42,645 elementary schools, and 1,551 companies.

Definitely, Eskwela is one of the promising, and perhaps, the largest online social and networking website for the Filipino students.

This online site can be a good avenue for any Filipino to find long lost friends in elementary and high school days.

To check on the website, log-on to http://www.eskwela.com.

5th Ramon Magsaysay Student Essay Competition is now OPEN

The 5 th Ramon Magsaysay Student Essay Competition has been extended until October 12, 2007. The competition theme is “The Magsaysay Awardee Who Inspires Me Most: the Magsaysay Greatness of Spirit Lives”.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation is inviting high school and college students to take part in the birth centenary celebrations of the late Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay by participating in this contest.

Reference source for students is the Foundation website – www.rmaf.org.ph .

Entries must be original, written in English, with an estimated length of 2-4 pages or 500-1,000 words in length. Deadline for submission is extended until November 20, 2007.

All participants are required to register online via www.rmaf.org.ph . By visiting the Foundation website, secondary school principals and university or college registrars, college deans and department chairs of the participating students also endorse online the students' participation.

Essays should be submitted by email to rsmsec5phil@gmail.com .

For competition mechanics, other information and technical assistance, please contact the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation at 521-3166 or toll free 1-800-1-888-2390

Al Gore wins Nobel Peace Prize

I'm a big fan of people who make difference in their own way. Al Gore is definitely one of the people in my list.

Minutes ago, board of judges of the respected Nobel Peace Price awards Al Gore and the UN Intergovernmental agency on global warming. The said award was given toAl Gore -- "An Inconvenient Truth" star and New York Time's Bestseller author of the book of the same title -- for putting man-made global warming in the political agenda and creating waves for the immediate address of this concern.

For more information about the news, click HERE.

You look at that river gently flowing by. You notice the leaves rustling with the wind. You hear the birds; you hear the tree frogs. In the distance you hear a cow. You feel the grass. The mud gives a little bit on the river bank. It’s quiet; it’s peaceful. And all of a sudden, it’s a gear shift inside you. And it’s like taking a deep breath and going, 'Oh yeah, I forgot about this'.
- Al Gore's opening monologue in "The Inconvenient Truth."

The Nobel Peace Prize (Swedish and Norwegian: Nobels fredspris) is the name of one of five Nobel Prizes bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel. According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize should be awarded "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses".

The Peace Prize is awarded annually in Oslo, the capital of Norway. The actual prize always is presented on the 10th of December, the anniversary of the death of Nobel.

Filipino Americans demand for apology from ABC and Desperate Housewives

This subject is all over the net for several days and the Online petition, as of this writing, is gaining more than 60,000 online signatures.

Started by Kevin Nadal, , knadal@gmail.com, the petition is filed online against ABC -- the creator of Desperate Housewives.

Here is Kevin's Petition for the Filipino people in http://www.petitiononline.com/FilABC/ :


To: ABC

To the producers of "Desperate Housewives" and ABC:

We are writing to express concern and hurt about a racially-discriminatory comment made in an episode of Desperate Housewives on 9/30/07. In a scene in which Susan was told by her gynecologist that she might be hitting menopause, she replied, "Can I just check those diplomas because I just want to make sure that they are not from some med school in the Philippines."

As members and allies of the Filipino American community, we are writing to inform you that this type of derogatory remark was discriminatory and hurtful, and such a comment was not necessary to maintain any humor in the show. Additionally, a statement that devalues Filipinos in healthcare is extremely unfounded, considering the overwhelming presence of Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the medical field. Filipinos are the second largest immigrant population in the United States, with many entering the U.S. (and successfully passing their U.S. licensing boards!) as doctors, nurses, and medical technicians. In fact, the Philippines produces more U.S. nurses than any other country in the world. So, to belittle the education, experience, or value of Filipino Americans in health care is extremely disrespectful and plain and simply ignorant. Many of the hospitals in major metropolitan areas of the U.S. (and the world) would not be able to operate without its Filipino and Filipino American staff members.

As Filipino Americans and allies, we band together to ensure that this type of hateful message should not be allowed to continue on our television and radio airwaves. Given the recent amounts of media attention that has been given to Michael Richards (against African Americans), Isaiah Washington (against gays), and Rosie O'Donnell (against Asian/ Chinese Americans), it is ridiculous that this type of hateful speech made it through various screenwriters, the show's producers, the show's actors, and ABC itself.

We demand a public apology to the Filipino American community, and we demand the episode be edited to remove the ignorant and racist remark. We will not allow hateful messages against our community (or any other oppressed community) to continue.

To sign the PETITION, click this LINK or copy and past this link to your browser: http://www.petitiononline.com/FilABC/

Get XCITED!

If you're an EXPAT in search of the "BEST OF THE PHILIPPINES" and "BEST OF ASIA"; or simply a FOREIGN BUYER looking for the world-class furniture and furnishings Philippines is known for, you MUST experience Cebu X.

Tagged as the 'Design Destination of Asia', Cebu X (Cebu International Furniture and Furnishings Exhibition) is acknowledged as one of the widely visited furniture show in Southeast Asia. Aside from the recognition it received from it's counterparts as 'one of the most organized shows' in the Asian Furniture show circuit, Cebu X -- with it's exhibitor's in it's boutique style presentation -- prides itself as the melting pot of classical, transitional and contemporary furniture and furnishings design from indigenous raw materials.

There's something to be XCITED! about this years exhibition at the majestic convention center of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on March 6 - 9, 2007.

Cebu X will definitely present you another feast of the senses with the upcoming years finest presentation of the world-class Filipino's craftsmanship and creativity.


To know more about the show, please feel free to log-on Cebu X (www.cebuexhibition.com) or email ruben@cebuexhibition.com.

Earn Php 100 -Php 200.00 per hour as HOMEBASED CALL CENTER AGENTS

Do you want to earn Php 100.00 - Php 200.00 per hour in the comforts of your own home?

If you have internet connection of 5-12 kbps, a USB headset, a computer with at least 60 gig hard drive and at least 512 memory with Pentium 4 processor, your on your way of earning from Php 100 – 200/hour and become a HOME-BASED FULL-TIME CALL CENTER AGENT. Previous call center experience is an advantage.

For more information, please e-mail your resume to rubenlicera@gmail.com. You can also contact me at 09228234315.

TREASURES OF THE SOUTH: Grandest Regional Trade Show on November 30 - December 3, 2007

From the organizers of the esteemed international furniture show named Cebu X comes the largest and grandest gathering of the Small and Medium Enterprises in the Philippines at the Queen City of the South. Organized hand-in-hand by Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI) and Philippine Export Confederation in Cebu (PhilExport-Cebu), the show aims to provide venue for budding markets to meet prospect clients and at the same time feature the best-of-the-best of what the Philippines can offer to the world. Definitely, the show is a testament that Philippine goods and services is, indeed, globally competitive.

The show christened as “Treasures of the South: The best of VISMIN,” To be held in SM City Trade Hall on November to December 3, 2007, will be the first and grandest trade fair that will show the country’s color, warmth, and fascinating blend of influences through arts and crafts made by our Filipino artisans across the archipelago while providing an avenue for small enterprises to be noticed by exporters and distributors.

Open not just for furniture and furnishings industries, the show will also highlight world-class export products and services from different sectors, namely: construction, real estate, fashion accessories, travel agencies, garments, gift items, christmas decors, housewares, financial institutions, advertising, printing, academes, food industries, financial institutions, real estate developers, food industry and creative & advertising agencies.

For budding and aspiring exhibitors, they will avail of the following benefits.
1. Listing in the “regional trade show” website with products and company details
2. Company listing in the show directory which will be distributed during the show.
3. Company will be part of the active database of CFIF and Cebu X
4. 20% discount on any training offers during the 4 day event that CFIF conducts
5. Pre-negotiated rates in hotels for their accommodation.
6. Pre-negotiated rates in freight forwarders or trucking of items

For more information, log-on to www.treasuresofthesouth.com or email us at bert@cebuexhibition.com or info@treasuresofthesouth.com .

CFIF conducts Training on "Effective International Trade Fair Participation"

What’s the most important part in Trade Fair Participation? preparation stage, during the event or the post fair? The answer is: ALL.

Tom Willemse, a CBI Consultant emphasized that every part of trade fair participation is crucial since all part of the pre, on, and post activities of trade participation contributes to the overall performance in attending the fair.

Attended by 22 participants from different companies who are ready to participate in the upcoming Cebu X 2008 show on March 6 – 9, the seminar dubbed “Effective International Trade Fair Participation” is organized by CFIF in cooperation with CBI of the Netherlands. Esteemed Trainor’s Tom Willemse of Intraservice Netherlands and Johan Laman represented CBI and held run-through on the basics of Trade fair participation. The seminar was held in the seminar room of CFIF’s new building along North Road Jagobiao, Mandaue City last September 26-27, 2008.

The seminar also included tackled topics on exhibition strategy, exhibition selection, stand design and decoration, the buying and selling process, getting visitors to your stand and stand behavior. Mr. Willemse and Mr. Laman also gave individual counseling to exhibitor’s who participated the seminar.

The participants we’re Velma Alicaya, Susan Genson, Rowena Alterado, Cecille Genson, and Carolyn Seno of Venus Craft; Bridget mariposa of APY Came, May Sarmiento of PhilExport Cebu, Karla Batiquin of Design Ventures, Inc.m Don Bartolota (Wireworks), Ernst Rama (NCB Industries), Charlene Lim and Jen Siarot Arden Classic, Inc., Charmaine Ong (Angel Whispers Gifts and Crafts, Eric Casas and Agnes Casas (Kirsten International), Carmen Rodriguez (Accessoria, Inc), Cristina Gaston (Hacienda Crafts Co. Inc.), Charmaine Basubas (Diamond Cane International) with Irene Ngosiok, Ruben Licera, Bert Dico, Rosemel Calderon, Lalyn Lumapas, and Marilou Matura of Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (CFIF).

The CBI (Center for the promotion of Imports from developing countries) is an agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. The CBI was established in 1971. Its mission is to contribute to the economic development of developing countries by strengthening the competitiveness of companies from these countries on the EU market. The CBI considers social values and compliance with the most relevant environmental requirements to be an integral part of it’s policy and activities.

IN PHOTO: Tom Willemse and Johan Laman of the Netherlands CBI flanked with some of the participants of the training.

A Home of our Own

Since its humble beginnings, it has always been the dream of the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation (CFIF) to have its own home. Thirty-four years later, what was once just a vision has now become a reality.

Along the busy lane of North Road Jagobiao in a northeastern city in Cebu rises a new 2-story building. In white hue, the new building best represents the people behind the success of the Foundation: its membership. Situated in a 2,415 square meter lot in Barangay Tungasan, the structure is at the heart of Mandaue City – the home of 60% of the Foundation’s membership.

HOW IT CAME TO BE. The plan of having a home of its own was the product of more than a decade of challenges for the CFIF Board of Trustees. In 1994, the first committee to search for a lot was established. It was unanimously decided that the building be located in the heart of Mandaue City where about 60% CFIF membership is located. CFIF Executive Director Ruby Babao-Salutan recalls: “it was the consensus of the board to locate the building in the ‘center of action.’ ”

The planning and the search for the site were not only the challenges faced by the Foundation. Funding the construction of this building took a long way. Every year since the committee was formed, a portion of CFIF’s savings was allotted for the building of its “home”.

THE “WHITEHOUSE”. The new edifice is the convergence zone of the Foundation’s operations. It houses all of CFIF’s support and service centers: Membership and Advocacy, Market Development, HRD and Productivity, Environmental Management and CFIF Information Centre (CFIF IC).

The lobby is furnished by no less than the renowned Kenneth Cobonpue.

CFIF IC, the business and design information powerhouse of the furniture industry, sits on the ground floor, just next to the lobby area. Furnished by the excellently-crafted furniture of Dedon Manufacturing Inc., which showcased of the Cebuano craftsmanship and German technology, CFIF IC hosts top-of-the-line design and product development materials and market reports accessible to CFIF member companies and other clients. It also prides itself for its Material Collection – a library of swatches and materials used by the furniture industry.

Also on the ground floor is the training area which houses the HRDP’s office and three training rooms ready to accommodate industry-related functions, trainings and other events. Each is capable of providing ample space for 50 individuals with state-of-the-art audio and visual facilities courtesy of the German Development Services (DED). Furnishings of the conference room were provided by Cebu Fil-Veneer Corporation.

CFIF’s dining area will be a special setting by itself with furniture pieces from Classical Geometry Export Trading.

Guests and clients coming to the reception area of the second floor are welcomed by the furniture set by Murillo’s Export International Corp. with lighting and fixtures from Raphael Legacy Designs Inc.. The second level houses the Executive Director’s office fully furnished by Detalia Aurora Inc. Adjacent to this room is the CFIF Board Room dressed with a complete regal boardroom set by Maitland-Smith Cebu Inc.

Sitting right next to the Executive Director’s office is the Membership and Advocacy and Finance and Admin Units’ area. Across them resides the Market Development Unit, whose main function is to run the annually celebrated Cebu International Furniture and Furnishings Exhibition (Cebu X) and the upcoming regional trade fair christened as “Treasures of the South: The Best of VISMIN”.

CFIF’s new building is a new milestone of its history. The Foundation’s new home humbly stands as an epitome of its undying commitment to serve its role: the voice and the primary support organization of the Philippine furniture export industry.

*This article was was published in the 2008 CFIF Annual Report.

Cebu X 2008 on March 6 to 9

Are you a buyer looking for high-end furniture and furnishings pieces?

Or, are you a designer looking for Rembrandt?

Cebu International Furniture and Furnishings Exhibition (Cebu X) is your show. Still to be held at Waterfront Cebu Hotels and Casino, Salinas Drive, Cebu City, Philippines on March 6 to 9, 2007, the show will once again gather hundreds of exhibitors from all over the Philippine archipelago.

After months of research and website development, Cebu X website is now fully operational with the following features:

1. Weekly updated news updates. Want to know the latest news about Cebu X or Cebu X exhibitors whereabouts? For sure, we'll give you the details you want to know.

2. Raw Material Feature. From a bamboo stalk to just about anything, Filipino's has the raw materials necessary to make every furniture and furnishings done in the Philippines special. Every furniture piece tells a story you would love to know.

3. Downloads. Information, forms, application and press details is within reach. Just press the "Downloads" button and you'll have all the information you want.

This year's theme dubbed "Excite!" brings in new blood to Cebu with a more varied yet outstanding presentations that will traverse from classical to contemporary. All it takes is for you to click their website or write simply www.cebux.com in your browser.

Tagged as the "Design Destination of Asia", Cebu X is one of the most sought after furniture and furnishings exhibitions in Asia for it's boutique style presentation which shows every Filipino craftsman's creativity and ingenuity. Cebu X is organized yearly by Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (CFIF) -- the primary support organization of the Philippine furniture export and manufacturing industries.

To register or for more information, please click this LINK or check their website at www.cebuexhibition.com

Cebu: Furniture Capital of the Philippines, Design Destination of Asia

Cebu – A narrow island province about 225 kilometers long surrounded by 167 small islands is the Philippines' Queen City of South. It boasts of fine white sandy beaches, an underwater plateau, a magnificent marine sanctuary … it is the fastest growing economic region in the Philippines and the tomorrow's information technology hub of Southeast Asia.

Cebu also lives up to its reputation as the furniture capital of the Philippines. It enjoys a substantial percentage share of the country's furniture export sales which is over 60% of the total annual figures. This despite the fact that Cebu manufacturers comprise only 20% of the entire Philippine furniture industry.

In an industry that is dominated by small and medium entrepreneurs, it has succeeded in becoming a billion-peso industry. Today, the industry is employing a huge employment base of 220,000 workforce, both directly and indirectly hired, who are greatly dependent on the Cebu furniture industry for their utmost survival.

Noted for its distinct designs and excellent craftsmanship, the industry relies on its design capability and unique mix of indigenous materials to further keep its edge over its Asian competitors. The growing competition has anything but discouraged nor limited the very talented Cebuano furniture designers into creating beautiful furniture made from combinations of traditional and indigenous materials such as sea grass, abaca (Manila hemp), arorog, and butay (coconut twig) mixed with wood, bamboo, rattan, stone and wrought iron, aside from the traditional wood. These designs are expertly handcrafted by the finest craftsmen in the area, giving attention to the tiniest detail that make up the essence of each piece. At present it already serves the European, North American, the Middle East, and Asian markets, thus making it a furniture resource of great promise.

For the last eighteen years, the Cebu International Furniture and Furnishings Exhibition more popularly known as CEBU X has served as the most valuable marketing platform for most SMEs in Cebu's furniture industry.

Organized by the primary support organization of the Philippine furniture and furnishings export industry, the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (CFIF), is responsible for fostering cooperation among its members, promoting the Philippines as a major furniture and furnishings resource in the international markets for over 30 years.

Cebu X is considered the biggest furniture trade event outside Metro Manila. Started in 1990 with just 35 exhibitors it has, over the years, grown to more than 123 participants from all over the Philippines. Participating companies from both the furniture and home furnishings category cover the classical, transitional and the modern cotemporary requirements of international buyers.

This year's run of Cebu X will be another feast of the senses as it features the finest boutique lifestyle presentation of the Filipino craftsman and designers. It will be held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotels and Casino, right at the heart of Cebu City, Philippines. Scheduled to open on February 26 next year, this four-day event will kick-off the Asian circuit of furniture shows.
This is Cebu.

A flourishing Asian trading post long before Magellan's ships arrived in 1521…

Balmy beaches, chilly mountains…

Furniture capital of the Philippines. Design destination of Asia.

PHOTO CAPTION: The featured photo is Kenneth Cobonpue's Yoda Chair. To know more about Mr. Cobonpue and his masterpieces, log-on to www.kennethcobonpue.com.

Cebu X 2007: Definitely inspiring!

Cebu X 2007 – Everything Inspires

By Ruben Licera, Jr.

Cebu International Furniture and Furnishings Exhibition (Cebu X) this year showed a more dynamic and varied representation of its avant garde and design oriented masterpieces. The credit goes to Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation’s (CFIF) intensive design and product development program implemented by the business and design information powerhouse of the Philippine furniture export industry – the CFIF Information Centre (CFIF IC).

Tagged under the project name “Design and Product Development Program (DPDP) for Cebu X 2007”, 26 companies participated in a well-orchestrated series of consultancy visits coupled with seminars and workshops designed to enhance the industry’s outlook in conducting research and product development.

The pool of consultants for the program is composed of two of the industry’s leading designers, Carlo Tanseco and Val Padilla, along with three of the finest from Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines (PDDCP) – Art Delgado, James Non and Rowe Requejo.

The series of design and product development trainings and workshops with consultancy visits was done through CFIF’s collaboration with the Association of Industrial Designers (VDID). The partnership was facilitated by the Foundation of Economic Development and Vocational Training (Sequa) and funded by Asia-Invest of the European Commission. Featured resource persons are leading German industrial designers Matthias Votteler, Frank Bauer, Jan Armgardt and Auwi Stuebbe.

The participating companies’ products were highlighted in well-curated special settings located in major thoroughfares of the show.

The consultancy program is subsidized mainly by CFIF with funding from Asia-Invest of the European Commission and Pearl2 of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Cebu X 2007 international trade buyers, guest and visitors pulse showed that they were impressed with the newly showcased products displayed in boutique-style representation.

Despite the downtrend in statistics of the last shows, show organizers are optimistic that this development can still infuse the required adrenaline to further advance Philippine-made furniture and furnishing products to be in every home in the world

SHOW STATISTICS. USA is the country’s largest market contributing to almost 18% of the total sales during the show as reflected on the reports given by the exhibitors. Cebu X 2007 earned more than US$15 Million in total sales.