Filipinos usually make extraordinary marks internationally may it be in sports, acting, music and design. Kenneth Cobonpue, a Cebuano, is one of the many Filipinos who made their mark in the face of the world.

Kenneth Cobonpue is a world-class furniture designer and manufacturer. With his designs magnificent and made from indigenous materials, Kenneth Cobonpue has been a favorite of even the most famous stars from Hollywood.

* Photo courtesy of http://www.darnslick.com

Kenneth Cobonpue is featured in this month’s (June 2009) Masigasig magazine. He landed on the front page! I got interested with his background (especially that he’s a fellow Cebuano) and read through the history of his business. It was a long read, but a totally inspiring one for someone who dreams of success. Like me.

Kenneth Cobonpue is a product of Pratt Institute in New York but originally studied business at the University of the Philippines Diliman for two years. He transferred to Pratt Institute because he failed the talent exam in the College of Fine Arts, Diliman. Not something to be ashamed of though, really. :up: He also studied in Germany. But being a graduate of an international school doesn’t necessarily equate you to immediate success. That’s what I learned in Kenneth’s story. Kenneth inherited Interior Crafts, his mom’s furniture business, but his mindset was to using natural fibers and local materials. His start wasn’t that easy but he managed to make himself a name in the furniture design industry. His designs now are famous in many countries worldwide like Paris, Portugal, USA, etc. Kenneth’s notable awards include 12 Mugna and four Katha Awards and many more awards from Asian countries. He is also one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines in the field of Arts & Design in 2003.

Kenneth Cobonpue’s products are made of natural fibers and materials like rattan, wicker, abaca and bamboo among others. In short, environment friendly. For his outdoor products, he uses polyethylene (PEP), a nature-friendly material. Here are some of his famous furniture:

“Kenneth Cobonpue’s creations have earned him recognition at home and abroad. Tropical Living, and Tropical Interiors underscore Kenneth’s position as a leader of a new movement incorporating new technologies with crafts.” – http://www.flickr.com/photos/83856358@N00/

Kenneth Conbonpue’s Voyage Bed was bought by Brad Pitt. His furniture products are rising like international stars. With ingenuity, creativity and a terrific design in one package, who wouldn’t want to grab such kind of furniture? :$:

So in summary, here’s why I am proud of Mr. Kenneth Cobonpue:

• He makes the Cebuano community proud of his achievements.
• He uses his creativity and knowledge well.
• He fought for his real passion, something we all can’t do.
• He brings with him the unwritten duty of taking care of nature in his business.
• He is an inspiration and a great example for those who are seeking success.
• He is a Cebuano and he is proud of it.

A little trivia before the last words, Mr. Kenneth Cobonpue is a professor in our school University of the Philippines – Cebu College. He teaches Industrial Design in the Fine Arts Department. I haven’t seen him though.

To see all of the Kenneth Cobonpue Asia designs and products, visit the official website at www.kennethcobonpue.com. He also has a Facebook page. By the way, some information in this post are taken from “Making His Mark” article from Masigasig magazine June 2009 Volume 3 Issue 5 page 15, 16 and 18. To read the full article, get your Masigasig magazine from any Globe Business Center now. I got mine at the ICT Congress in Cebu International Convention Center.

Kenneth Cobonpue is a great example of a man who worked his way to success. And when there, he did not forget to look back at his roots – nature and his hometown. He could have gone abroad and live there forever but he chose to stay here in Cebu. Kenneth Cobonpue should be someone the youth should look up to.