Thai Ambassador Thanatip Upatising and wife Monthip Upatising, together with Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc. President Phaskorn Buranawit lead the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon opening the exhibit booths of Mariwasa and SCG at the 23rd WORLDBEX, World Trade Center Wednesday, in Pasay City.
Mariwasa unveiled its latest tile collection FOCAL POINT at the 23rd WORLDBEX slated on March 14 to 18 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
In an effort to stay attuned with the fast-changing times, Mariwasa recently launched FOCAL POINT, the designs of which are a fusion of ideas from different generations from Gen X to Millennials, captivating the distinct taste of society’s diverse clientele with its timeless, modern and stunning natural designs.
The collection is divided into three categories, namely Revitality, a timeless design which gives a relaxing, therapeutic and energetic sensation; Technique, which is a cross cultural vibe and modern function; and Wanderwall, which gives an extraordinary ambiance.
The launch of the Mariwasa mascot, “Tyler the Tile Installer,” was also one of the highlights for this year. Tyler is a technical man, who gives tips and reminders on how to install Mariwasa tiles the right way, a medium to convey the benefits of using Mariwasa tiles.
"Mariwasa has been part of Filipinos' homes for more than five decades already. We kept up with the demand and taste of the changing sector through our innovations,” said Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc. (MSC) President Phaskorn Buranawit, who is also the Country Director for SCG Philippines, Mariwasa's mother company.
An example of such innovation was when Mariwasa launched its new tile size of 20 x 60 cm that is a good alternative of wood plank designs. "Our wall tiles are commonly used in the kitchen and bathroom before. Now, we noticed as we go around the country that people are already using 30x60 cm tiles as wall cladding in their house façade,” added Buranawit.
Arch. Rina Soriano, VP-Architectural and Interior Design of DMCI HOMES one of Mariwasa’s top project clients, attests to this.
“During plant visits, I can see they update their machineries. They’re willing to develop a different size based on the specifications that we wanted. They are very flexible and very easy to work with,” said Arch. Soriano.
And while Mariwasa reveals that its big sizes such as the 60x60 cm and 30x60 cm, together with its FULL HD Tiles, which are commonly in Wood, Marble and Stone designs, are the fast moving ones in tile shops and home depots, this does not stop them to search for new designs.
"Our designers go to different places in the Philippines and abroad to look for inspirations that will be incorporated in the tiles. They also roam around Europe and Asia to look for the latest tile trends. Moreover, each year we have a trend spotting workshop to identify the new trends, patterns and pulse of the consumer,” Buranawit revealed.
As an industry leader capable of adapting to the demands of modern technologies, Mariwasa also plans to embrace e-commerce and digital marketing.
“We are aware of the big change on how e-commerce shapes the consumers' buying behaviour most especially in other countries. For now, we are thoroughly studying if we can adapt it now here in the Philippines setting. Our main focus is digital marketing. Going through online particularly website, social media and search engines will reach our market and company’s objective faster. We are also using online communication as a channel to interact with the young sector or the millennials,” added Buranawit.
Mariwasa is also proud of its Corporate Social Responsibility programs in its effort of giving back to the community.
“Last 2016, we donated tiles and sanitary wares to more than 100 public schools nationwide. We are continuing this advocacy with DepEd because we believe that the best way in giving back to the community is through the public schools because we know that uplifting the conditions of the schools could lead to better learning," he said.
Mariwasa focused on donating tiles and sanitary wares to remote public schools in the country, where building materials are not accessible, with the tile company and DepEd identifying these schools to improve their sanitation.
Some cities in Negros Oriental province have already received the donation and more schools are being targeted.