On an early Tuesday, I found myself on the road to the nearby province of Pampanga with fellow journalists. Our mission was twofold—to explore the renowned Filipino craftsmanship in furniture making and to indulge in the culinary delights of the country’s gastronomic capital. These are two irresistible facets of Filipino culture that never fail to entice me, even for an early morning call time. A smooth two-hour drive along the North Luzon Expressway brought us to the 11th Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation Expo. Our purpose was to witness the unveiling of Genteel Home’s new collection, a brand that originated in the province a decade ago when interior designer Katrina Blanca de Leon decided to forge her own path, leaving behind a secure and comfortable job at the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) in-house design team. At first glance, Genteel Home exudes a distinctly Filipino aesthetic, artfully influenced by de Leon’s personality, as well as her passion for various design periods, and the evolving needs of modern homes. The handcrafted furniture pieces effortlessly blend classic and contemporary elements. Solihiya, a traditional rattan weave, plays a significant role in the current collection, embodying the perfect balance of form and function. I have always been drawn to this particular weave. Its beautiful pattern not only reinforces the structure but also provides essential airflow, something that is greatly appreciated here in the Philippines due to our tropical climate. While larger furniture companies have hopped on the trend by mass-producing pieces with solihiya using machines, there is something exceptional about it in its true, handwoven form. The intricacy of the weave and the way it is attached to the main body of a furniture piece speak volumes about the skill of the weaver and attention to detail of the furniture maker. Our next stop was Genteel Home’s workshop and showroom located in Angeles, Pampanga. Strategically positioned near Clark and the burgeoning restaurant hubs of the province, this fully solar-powered establishment stands as a testament to de Leon’s unwavering commitment to operating an environmentally conscious business. “We have taken significant measures to minimize Genteel Home’s ecological footprint and promote sustainability, from powering our premises with clean, solar energy to cultivating our very own Mahogany farm in Batangas,” said de Leon. The farm is home to 3,000 trees, ensuring a sustainable source of raw materials. She also sources fabric, art, and other pieces they need locally as much as she can. Undoubtedly, the path de Leon has chosen is not without its challenges. “First and foremost, we face the prevailing mentality among Filipinos,” she explained. “We strive to change the perception that Filipino brands are of inferior quality or overpriced compared to imported brands. We must embrace our own brands and be the first consumers of our own homegrown products.” For far too long, the Filipino furniture industry has been associated with mere replication of existing designs, overshadowing the immense talent possessed by our own local designers. The last thing we want is yet another imitation of an Eames chair. It is imperative we celebrate and nurture the originality and ingenuity present within our own shores. “It also comes with so much heart,” de Leon added. “We Filipinos pour so much of ourselves into our work and craft. This not only applies to our brand but to every Filipino product and craft.” I am frequently approached by expatriates and diplomats seeking high-quality Filipino furniture, and I have long directed them to Pampanga or Tagaytay without a specific store in mind. Now, I have a name to share—the impression left by de Leon’s meticulous process is truly remarkable. The level of attention given to each project is astounding. “Many of our clients collaborate with us to create bespoke pieces for their homes, and we genuinely take their stories and requirements to heart,” explained de Leon. During our day trip, we also had the opportunity to  visit VG Bakery and Bistro, which is set to open on July 18. Chef Vince Garcia’s new venture is a foodie’s dream, a menu that combines international dishes with Filipino favorites. If you ever have a hankering for char kway teow or daing na bangus with garlic rice, this is your spot. The bistro also work closely with a local bakery and a pastry chef to provide delectable sweets and pastries to the clientele. Chef Garcia’s journey is a classic tale of success and upward mobility. He started working in a bakery as a young boy and now he now owns a chain of restaurants, with the bistro being his passion project. Not forgetting his roots, the chef still works with the same bakery he started with, whose products he sources for his bistro. As a friend of de Leon’s, Garcia’s VG Bakery and Bistro also reflects the essence of Genteel Home. De Leon’s love for pastel colors, solihiya, and elements of art deco and French colonial design can be seen in every furniture piece inside the bistro. Located in the heart of Clark, it provides a cozy and comforting spot for guests. The food is divine, and I highly recommend trying the spicy Scarlet Pasta, cookies, yema cake, and the famous sisig. A visit to Pampanga would not be complete without indulging in this local delicacy. Our trip may have been short but it served as a testament to the rich craft and culinary expertise of the Kapampangans. Genteel Home exemplifies the fusion of tradition and modernity, encapsulating the essence of Filipino design. Our journey also shed light on the need to embrace and support our local brands, recognizing their true value and worth. With Filipino artisans pouring their hearts into their creations, we are blessed with an abundance of exceptional products that deserve our admiration and patronage.

Let us celebrate Pampanga as a haven of talent, where Filipino craft and culinary fare converge to create an experience unlike any other.