Most people have a job to cover their needs while pursuing another passion that brings them joy. Whether it’s a hobby or a creative endeavor, that urge often persists, pulling you to continue it no matter what life throws your way.
Arnulfo Milambiling’s journey began in the shipyards of Saudi Arabia, where he spent years working as a marine engineer. Despite the demands of his technical profession, a quiet but persistent urge kept pulling him back to his roots—crafting furniture. The memory of shaping wood into something beautiful never faded, and eventually, it became too strong to ignore. Returning to the Philippines, Arnulfo combined his engineering expertise with his passion for design, embarking on a new path that led to the creation of Contemporaneo.
“I’m a frustrated architect. Back then, I really wanted to be an architect, but my mom couldn’t afford the school expenses for that long since it was expensive. So, I took up marine engineering instead because it was cheaper. But later on, I realized my mind was still on designing—maybe it’s in my blood, and that’s why this happened,” Milambiling shared.
With P35,000 in capital and three workers to assist him, Contemporaneo's story began in Olongapo, where their earliest clients were American servicemen and their families who lived at the US Naval Base in Subic Bay. However, in 1992, the eruption of Mount Pinatubo and the subsequent closure of the base marked a turning point. As the city rebuilt, so did Contemporaneo, which relocated to Pasig City, Manila.
Determined to create something meaningful, the company started crafting basic furniture—chairs, tables, benches, and beds—from Tanguile and Lauan wood. Yet, it was the leftover wood scraps that sparked Milambiling’s innovation. He transformed these offcuts into intricate designs using wood chips, adhesive, and varnish, creating a signature style that set Contemporaneo apart. In addition to the discarded wood from previous projects, they use eco-friendly solutions that promote sustainable construction practices by collecting reclaimed wood.
Today, Contemporaneo continues to thrive, offering both ready-made and custom furniture, with its reach extending beyond the Philippines to the United States. Looking ahead, Milambiling plans to focus on establishing a furniture academy for young and aspiring designers rather than expanding the factory.
Contemporaneo’s designs blend modern aesthetics with precise craftsmanship. By using woodchip patterns and quality materials, each piece becomes more than just furniture—it’s a testament to the company’s creativity, earning recognition and popularity among design enthusiasts.