Many people work to make a living while pursuing a passion that truly fulfills them. For Arnulfo Milambiling, that passion was furniture design—an interest that never faded, no matter where life took him.
Milambiling’s journey began in the shipyards of Saudi Arabia, where he spent years 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 lingered, and eventually, it became too strong to ignore.
“I’m a frustrated architect,” Milambiling shared. “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.”
When he returned to the Philippines, Milambiling combined his engineering expertise with his passion for design, leading to the creation of his furniture company, Contemporaneo. With just ₱35,000 in capital and three workers, he started in Olongapo, catering to American servicemen and their families stationed at the US Naval Base in Subic Bay. However, the 1992 eruption of Mount Pinatubo and the subsequent base closure forced a turning point. As the city rebuilt, so did Contemporaneo, relocating to Pasig City a few years later.
Determined to build something meaningful, the company initially crafted basic furniture—chairs, tables, benches, and beds—using tanguile and lauan wood. But it was the leftover wood scraps that sparked Milambiling’s innovation. Instead of discarding them, he transformed these offcuts into intricate designs, using woodchips, adhesive, and varnish—a creative process that became Contemporaneo’s signature. The company has since embraced sustainable practices, incorporating reclaimed wood and eco-friendly materials into its designs.
Today, Contemporaneo continues to thrive, offering both ready-made and custom furniture. Its reach has expanded beyond the Philippines, with pieces now available in the United States. Some of its most notable designs include the Scallop Tray, Eclipse Mirror, Leaf Design Chair, and Philippine Map Wall Decor, all meticulously crafted from premium wood. In 2024, Contemporaneo was featured in Design Philippines’ “Ambiente” expo in Frankfurt, Germany, a prestigious event that showcased upscale Filipino craftsmanship from 40 companies across the country.
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.
Looking ahead, Milambiling envisions a future not in factory expansion but in education. He plans to establish a furniture academy to nurture young and aspiring designers, ensuring that his legacy of craftsmanship lives on.