SAY Marikina and one of the first things that comes to mind is shoes. It’s no secret that Marikina-made shoes are of good quality. But the emergence of modernization, diversification of technology and the arrival of people from different cultures and provinces are now giving the city of Marikina some reasons to be proud.
Custom Table Shop, owned by Eric and Virginia Pedraza, is slowly making a positive mark in Marikina. Their business of custom-made furniture using solid hard wood is slowly putting Marikina on a “different” map, aside from its world-class shoes.
Now on its 12th year of operation, the business is now being managed by Virginia. “Ghie,” as she is fondly called by her peers and clients, welcomed the idea of owning a furniture store even if she has literally no background in interior design or architecture.
“Me and my husband, we both love wood. Its natural beauty and color makes us see how it can be turned into a nice furniture piece that will liven up our clients’ home. You can never go wrong using quality hard woods as furniture pieces,” said Ghie.
The Pedrazas’ love of wood has evolved since their first business venture is hardware business. “My husband Eric worked before for Napocor and I am a banker by profession. He started collecting hardwood by buying antique pieces from old houses, even churches, that have been demolished and he would get wood pieces from old posts, doors and old furniture. Once we already have the materials, I start designing,” added Ghie.
Ghie understands that what she has is a “gift” that earns her designs acknowledgment from professional designers, some of whom have even sought her consultation when it comes to furniture designs. “Nagugulat talaga ako kasi kahit ’yung mga talagang nag-aral ng interior design and ’yung iba, architecture, nagtatanong sa akin ng mga techniques in furniture design. Syempre wala naman akong formal education sa design. Ang pinanghahawakan ko lang talaga is yung love and passion ko sa hardwood,” said Ghie.
The Pedrazas also credit their love of travel in getting new ideas and concepts for their clients. Classical, modern, traditional and minimalist designs are gathered from their domestic and international trips.
Most of Custom Table Shop’s quality furniture is made of exotic hardwood such as kamagong and narra.
The kamagong (Diospyros ebenaceae) is an extremely hard hardwood found only here in the Philippines and is said to be nearly indestructible. Ancient Philippine history chronicles it as being used for making hunting and martial weapons such as spears as well as sword and knife handles. Its grain is grayish and dark with brown streaks with really black heartwood.
Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), our national tree, is a tropical hardwood whose beautiful deep red wood grain finish, hardness and tolerance to weather elements have made it not only a favorite furniture wood but is ranked as one of the sturdiest hardwood materials for large and outdoor furniture in the world.
Both narra and kamagong furniture are among the most expensive one can find. Custom Table Shop offers hardwood furniture that range from P200,000 to P700,000, depending on the size. Difficult to find but a real treasure to own, narra and kamagong furniture make an excellent addition to any fine home.
In terms of design, Ghie’s policy is to maintain the beauty of the wood by adhering to a minimalist design. “Ang hardwood such as kamagong or narra, napaganda pag natural. Hindi mo kailangan ibahin ang kulay o mag-ukit pa ng technical design. We use varnishing lang para mas ma-highlight ’yung natural color ng mga wood,” said Ghie.
Aside from quality products, what Custom Table Shop offers is exclusivity. “We do not create designs that are from a template. We do not repeat our designs. Our finished products are from the minds and wants of our clients. Our clients are assured that when they get their furniture pieces from us, they are assured that we will never duplicate the design and make. We put our client’s personality in the furniture we design for them” said Ghie.
For more information, pls call our hotline number +639173236123.
No comments:
Post a Comment