Cover William Ko, Lorens Ziller, Florence Ko, Ed Calma, Sergio Boero
William Ko, Lorens Ziller, Florence Ko, Ed Calma, Sergio Boero
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Unstoppable, the luxury furniture distributor welcomes another year with gratitude
For over two decades, Furnitalia has consistently remained one of the country’s purveyors of luxury Italian furniture in the Philippines. An enterprise that was built from the ground up by its founders, William and Florence Ko, it has brought some of the most coveted Italian furniture brands to the country, and continues to do so to this day. On the celebration of its 21st anniversary, Furnitalia ushers in a new era in a special cocktail event held at its stunning multi-level showroom in Bonifacio Global City.
The lovely evening, presented by Tatler Philippines, echoes a bright and youthful vibe–an apt setting for the guests who arrived in style including Rosenthal Tee, Patty Ang and husband, Migs Almeda, Atty Karen Jimeno and Vanessa Ledesma. Also present were the former Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Giorgio Guglielmino, architect Ed Calma, photographer Wig Tysmans and his wife, Carol, Tania Fricke Lichauco with daughter, Katya, Linda Ley, Hera Geriene, Ching Cruz and Tina Cuevas. A number of young couples and soon-to-weds also graced the event.
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Above William and Florence Ko with son, Billy
William and Florence Ko with son, Billy
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Madeleine Par, Siu Ping Par, Henri Calayag, Linda Ley
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Ed Calma and William Ko
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Hosted by Janeena Chan, the programme opened with Gruppo Mobili president and co-founder Florence Ko giving her message of gratitude for making Furnitalia one of the most successful furniture distributors in the country. “I want to thank the Lord for giving us another year; my family and the people we work with; our partners; and of course, all of you for celebrating with us tonight,” says Florence. The highlight of her speech, however, was the unveiling of Furnitalia’s Gift Registry. “The Gift Registry is not limited to those who are getting married,” she says, to which the host added, “The whole concept of a Gift Registry is a lifesaver. It takes the worry and frustration out when you want to gift a person with a memorable present. As was said, you can do a gift registry for not only a wedding, but birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, and any event really!”
Above An Italian spread by Happy Ongpauco Tiu
An Italian spread by Happy Ongpauco Tiu
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Above Migs Almeda, Florence Ko, Patty Ang, Isabel Martel Francisco
Migs Almeda, Florence Ko, Patty Ang, Isabel Martel Francisco
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Tania Fricke Lichauco with daughter, Katya
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Above Janeena Chan hosts Furnitalia's 21st anniversary programme
Above Ailene Chua, William Ko, former Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Giorgio Guglielmino,Florence KoGiovanni Porcu, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Italy
Janeena Chan hosts Furnitalia's 21st anniversary programme
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Prepared by Happy Ongpauco-Tiu and her team, the delectable Italian spread, comprised of roasted angus belly alla Florentina bruchetta, tagliatelle al tartufo, arancini, funghi ripiene and homemade Italian apple pie, was paired with free-flowing gin and tonic, prosecco and Chateau Gressina, a grand vin de Bordeaux that is a velvety red wine. As guests indulged in Italian fare, they walked around the showroom to check out pieces from Giorgetti, Molteni & C, Space 2000 and more.
With 21 years and counting, Furnitalia is indeed ready for a new chapter ahead.
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Whether on assignment or not, Maritess is always on the lookout for off-the-beaten-path destinations as well as the yummiest finds in the Philippines and abroad. In 2020, she plunged into the black hole of Korean la la land. Follow her escapades at @matetreyes.
