There is another side of Cebu that most people are not privy to, and is seldom explored perhaps because tourists are oblivious to them. These treasure troves and bargain spots hide in plain sight so visitors to the belle city of the south have no knowledge that such clandestine spots exist. Our recent wandering in Cebu proved that there’s much more to this charming province than meets the eye, and there are other things to explore and experience than the usual tourist destinations.Our journey started at the Avatar Style Center, one of the pioneering accessory firms in the Philippines.
The creativity and decade-long artistry of the Carungay family brought about a profitable fashion accessory business in 1974, under a different name. It was only in January 2000 when the company adapted the name Avatar to reflect the shift in their product philosophy. They expanded their product lines from the traditional Philippine wood and shell jewelry to modern design-intensive fashion accessories. The jewelry center is a haven for all fashionistas who are always on the lookout for the latest, stylish, and avant-garde accessories. A visit to this fashion haven is an expedition in itself. It is like being a voyager with a mission to conquer and rummage around for the greatest treasure there is.One has to be a sharp-eyed and vigilant for each drawer and display rack is teeming with treasures waiting to be uncovered. There is a sensuous and passionate drama of symmetry, colors, and forms that truly dazzles the eyes. Each piece of jewelry is full of femininity and charm. They touch the very core of women’s longing for fashion that one can’t help but be drawn discount bedding to the stunning baubles.Our next stop was furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue’s showroom. His reputation does exceed him, and precede our expectation. The Kenneth Cobonpue Hive is disarming, to say the least. Since the furniture designer enjoys an international reputation for excellent quality, one expects to find only leather shoes excellent craftsmanship in the showroom. The pressure for creativity and artistry is high. The expectation to deliver high-quality furniture is even greater. But Cobonpue’s staff and workers, even the designer himself, are up to the challenge. In the furniture factory, one can see the finest things. The most exclusive and excellent materials are used. There are no shortcuts in the workmanship. They create everything from scratch, and no furniture comes out of the factory without reaching the height of perfection. Ever wonder how the famous Cebu dried mangoes are made? A trip to Profood International Corporation factory gives you a glimpse of what journey the mangoes go through before they land on your table.One of the largest Philippine-based dried mango producer, Profood started in 1980 as a small business that catered only to the local market. As the demand for dried mangoes rose, the company grew and became the leading producer of dried fruits. Later, it diversified and expanded to fruit preserves, purees, concentrates, and juices, among others. Now, Profood is currently exporting to Asia, Europe, Canada, and the United States. In the factory, one can see the inside story on how dried mangoes came to be. The journey of the mangoes starts from the outsourcing of the best of this tropical fruit from all over the Philippines. As soon as they reach Cebu from different parts of the Philippines, the workers sort out the mangoes one by one, classifying them according to size, quality, and ripeness. The ripest of the fruits will continue on with their journey while the others will be stored and sorted out again the next day. Mangoes are then washed to remove the dirt and grime before they are peeled. Peelers on the job are able to peel a mango in five seconds, more or less
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