COME HOME TO BETIS CRAFTS

 

(Words by Meg Sta. Ines | Photos by Ayie Hernandez © 2013)

Real estate is one of the fast growing businesses in Davao City. As time goes by, we see a lot of migrants from other regions moving in to the city, now calling it their home. 

 

Families invest a great deal of money in making a house a haven. Not only will it be a shelter for the family, but it will be a space where you make memories and share good times with friends and relatives. We pay so much attention and money in the construction of our home, from ground zero to installation of tiles, bulbs, and electrical wirings. As much as we try to fashion every nook to our dream space, we also try and get smart in how much we can shell out. I’d like to think interior design is a marriage of a good eye and a prudent mind. Style intuition tells us what goes harmoniously with the motif and structure, while good calculation will help you maintain balance between budget and sensibilities. Every plant, chair, table, or bulb should be worth your investment.

 

Leslie Mendiola, Associate Marketing Manager of Betis Crafts Inc., shares her observation on families buying primary home furniture. “In our Davao showroom, the fast selling items are the living room pieces such as chairs and sofas. This goes to show that people are mindful of how they present their home to guests. This also reflects their value for company and friendships. Bedroom sets are also best sellers. The bedroom is a very personal for all of us because this is serves as our refuge after a hard day’s work.”

 

 

What Leslie meant by their “showroom” in Davao is far from the usual exhibit area where furniture is displayed and sold. Breaking away from this cliché, the owners of Betis Crafts Inc. decided to branch out to Davao and house their pieces in, needless to say, an actual house itself.

 

“We decided to open the store in a home setting as this makes it easier for clients to visualize how our furniture would look like in different corners of their home,’ explains Leslie.

 

The airy vibe in the living area is awash in natural light which flows through the big windows. The open plan layout gives breathing space for every visitor, allowing him to walk through different periods in history, from the reign of royals such as Queen Elizabeth I and the sophisticated Marie Antoinette. Every sofa and bed speaks of plush comfort, while hardwood, gilded ends, and intricate carving adds elegance and historical value to the furniture.

 

 

Betis Crafts Inc. manufactures wooden and carved furniture. Most of their designs are taken from European and American influences. The manufacturing company gained its popularity and identity for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to details.

 

 

Betis Crafts, Inc was established in July, 1972 by Jose and Myrna Bituin in Betis, Guagua, Pampanga. At the early stage of their business, they were known for handicrafts and they built billiard tables which they sold Americans in Subic and Clark. Soon, the demand for quality products increased, leading the couple towards a bigger business venture. Aside from furnishing private homes, the company’s plethora of clients includes upscale boutiques, cafés, hotels, and restaurants in the Philippines and some key cities such as New York, London, and Dubai. 

 

 

Beaming with pride, Leslie touches on Filipino pride. “We’re proud to share Filipino talent around the globe. We participate in international shows such as Maison 'd Objet in Paris, Shanghai and Singapore.”

“Betis is a barrio in the town of Guagua in Pampanga. The town used to have wide rivers during the Spanish era. Because of this, the Spaniards were able to send through their furniture from Europe, to be copied by local Chinese carvers whose apprentices are Filipinos. This is why European influence in the furniture business is largely evident in our town, and it continues to be passed from generation to generation,” says Leslie.

 

“Our manufacturing company is the paragon of a smashing success story. What started as a small handicraft maker has grown into a big and international furniture provider, now exporting products abroad --- Europe, USA and the Middle East.”

Betis Crafts Inc. is located along Ruby St., corner Turquoise St., Marfori Heights, 8000 Davao City, Philippines. For inquiries on products, please call +63 82 285 2805 or visit their website at http://www.betiscrafts.com/.

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.

A1 and A4, Indulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 168, 6 November 2013.