Seats of Distinction (Chairs, Collectors, and Captains of Industry)

Collectors and Captains of Industry

Preserving this history takes vision, and in the Philippines, collectors and industry leaders have played a key role. Fred Yuson, President and CEO of CWC Interiors, made a landmark contribution when he donated 62 miniature chairs from the Vitra Design Museum to the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde. These miniatures now inspire young creatives, bridging past and future in a space where design education thrives. Equally influential are architects who use design not just to build structures, but to shape culture. Among them are Ed Calma, Cathy Saldaña, and Anton Mendoza – 3 of the 59 Captains of Industry from different fields, leaders and visionaries whose stories of leadership and design give the book its timeless depth. Ed Calma is celebrated for redefining modern Filipino architecture with bold projects like The Mind Museum. Cathy Saldaña champions sustainable, future-ready spaces while paving the way for women leaders in the field. Anton Mendoza brings discipline and artistry together, grounding his work in proportion and timeless comfort. Together, they embody the spirit of leadership that Seats of Distinction honors: a commitment to design that uplifts, educates, and inspires.

Building a Global Filipino Identity

CWC Interiors, the driving force behind Seats of Distinction, reaffirms its mission to bring Filipino creativity forward on the world stage. Since 1992, CWC has grown into a powerhouse with over 40 global brands, offering comprehensive solutions from design to fit-outs. With initiatives such as The Filipino Chair, the company not only honors tradition but also nurtures future talent, positioning Filipino design as globally relevant. In doing so, CWC continues to strengthen its role as a champion of innovation and heritage, showcasing Filipino craftsmanship as a lasting source of pride.

Merging stories of timeless design with the legacies of captains of industry,Seats of Distinctionunderscores how objects of daily life can reflect deeper narratives of culture and progress. More than a commemoration, it is a call to honor the past, embrace the present, and inspire the future of Filipino design, ensuring that both chairs and their creators endure as lasting symbols of excellence.