CEBU, Philippines — Creative stakeholders in Cebu have joined hands to push Cebu's world reputation as "CebuofAsia."

Spearheaded by the prime movers in the creative sector and the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc. (CFIF) in partnership with Department of Trade and Industry and European Chamber of Chamber in the Philippines (ECCP), the move will commence with a weeklong activity dubbed "Cebu Design Week" slated on June 16-23, bringing in all creative minds in Cebu regardless of sectors and create a platform that will provide an environment to create, cultivate and connect.

In this way, Cebu will rise again in the global scene as the "CebuOfAsia", frontlining its creative edge as the drawing point.

Christina Gaston, CFIF marketing chair said  that Cebu has already been declared as "Creative City" by the British Council. Thus, stakeholders should make every effort to sustain and capitalize on this prestige.

"Cebu needs a platform for all of us [creative sector] to come together to connect the dots and bring prosperity to Cebu," added Gaston.

It is no question that Cebu has overflowing creative talents and world-class original concepts, but there is nothing like working in collaboration to push Cebu further to the global eyes and bring everybody's attention to Cebu's creative magic--from furniture, visual arts, fashion accessories, animation, music, fashion, theater, architecture, and interior design, among others.

ECCP-Business Council Cebu chairman Butch Carungay said that sustainability of Cebu's reputation as a creative hub in Asia is important as the "CebuOfAsia" positioning will not only promote the rich creative landmine in Cebu, but also as a tourism destination.

Holding the "Cebu Design Week" will signal the creative sectors active stance in bringing Cebu to the world's radar once again. Since there is no official group yet to put these players together, Carungay said the week-long event will be a venue that will quantify creative individuals, organizations and company who are willing to join as activists for one cause–making our province the "CebuOfAsia".

To be held during the Cebu Business Month (CBM 2018), Cebu Design Week will feature series of events that will showcase every facet of creativity available or can only be found in Cebu.

This article was originally published in The Philippine Star on April 8, 2018