MANILA, Philippines – Before Caloocan officially became a city in 1962, it was already known for its thriving furniture industry.
Along A. Mabini Street in Maypajo, a row of furniture shops seeks the attention of passers-by. Made of wood, metal, or polyester, the furniture wait for their new owners to bring them home.
Manong Jun, as he wished to be called, is 58 years old and has been in the furniture resale business for decades. While he observed a decline in their sales, he said customers keep coming back because they trust the quality of furniture made in the city.
WAITING FOR CUSTOMERS. Furniture on display in front of the furniture shops. Photo by Eunicito Barreno/Rappler
Caloocan isn’t the furniture capital of the Philippines — the distinction goes to Cebu, particularly Mandaue City — but it has been around for decades and has survived trying times. The question is, for how long?
