‘Game of Thrones’
MANILA, Philippines – Six “thrones” of rattan used by economic royalty during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Welcome Dinner at the Mall of Asia Arena will be auctioned on Dec. 16 to benefit UNICEF.
Designed by world-renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue, the rattan “thrones” have a stainless steel base. Of course, the US Secret Service first tested the chair, dubbed the “Yoda” chair, before President Barack Obama sat on it. The Obama chair is expected to fetch the highest price, which will start off at P75,000.
“After the APEC dinner, I received a lot of inquiries about the chairs the world leaders used,” said Cobonpue. “But I think they are so much more than just pieces of furniture to be sold at face value. They’re now a part of our history that can serve a better purpose.”
Taking inspiration from blades of grass, Cobonpue’s iconic chairs are made of high-quality rattan reeds and manufactured in Cebu where he is based.
The six Yoda chairs for auction, organized by UNICEF Special Advocate for Children Daphne Oseña-Paez, are those used by Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. Proceeds from the auction will benefit UNICEF’s 1,000 days campaign.
The 1,000 days allude to a child’s first 1,000 days of life, which are his most important, says Lotta Sylwander, UNICEF Philippines country representative.
“We’re very thankful for Kenneth’s generosity,” she said “This auction will go a long way in ensuring more children can benefit from this life-changing UNICEF initiative.”
Interested parties can bid at the live auction or through SMS after a pre-registration process outlined on www.unicef.ph. Winning bids will receive the Yoda chairs especially marked with a metal plaque bearing the name of the state leader, and a certificate of authenticity from Kenneth Cobonpue.
