LOOK: Banaue Rice Terraces-inspired dinner setup for 21 world leaders
MANILA, Philippines - Having such a strongly rooted yet global background, Kenneth Cobonpue, creative director for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Welcome Dinner made sure that the world leaders will experience only the best from the Philippines.
To fully set the native Filipino atmosphere, Cobonpue used the World Heritage Site Banaue Rice Terraces as inspiration for the dinner setup, which will be happening in the Mall of Asia Arena on November 18.
The setup includes a grassy circular stage that will be set up in the middle of the arena, and colorful anahaw leaf-inspired designs that will be hung from the ceiling.
Mock-up of center stage, courtesy of Kenneth Cobonpue
“I wanted to transform the whole space into a huge outdoor garden,” he says. “Part of the challenge was how to transform the coldness and immensity of the arena and turn it into something that’s warm and cozy.”
To complete the set, Kenneth's iconic Yoda chair, which is made of rattan strips done in rice green will be used by the leaders.
Probably his most iconic and well-known piece, the original Yoda chair does not have armrests or wheels, but the ones to be used by the economic leaders, will have both, to allow them a 360-degree view of the full program.
Yoda chair, courtesy of Kenneth Cobonpue
Speaking about comfort, he added, “The beauty about that chair is you lean back on the rattan reeds, and the natural tensile strength of the rattan supports your back."
Kenneth said he chose the furniture because he wanted to showcase the best of who we are and what we are through the little details that make up the whole welcome dinner.
