A passion to create: Bosch, Cab1net showcase creative woodworking innovations at Philconstruct

In collaboration with leading technology provider Robert Bosch, Inc., Cab1net, an online network of carpenters, architects and builders, recently concluded its pilot woodworking contest for do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts and weekend hobbyists. The partnership combines Bosch’s leadership in power tool technology and Cab1net’s expertise in the craft for a shared vision to expand the country’s DIY community.

The contest provided an opportunity for members of the tight-knit Cab1net community to exhibit ingenuity and innovation through a woodworking challenge. Participants were tasked to design and create a utility box out of wood and screws to house Bosch power tools, a feat that would take about 1-2 months to complete.

According to Sonny Limjap, contest organizer and founder of Cab1net, the woodworking contest’s aim is not only to establish the website as a reliable source of information about power tools and construction, but to feature the woodworking skills of its capable members as well.

“We organized the woodworking contest to showcase the level of talent and skill our local craftsmen have. Most of the Cab1net members are professionals – dentists, businessmen, physicians and corporate heads, among others. Building things from scratch is not something that we do every day, yet we are deeply committed to completing our own projects. Building is more than just a hobby, it is our passion. We are very privileged to be working with Bosch on an exciting initiative that allows us to practice our craft and improve the quality of our work,” said Limjap.

This year’s woodworking champion Jonathan Cruz took great pride in his dental tacklebox-inspired utility box. “The all-wood construction method took nearly two months to make, but it was worth the sweat. I experimented with different types of media, and incorporated features I consider valuable to my profession, such as convenience and mobility, into the box. Working with wood is very challenging, but you can always reinvent the output with the right power tools,” said the three-year woodworking dentist.

Cruz and two finalists received power tools worth Php 50,000.00 for first place, Php 30,000.00 for second place and Php 20,000.00 for third place from the premier Bosch power tool product line. Consolation prize winners received the Bosch GSR 1080 V-LI Professional cordless drill for their performance.

The top 3 wooden utility boxes were showcased at the interactive Bosch and Skil booth at the recently concluded Philconstruct Trade Fair at the SMX Center, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, for public inspection and voting.

“Philconstruct is the ideal venue wherein Bosch can exhibit the latest innovations on building equipment, materials and machinery to potential business partners and customers. This is also an opportunity for us to show our leadership in the market to the stakeholders of the construction industry. We are ecstatic with the outcome of this year’s exhibition and with the number of people who visited our booth. This is actually our biggest and most interactive booth to date,” said William Go, Country Sales Director, Bosch Power Tools, Robert Bosch, Inc. Philippines.

Skil’s brand ambassador Norman Black also graced the booth during the four-day fete to share Skil’s heritage of world-class innovation and superior line of power tools.

“Average homeowners like myself look for quality tools we can use around the house without having to hire a professional to get the job done. Bosch and Skil offer innovations that allow craftsmen, builders, and DIY enthusiasts to utilize basic tools that are affordable and reliable,” said Black.

The multi-awarded basketball coach also joined professional builders and spectators alike in the thrilling challenges and demonstrations at the Bosch booth, such as the Skil Combo Kit hands-on challenge, 80 years Bosch Hammer game, and the Hammer Drill hands-on challenge.

As part of Bosch’s ongoing thrust to showcase innovation in major tradeshows nationwide, Bosch will participate in the Davao Construction Show on November 29 – December 2 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City. For more information, follow Bosch on Twitter (@BoschPH).

Skil launches Paint the Town Red for grassroots communities nationwide

For the past six years, the Philippines has been one of the highest growing countries for Skil, one of the most recognized brands in the global power tool industry. Skil is giving back to the Philippine community through its recent philanthropic endeavor Paint the Town Red, which aims to construct 40 basketball half-courts in 40 selected barangays nationwide.

The campaign underscores Skil’s commitment to creating sustainable corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects aimed at community building and youth development.

“Skil is investing in sustainable CSR projects that do more than just widen brand awareness and visibility. The main idea is to do good and to do well. Through Paint the Town Red, Skil does not only build basketball courts for communities to enjoy, but we also donate small power tools for their various projects,” said William Go, Bosch Power Tools Country Sales Director. “In partnership with local government units, we are able to conduct hands-on training workshops and seminars for members of the community to teach them how to properly use power tools as a source of livelihood.”

The campaign also brought Skil ambassador and champion basketball coach Norman Black onboard to exemplify the brand’s strong American heritage and commitment to delivering precision and performance to a range of power tool users.
“Coach Norman is more than just a poster boy for the brand, he is Skil personified. He gets the job done, whether for basketball or for the carpentry projects he does at home. In line with the campaign’s mission to contribute to grassroots youth development, Coach Norman is the perfect role model to inspire and engage the youth to get into sports as a fun and healthy outlet with all its physical and social benefits,” said Martin Valenzuela, Skil Brand Manager.

Paint the Town Red recently turned over the first of 40 basketball half-courts to Barangay Bangkal in Makati with more than 100 barangay residents and guests in attendance. Among esteemed attendees were Congresswoman Monique Lagdameo, Barangay Chairman Fermin Eusebio, Bosch Philippines Managing Director Joseph Hong and Skil Brand Ambassador Norman Black. After Bangkal, Skil will take the campaign on the road with stopovers in other communities in Manila and Cebu.

To strengthen its relationship with local communities, Skil and Robert Bosch, Inc. continue to support various advocacies, namely Class of 2010, Habitat for Humanity and MyShelter’s Liter of Light among others. These projects form part of the company’s initiative to uplift the Philippine society and contribute to the evolving economy.