Lessons from China

Randy Garcia (RG), an illustrator, a sculptor, and a world-class designer, could not afford to confine his works in the local market. When the Philippine export manufacturing sectors suffered so much set back in the early nineties due to Asian crisis, he felt the need to join the bandwagon of Pinoy designers migrating to China.

Now, looking back, Randy had all smiles knowing he had learned so much from his experience. And this is what he has to say:

“More than anytime in my life, now I have realized that it is passion that drive the way to success. You need to have that burning sensation about what you do, and that rampaging determination to accomplish whatever it is that you desire,” he enthused.

Randy realized that though having a stable income for his family was the determining factor why he chose to cross borders, it is his passion for self expression that brought him to his journey.

“Here in China, I have a choice to be a mere sculptor, or an illustrator just like any worker with specific task. But I could not help it. There is so much in my mind, that if I try to suppress them, I’d go crazy,” he emphasized.

And so Randy’s story of little greatness in his company started. Now, one of his tasks is to train Chinese workers to do exactly as he does best - sculpturing.

“Chinese (workers) are very receptive. They are fast learners. It’s probably because of their orientation,” he explains.Randy said that he will not be surprised if he sees a Chinese doing religious relics like the ones in Paete (Laguna).

One of the common criticisms thrown to Pinoy designers like him is the so-called “giving away” of Filipino skills secret in favor of the Chinese.

But Randy is not worried. He believes so much in Filipino talent and artistry. “Our edge is innovation and in the mix & match. That I have to see here yet,” he explained.

“Philippines is still the destination for new exciting designs and innovations. I am not saying this because I am Pinoy, but because that is what I am told by my Western counterparts,” he added.
Randy imparts some valuable lessons to our manufacturing sectors in the country: “We should do away with mass production, there is no way to compete with China products in terms of price. Instead we should aim for total quality custom-made products”.

“Pinoy design is really world-class. Our mixed orientations, and education sets us apart. We should capitalize on that.

“And we have to deliver as this is one of our loopholes. The Chinese are persistent, and very committed. It is high time to re-asses our values if we want to enrich our own system of production. (S)