Justin Trudeau’s APEC chair earns more than P2 million in auction

MANILA, Philippines – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s chair from the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) Welcome Dinner raked in P2,050,000 when it was auctioned on Wednesday, December 16.

Six of the limited-edition “Yoda” chairs from the dinner were auctioned at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Auction for Action, at designer Kenneth Cobonpue’s showroom in Greenbelt, Makati City.

Coming in at second highest was US President Barack Obama’s chair at P2 million, and then President Benigno Aquino III’s at P1,550,000.

In total, the chairs earned P8,810,000.

The proceeds from the auction went to UNICEF‘s “1000 Days” program, which aims to support children during the first 1000 days of their lives. According to UNICEF, “Investing in a child’s first 1,000 days brings better outcomes for the child.”

In a statement on social media, Kenneth said, “I am humbled and overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response to the chairs. Coincidentally, today is my birthday, and this is one of the best gifts I ever had. To be able to share it with the children of our country makes it even more meaningful.”

Kenneth was the creative director at the APEC Welcome Dinner. Aside from the chairs he also designed the night’s stage at the Mall of Asia Arena and the souvenirs.

The APEC Welcome Dinner was held on November 18, in honor of the economic leaders who visited the country for the forum. – Rappler.com