CONSUL GENERAL NEIL FERRER RECEIVES FOUNDER OF FILIPINO WATCH BRAND MAKINA
(San Francisco PCG Photo)
San Francisco, California – Consul General Neil Ferrer, joined by Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, and PTIC-Silicon Valley Trade Commissioner Anne Marie Kristine Umali, welcomed Mr. Danilo Villanueva and Mrs. Maetel Quezada Villanueva, owners of Makina Watches, at the Philippine Center on 2 May 2025.
The meeting coincided with the participation of Makina Watches in the 10th Wind Up Watch Fair, held from May 2 to 4, 2025, at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. Mr. Villanueva expressed his appreciation to the Consulate for the warm reception and continued support for Filipino entrepreneurs showcasing homegrown talent on the global stage.
Makina Watches, founded in 2017, is a proudly Filipino, family-run watchmaking company known for its bold and distinctive timepieces. The brand designs, engineers, and assembles its watches in the Philippines, with over 50% of its components manufactured locally. Makina has since launched more than 15 standard models and over 35 variants, along with a growing reputation for bespoke watches.
During the meeting, Mr. Villanueva shared that the company was honored to create a special timepiece commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Philippines’ participation in the Olympic Games, showcased at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The brand has also been commissioned by notable institutions such as San Miguel Corporation, the Philippine Heart Center, UP Manila, PGH, ABS-CBN, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Consul General Ferrer commended Mr. Villanueva’s dedication to promoting Philippine craftsmanship and innovation in the international watchmaking community.
The Consulate continues to support Filipino entrepreneurs and innovators who elevate Philippine products and talents on the global stage. END
Makina Watches owners Danilo and Maetel Villanueva join Consul General Ferrer and other Consulate officials. (San Francisco PCG Photo)
Mr. Danilo and Mrs. Maetel Villanueva entertain visitors at the booth of Makina Watches during the 10th Wind Up Watch Fair in Fort Mason in San Francisco. (San Francisco PCG Photo)