MARIWASA gained its name from a play on a less known Filipino word for “Prosperous“. The root word “Riwasa” means “riches” or “wealth” and can be attributed to refer to the riches or wealth that can be found in the land – or in the material used to make high quality ceramic tiles. So for the past 50 years, MARIWASA has been true to its name – growing and prospering into one of the most successful ceramic tile companies in the country, through the use of a “Riwasa” or an abundant source of raw material – clay. Today, MARIWASA stands for quality and durability, and – by continuously innovating, will be around in the market for another 50 years and beyond.

MARIWASA factory circa 1966

MARIWASA factory circa 1966

The ceramic tile company was founded in 1966 by brothers Emerson and Edison Coseteng. Like MC Home Depot at the time, what was then MARIWASA Manufacturing, Inc (MMI), was a pioneer in its industry.  After 25 years MMI went public and entered into a partnership with the Siam Cement Group of Thailand which led to the founding of a subsidiary of MMI – Mariwasa Siam Ceramics Inc. (MSCI). MSCI President Phaskorn Buranawit said that the company was founded on  “a vision of producing ceramic products that would meet world standards for beauty and durability… ( that) was to be achieved by harnessing the skills, discipline and creativity of the Filipino artisan,

GREEN TILES

MARIWASA receives Green Choice Philippines Award

MARIWASA receives the 2010 Green Choice Seal (Eco-Label Seal of Approval) by Green Choice Philippines.

MARIWASA tiles can be called  “Green” tiles because the company has invested heavily in the use of sustainable technology in its production process. As a result, MARIWASA has been recognized by several international and local award-giving bodies for their use of renewable energy gasifiers at their tile plants. Among the rewards they have received are:

  • The Blue Sky Award of 2009 by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the International Technology Promotion Centre for Sustainable Development Development
  • MARIWASA was elevated to the Hall of Fame in 2009 in the Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficient Awards given by the Deparment of Energy.
  • Green Choice Seal (Eco-Label Seal of Approval) by Green Choice Philippines in 2010.

MARIWASA was also given a Philippine Quality Award (PQA) Recognition for Commitment to Quality in 2011. This is the highest level of national recognition for exemplary organizational performance and is the counterpart of the Malcom Baldridge National Quality Award of the US.

MARIWASA is also committed in improving the quality of life of the community through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) project. In partnership with the Department of Education’s Adopt- a- School Program, the company has undertaken the Mariwasa Public School Toilet Renovation Project, the company’s biggest CSR project to date. With an aim of improving sanitation facilities in public school toilets in far- flung communities across the country, a total of 50 schools nationwide were chosen as beneficiaries receiving complete toilet products and fixtures including wall and floor ceramic tiles, water closets, sanitary wares and tile accessories.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY

Technology has advanced and consumers are now looking for products that exceed their expectations. We have been developing innovative tile products recently and we are very happy about the favorable feedback we have been receiving. MARIWASA has created demand for these high-value products and we have now a huge customer base that always look for something new and functional. Ceramic tiles have gone far from where it started, we can now produce designs reminiscent of nature with optimum resolution,” said MSCI VP for sales and marketing Jakkrit Suwansilp.

MARIWASA today uses digital inkjet technology that allows for both random and processed print-design tiles, that, combined with the company’s advanced glazing technology, allows for more vibrant and elegant designs. MARIWASA is now venturing into the creation of “avant-garde” digital ceramic tiles aptly named MARIWASA Full HD. These tiles are guaranteed to make any room, wall or outdoor setup even more beautiful through the installation of vibrant, beautifully printed tiles that resemble real-life natural designs. MARIWASA unveiled three “Avant-garde” sub-themes when they launched the line in 2016: Morphology, Indie-fluence and Innotherapy.

Buranawit, proudy stated that Maiwasa will be growing for well beyond another 50 years in the market ” We are certainly proud of those 50 years of uncompromising quality, and this we intend to carry on for maybe the next 50 years with our brand of innovation and excellence. We are sticking to what has made us what we are today, and so much more. There is no stopping us.”

MARIWASA receives a BCI Asia Architect's Choice Award

MARIWASA receives the 2014 Best Choice in Floor Covering from the 1st BCI Asia Architect’s Choice Awards.