Filipinos have been making excellent furniture for decades. It was through the Galleon trade that furniture craft first came to the Philippines. In the 16th century, cabinet makers from New Spain who were brought in by colonial merchants saw distinct possibilities for good furniture products from the beautiful Philippine hardwoods in abundance around them. Filipino craftsmen learned from these cabinetmakers. Filipino craftsmen learned not only of the art of masonry but also of intricate carvings and adornment of doors and other church furnishing.