The history of the Kapiya can be traced back to the Spanish Colonial Era, where the simple piece of furniture evolved alongside the Philippines’ own history. What Cebuanos call ‘bangko’ is known as the kapiya, which traces its roots in the country’s spiritual influence by Spain.
The Filipino Kapiya is a kind of a settee which was derived after a Church pew. A settee is a long upholstered or unupholstered seat for more than one person, typically with a back and arms. The Kapiya began as a pew during mass; however, it evolved into common furniture for kitchens or porches to accommodate visitors.
References:
Cloma, L. (2008, November 23). Kapiya. Retrieved August 26, 2020, from https://www.flickr.com/photos/28098727@N00/3052417889
http://www.geocities.ws/sinaunacrafts/asian6.html#kapiya
https://www.canva.com/design/DAEBxUuVi1E/3iViGxtbJizf2v7G-8mbBg/edit