ArchiExpo recently explored the design scene in the Philippines, one of the primary sources for the wood, bamboo, rattan, stone and other ecological materials used by designers around the world in creating innovative design projects.
We began our first week walking through the tree-lined pathways of Nicanor Garcia Street in the busy district of Makati City, where we met budding designer Joseph Rastrullo at Le Coude Rouge and veteran designer Vito Selma.
A further walk down the street brought us to the sprawling white modern showroom of an internationally renowned interior design expert, Ito Kish, where he shared with us his newest collection, called Binhi.
We flew to Cebu, an island in the south of the Philippines renowned for its artisanal designs, to meet with top designer Kenneth Cobonpue, famous for his furniture pieces adorning the houses of Hollywood celebrities and the lobbies of the world’s most luxurious hotels. It was at his newly opened bar, Morals & Malice, that we discussed his latest collection, described as Cirque.
Back in Manila, architect Royal Pineda and the Philippines’ interior design guru and pioneer Budji Layug provided us with information on their design firm and latest projects. As we caught up with the powerhouse duo, young and upcoming designer Jim Torres shared with us his latest metal installation called Propaganda.
All exclusive information in the timeline here.
*In Time: Interviews conducted and words by Vanessa Liwanag. Selection of designers and architects by Online Managing Editor of ArchiExpo e-Magazine, Erin Tallman.
