Vito Selma Furniture Design Exhibit

CEBU, Philippines - The creative genius of Cebu designer Vito Selma is showcased in an exhibit of his furniture line. The pieces on display are Vito's world-class creations - from classic to sophisticated and highly imaginative designs driven by playful angles, edgy corners, and inspired patterns. The exhibit is currently taking place at the ground floor of Ayala Center Cebu's new expansion.

Apart from the exhibit, seen around the mall's expansion for shoppers to lounge in is "Nessie," a wooden bench which is a seamless fusion of functionality and style. As each piece of wood in its unique character connects with each other, everything forms a beautiful piece with a flowing pattern.

Vito considers wood as an enduring partner despite his brand's continuous evolution. "Wood provides avenues for me to experiment, create and explore," he says. "This exploration has allowed the brand not only to push the limits of the material, but also to examine the results of its marriage with other organic elements."

In the long line of Cebu's exceptional furniture designers, Vito Selma proves to be more than a prolific talent. Seasoned by his childhood experience in his family's furniture factory and his studies abroad, Vito created a buzz in the international furniture design scene with his exquisite geometric creations.

Growing up in a family that makes traditional furniture, Vito is influenced by the practice of handicraft and by using natural materials. His formal background in design began in the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, and then he eventually flew to Milan, Italy to pursue his Masters in Industrial Design at the Scuola Politecnica di Design. Working with renowned designers such as Debbie Palao, George Haast, Raffaella Mangiarotti and Campana Brothers has enabled Vito to master his craft and create a distinct voice in the furniture design industry.

Vito's hard work and ingenuity have earned him numerous recognitions such as the Industrial Award in the 2010 DOST National Invention Contest for his Geo Table, and Best Design for Material Innovation at the Cebu Next 2010 show for his Wrinkle Lamp. He has also been awarded by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Vito's works have been featured in design publications and furniture expos worldwide.

Yet with all the accolades he has received, Vito remains grounded in his roots. In fact aside from his designs, this proud Cebuano is popular for his choice of raw materials - relying on wood as a primary medium.

Vito's creations are just some of the many geometric-inspired and imaginative masterpieces which put him at the top ranks of furniture design. The exhibit at the Ayala Center Cebu is proof to this.

The Queen City

Metropolitan Ballet Theatre's "Highlights"

The Queen City Metropolitan

Ballet Theatre opened its

second season on August 22, with a performance of a mixed

repertoire, at the Grand Ballroom of the

Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

The gala show, entitled "Highlights," was essentially a compilation of select classic and contemporary dance numbers. The combined creative visions of the ballet company's director Benjie Diola and artistic consultant Fe Sala Villarica no doubt challenged the talent range of the versatile dancers, who seamlessly executed the pirouettes, penchés, tempus leves and arabesques, led by choreographers and principal dancers Chris Noel and Sheila Marie Manlunas.

From a re-imagining of "Here Comes the Navy" taken from the classic "The Bridge of the River Kwai" to a vivid interpretation of Francisco Buencamino's seminal piano piece "Mayon," the evening's performance also showcased excerpts from the ballet "Sylvia," apart from the interestingly engaging contemporary piece entitled "Kulintangan."

Overall, "Highlights'" raison d'etre remained true to the art of dance's spiritual heart and center.  (FREEMAN)