The philosophy of Philippine design

The idea of synergy, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, has been widely embraced by scientists and engineers worldwide. This idea suggests that the "interaction of two or more agents or forces, and their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects." Defined simply, synergy is the process of combining different elements to produce a unique result.

Such concept holds true in the design milieu as it describes the important role that each component plays in the creative process, and consequently in coming up with an exceptional product.

In The Raw

Having the right raw materials to work with is crucial to having an exquisite creation. For this, the Filipino only needs to turn to his surroundings and choose from the incredible library of forms, colors, and textures available in nature.

Many artists and designers continue to be amazed at the incredible wealth of indigenous materials and renewable resources that thrive in their homeland. Treasures from the land and sea lay in abundance in the countryside, waiting to be explored, unearthed, and transformed into exquisite pieces for the home.

Despite this richness, the creative Filipino is not content working with what is readily available. Thus, he continues his search for other objects and materials that are alien to the world of furniture and home design. In his quest, he finds discarded metal and steel, chicken feathers, crushed quail eggs, even abandoned insect colonies. These he transforms into beautiful furnishings and home accessories that blend well with contemporary pieces made of the more acceptable wood, rattan, nito, and abaca. His aim: to come up with something that hasn’t been done before by breaking boundaries and defying convention.

This concept of combining different media is also carried over to other things such as gift items, fashion accessories, and holiday décor. The result is an amalgamation of disparate objects that surprisingly work seamlessly when put together.

These innovations in metal, resin, glass, crystals, and leather combined with bamboo, coconut shell, sea grass, paper, and other indigenous materials and natural fibers had the design community raving, reaping awards and recognitions (Manila F.A.M.E. International’s Katha, Japan’s G-Mark, Roscoe, International Contemporary Furniture Fair Director’s Choice, UNESCO-AHPADA), and prime space in international publications, including the International Design Yearbook.

Design Genius

This unrelenting need for experimentation and innovation is a gift that many Filipino artists and designers share. They agree that mediocre concepts, plain aesthetics, and predictable lines hardly work anymore. They know that the current consumer needs to be wowed and surprised. And these, they deliver.

Together they travel to the imaginative avenues of experimentation and cross over to the infinite parameters of design, producing revolutionary creations and unique masterpieces that could pass for works of art. Accordingly, they are acknowledged for their unique gifts and talents.

Budji Layug, Kenneth Cobonpue, Tes Pasola, Tony Gonzales, Ann Pamintuan, and Milo Naval are just some of the many Filipino designers who have made huge names for themselves internationally. All are members of Movement 8, a design collective formed in 1999 by the late Ely Pinto-Mansor, then executive director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). Their bodies of work have earned for them numerous awards, including the Editor’s Choice from the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York in 2001. Likewise, their outstanding designs were featured in two editions of the International Design Yearbook.

In fashion, a number of Filipino designers have also earned accolades abroad for their remarkable creations. Among them is Josie Natori who literally built an empire with her elegant, sensuous lingerie. Bea Valdes, Arnel Papa, and Rafe Totengco are just some of the many Filipino designers whose creations have appeared in top fashion magazines, including American Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, and are now being sold in leading US department stores. Not to forget Monique Lhuillier, a world-renowned bridal and evening wear designer who is the current toast of Hollywood.

Magnum Opus

Akin to music, these design ideas, raw materials, talent, creativity, and innovation have their own melody that can produce a haunting aria when given a beautiful arrangement. It is a kind of musical composition so compelling that causes people to take notice. Effects of this kind are rare. And the Filipino has again and again wowed the international audience with his unique opus.

The idea of synergy, when applied in the context of design can mean more than its textbook definition. It is a distinct trait born out of the Filipinos’ need to challenge convention and create a new design aesthetic and sensibility. More than anything, it talks of the seamless blend of Philippine components and characteristics not found anywhere else. The result is a synthesis of elements that uniquely celebrates the Filipinos’ collective oeuvre.

See an exceptional showcase of new and innovative products by the country’s top exporters and designers at the Manila F.A.M.E. International ongoing until today. The CITEM organized show is held in five different venues: the World Trade Center, East Pavilion, Philippine Trade Training Center, and the Forum and Reception Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).  It is open to the public on the last day, today, with P150 entrance fee.  More information on the fair may be accessed through E-mail www.manilafame.com. manilafame@citem.com.ph.