Celebrates Pinoy talent

MANILA, Philippines - There are close to 10 million Filipinos working overseas. Many of them are professionals, with several thousands of them architects and designers. On its third special Issue for the year, BluPrint Magazine, the Design Sourcebook rounds up 21 creative Filipino geniuses who have made their mark internationally – the Global Pinoy. Whether practicing abroad or designing for an international audience from a local office, these designers prove that Filipinos are truly and undeniably world-class.

Three specialists in heritage conservation – James Banta, Roz Li and Tina Paterno – are featured for their work on the Capitol in Washington DC, the Apollo Theater and UN Headquarters in New York City. In travel and design, marvel at the work of master boat builder and designer Cirilo Salilican. World-famous Mercedes Benz turned to a Filipino, Wini Camacho, for winning designs. Also in architecture are Joseph Javier who has broken past Philippine shores with his steely compositions and Jun Palafox who is designing Dubai one skyscraper at a time.

Architect Jun Palafox works with stakeholders during a public school project in Iran. His Manila-based firm handles many international projects.

Providing fantastic furniture for the modern world today are the likes of Benji Reyes and Kenneth Cobonpue, who catapulted to fame by being endorsed by Brad Pitt to fellow Hollywood actors. Adorning celebrity homes with their masterful craftsmanship here and overseas are sculptors Ramon Orlina and Daniel dela Cruz, while Oliver Tolentino and Raffy Totengco adorn the famous and infamous of Hollywood.

The features were written by friends, fans and colleagues of the designers. BluPrint’s Special Issue 3, Global Pinoy is available at National Bookstore, Powerbooks, Mag:net, and top supermarkets.