Signs of designs

MANILA, Philippines - Think you’ve got what it takes to be the next Elsie de Wolfe? Pit your design chops against some of the best interior design students in the country in the upcoming Obra Maestra Disenio Ecologico. Hosted by the 17th Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition (WORLDBEX) and Wilcon Depot, the inter-school competition invites any college that offers B.S. degree in Interior Design to send a team of three to five students to represent their school in the hopes of winning the grand prize of P60,000 in cash, among other prizes. In order to garner attention for the new competition, the organizers, in cooperation with the Council of Interior Design Educators, toured a school caravan from October to November. Stops on the tour included the Philippine School of Interior Design – College of Saint Benilde (PSID-CSB), MAPUA Institute of Technology, and Philippine Women’s, University of the Philippines – Diliman, St. Scholastica’s College (SSC, Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), and the University of the East (UE).You know how they say you always want what you can’t have? Well, this year’s theme begs to differ: “Sanctuary: A Place of Refuge.” So, if you thought you needed a home away from home to get away from the city, it’s time to think again. Organizers challenge contestants to create the kind of home environment a Tibetan monk would be jealous of. The design must showcase a home “where the mind and the body can recharge, rejuvenate and refresh,” while utilizing eco-friendly materials — all of which should be available at Wilcon Home Depot.

All entry requirements are due on or before Jan. 31 and awarding will be held at the WORLDBEX Gala Night on March 14 at the Philippine Trade Training Center and entries of finalists will be exhibited form March 14 to March 18.