DTI honors top designers in first design Masterclass

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Trade Training Center – Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA) has recognized the top designers among the 52 graduates of the very first Obra Design Masterclass, a design and product development mentorship initiative to uplift local talent within the furniture and creative industries.

Out of 11 awardees, majority or seven of whom, are from Cebu.

“The Obra Design Masterclass enriches the Philippine furniture industry by upskilling designers and crafters capable of making a significant impact on the global stage. Scholars with design backgrounds, architects, and industrial designers, among others, were guided by seasoned mentors on key concepts such as mindset development, design thinking, material selection, and assembly techniques, which were valuable in producing prototypes worth selling to the international market,” said PTTC-GMEA Executive Director Nelly Nita Dillera.

Participants of the Obra Design Masterclass unveiled their exceptional furniture, lighting, and decor designs at the prestigious 32nd Philippine International Furniture Show (PIFS) held from March 7 to 9, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City.

The three-month Obra Design Masterclass program was simultaneously conducted in Manila, Pampanga, and Cebu.

The program was aimed at addressing key industry challenges, such as the emigration of skilled professionals, market competitiveness, and the rising costs of materials, through empowering local talent by seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies, sustainable materials, and innovative creative processes.

Under the guidance of renowned figures from the furniture design industry including Ronald Rommel Viloria, Josef Crisanto, Eric Paras, Stanley Ruiz, Rey Soliven, Dem Bitantes, Vito Selma, Estela Ocampo-Fernandez, and Christine Manguerra, and key industry partners such as the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (CFIF), and Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (PFIF), graduates mastered not only design and craftsmanship but also vital business and communication skills necessary for transforming their creative concepts into tangible pieces.

The designs were showcased at Obra Pop-Up: A PTTC-GMEA Showcase of Obra Scholars & Prototype in the PTTC-GMEA lobby area in Pasay City from March 11 to 12, 2024.

The Philippine International Furniture Show was organized by Next One Now in collaboration with CFIP, CFIF, PFIF, and Global-Link MP Events International Inc.

It ran alongside Interior & Design Manila, organized by Global-Link MP Events International Inc., with the support of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers, the Philippine Institute of Architects, and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc., highlighting the synergy within the Philippine design community.

The Obra Design Masterclass honorees include; Apollo Coffee Table by Reimer Neil Bonghanoy (Cebu); Heron Parasol by Luzel Andrea Alconera (Cebu); MORF (Modular Organizer Furniture Set) by Dean Gabriel Lusung (NCR); Obrang Baybayin by Chester Gazzingan (NCR); and Hiraya Bar by Basil Rico Gahi (Cebu).

Best Décor Design was awarded to Pangolin Sauce Bowl by Jay Chadly Pulan (Cebu); Orbito Tray by Reimer Neil Bonghanoy (Cebu) and Kyrie Screen Divider by David Paras (Cebu).

Best Lighting Design awards were given to Zephyrus by Matthew David (Pampanga), Socorro by Josh Matthew Flores (Cebu), and Orbital Corners by Maria Catherina Agregado (Pampanga).