Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali holds ‘Upcycling Challenge’
MANILA, Philippines – To promote the conversion of waste materials into more useful resources, real estate developer Amaia Land Corp. recently held its first-ever “Upcycling Challenge” at Soledad 1, Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
“Upcycling,” also known as creative reuse, is the process of turning old and discarded goods or waste materials into something useful and beautiful — and with better environmental value.
Design students, professionals and upcycling enthusiasts were given 24 hours to create marketable and practical home products using plastic soft-drink bottles. Each team was provided with P3,000 for raw materials.
The 13 finalists in the “Upcycling Challenge” all produced creative designs and innovative upcycled household materials out of the plastic soft-drink bottles, turning them into lamps, a chandelier, a sofa bed, and tables, among others, which are all currently on view at Soledad 1. Their images were also uploaded to Amaia Land Corp.’s official Facebook page.
Winning the top prize, Team DJE — composed of Danny John Kalinga, Jojean Aguilar, and Johnedel Edward Ogalesco — made a floor lamp called “Bubble Coral” out of different sizes of plastic bottles. Coming in second with an upcycled chandelier were Danilo Perez, Charlie Cannal and Louie Luena of Team Bulahao whose work was among the crowd’s favorite.
Kia Del Rosario and Jose Masucol of Kneutral Manila bagged the third prize with an upcycled table and storage named “EpitoME.”
Amaia marketing head Anna Garcia-Ramos said during the awarding ceremonies last Sunday that the three winning teams stood out with their creations. “We chose them because of the marketability of their works and their alignment with the brand Amaia. These upcycled materials are very simple, modern, contemporary, and, more importantly, in line with the brand’s character.”
The grand winner bagged P100,000 in cash and a glass trophy, while the first and second runners-up both received glass trophies and P50,000 and P25,000, respectively. Meanwhile, the upcycled material with the most number of likes on Facebook will receive a special prize.
Ricky Celis, Amaia Land Corp. president, said the upcycling contest is meant to encourage the public to creatively reduce waste by turning them into useful and aesthetically pleasing products.
“Caring for the environment has always been part of our advocacy. We want a project that would push this cause, so the ‘Upcycling Challenge’ is really perfect for us. Here in Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali, we encourage everyone to live a life that is one with nature — to not just enjoy its beauty but also care for it,” he said.
The first-ever upcycling challenge was judged by socialite and interior designer Tessa Prieto-Valdes, painter and writer Igan D’Bayan of The STAR, and Amaia’s Anna Garcia-Ramos.
Nuvali — which is located in the cities of Sta. Rosa and Calamba, and in the Municipality of Cabuyao in Laguna — is part of the growth corridor of the Calabarzon region. Its campus-like environment integrates a community where residences, business, and recreation flow seamlessly. It is a community where homeowners can proudly raise their families.
