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design trail: island paradise

Tinago Falls in Cagayan de Oro

Coron in Palawan

Calauit Island in Palawan

Snake Island in Honda Bay, Puerto Princessa

One of the many rice terraces in Sagada.

Really, it’s not so bad here…

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design trail: traveling without moving

I just took the Lakbayan quiz and I got a C-! I guess I haven’t really gotten to explore much of the Philippines yet. For those of us who lack the time and resources to travel the country, plus63.com (or +63 which is the area code of the Philippines) is a great alternative to see the sights. Plus63 Visuals + Vibes is a “site for Philippine Music and Travel discovery”.  You even get to hear original Filipino music while looking at the amazing photos (some of which I’ve posted here).

You can also share your photos from your travels to different parts of the country. Visit plus63.com for more info. - lilli

{photos courtesy of plus63.com; photos from the top: airplane by melody sy, shoegazing by charles buenconsejo, capiz by berns de leon, miniature vigan, sunset by small onglatco}

design trail: not your usual museum trip

It’s back-to-school once again! And in keeping with the current “happening”, we’re featuring our schools, UP Diliman and Ateneo University, in a different light, showing off their artsy side. Apart from being two of the Philippines’ top universities, both are also venues for noted works in art and architecture. Today, we’ll take a peek at UP Diliman’s campus.

I have always thought of UP as a prestigious school with a pleasant environment because of its trees. It was only after I went through Ana’s photos of the campus when I realized that UP is like one huge museum, displaying works from several National Artists in both art and architecture. Two spots that stand out are the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice, commonly referred to as the UP Chapel, and the Quezon Hall or the administration building.

Designed by National Artist for architecture Leandro Locsin, the 1950s modernist UP Chapel is the country’s first church with a circular layout and the first structure with a thin-shell concrete dome architecture. Unlike most churches that are enclosed, the chapel is basically open except for the slanted columns and wall segments that provide partial enclosure to the interior space. The whole perimeter above the walls is also open for indirect natural lighting and passive cooling through the stack effect.

Together with Leandro Locsin, there are three other National Artists that are “on display” in the Chapel. The unusual ceiling-mounted, two-sided crucifix and altar table were made by Napoleon Abueva (a distant relative, I’m proud to say!), a National Artist for sculpture and the Father of modern Philippine sculpture. The wall murals depicting the stations of the cross were done by Vicente Manansala and Ang Kiukok, while the floor pattern entitiled The River of Life was made by Arturo Luz, all three being National Artists for painting.

Another art site is the imposing American colonial structure of Quezon Hall where the famous Oblation statue can be found. Designed by Juan Nakpil, another National Artist for architecture who is also recognized as the pioneer of modern Philippine architecture, Quezon Hall features neoclassic details like its symmetrical façade and tall classical fluted columns but minus the typical capital and base.

The UP Oblation, on the other hand, was by Guillermo Tolentino, another National Artist for sculpture. A statue of a naked man, the Oblation has always been synonymous with UP, representing its ideals of selfless dedication and service to the nation.

On your next visit to UP, take time to go to these sites, as well as the other buildings along the academic oval, for an unconventional Philippine art tour. -ardel

design trail: conquering sagada

During the holy week break (April 1-4), Green Guide and I went to Sagada, Mountain Province for a nature trip organized by Travel Factor together with 32 other participants. I knew I’m up to something physical and adventurous but I did not expect that it will be VERY physical and VERY adventurous! Green Guide already told me to do some form of “training” before the trip. Unfortunately, I did not take his advice seriously and went on with my sedentary life.

For some reason, Green Guide and I are not fond of taking a lot of pictures during our trips. Most of our pictures are limited to a few shots of scenes and places or of interesting details. Good thing, we’re in the company of people who love to take pictures of everyone and everything. So, some of the images posted here are from our trip-mates (see photos for credits). Thank you for sharing your photos!

Photos above (top photo by Richard Zy): Day 1, we finally reached Banawe after our 10-hour (verrry cold) bus ride from Manila. First stop was the Banawe Rice Terraces made by the ancestors of the Igorots, and are regarded by Filipinos as the Eighth Wonder of the World. They are part of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, man-made structures carved out of the mountains mainly for planting rice that are 2,000 to 6,000 years old. There are no recorded data on how the terraces were built, however, some theories link the terraces and the ancient people who made them with China and the Miao tribe.

As expected, the terraces are partially dry and gray because of the El Nino phenomenon’s dry spell. After the photo-ops, we headed to Sagada, around four hours away from Banawe.

Photos above (bottom photo by Erico Abordo): Day 2 was the start of the physical challenge (for me, at least). Our destination was Sagada’s Bumod-ok falls. In order to get there, we needed to trek an hour and a half through the rice terraces of Sagada. The trek to the falls was fairly easy for me because it was mostly downhill. We even got to enjoy the views of the terraces and the surrounding mountains.

Photo above: Like the rice terraces, the Bumod-ok Falls is relatively dry with low water level than usual (according to a couple of friends who have been there before). Because it was a holiday, the site was filled with people, both tourists and locals.

While the trip to the falls was bearable, the trek back was a different story because it was already uphill. I tried to keep up with Green Guide but my legs and lungs weren’t trained for it. We probably lost five pounds of perspiration on our trip back alone! Haha!

Photos above (by Erico Abordo): Day 3 was spelunking day. Honestly, I did not expect the course to be that difficult—entering small holes, going down and up a lot of very steep and high/deep inclines, plus experiencing a couple of rappelling. It was scary! Especially when one of us fell 20 feet down a cavern while rappelling up a wall. Thankfully, apart from a sprained ankle and 6 stitches behind her head, she’s ok. 

Photos above (by Erico Abordo): The cave is beautiful especially inside Sumaguing cave (second cave towards the end of the spelunking course) with its limestone walls, rock formations and overflowing pools of crystal clear water. Because of the “bad vibes” from the accident, our guide decided to cut our course through Sumaguing, skipping the stalactites and stalagmites by the chest-deep waters. Well, at least we have a reason to go back with Ana (and anyone else who want to join us, haha!)

Photos above (left photo by Bem Olaguera): Day 4 was our last day in Sagada. The morning was spent for the walking tour, going through the [Christian] cemetery, the pine tree-filled Echo Valley and the hanging coffins near it.

Photo above, right by Bem Olaguera

Photo above by Richard Zy

Photos above: We also saw the early Gothic architecture of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church with its beautiful rose windows (to symbolize the Virgin Mary as the Church’s patron saint), pointed arches, rustic stone walls, and dramatic sanctuary.

 Photo above by Bem Olaguera

Photos above: Our last two stops in Sagada were the Sagada Weaving (top photo) and the Ganduyan Museum (bottom photo) to check the handicrafts of the Sagadians: the woven fabrics that were, apparently, adopted from the neighboring Ilocos region, and the domestic and farm implements that the earlier generations used.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Sagada. To know more about Travel Factor and their tour packages CLICK HERE. You can also visit df’s facebook fan page HERE to view all the photos.

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space matters: beach time!

Good morning everyone! Before we take a break for the weekend, let me leave you with some tropical eye candies to help keep your cool amidst the burning heat of… El Nino. Haha!

We spent the morning of our second day in Cebu to visit BE Resorts (formerly known as Mircrotel Resort) in Mactan Island. The resort’s relatively different approach in resort design caught our attention.

Garry Garcia, BE Resorts’ general manager, toured us around during our visit. He explained to us that the resort’s design was primarily inspired by the new generation of local and international tourists that they usually cater to. “These are the young, dynamic individuals who love traveling,” Gary shares.

Noticeably, Be Resort’s interiors sport a hip and vibrant look through the design’s playful use of color and pattern. The white-washed interior spaces are dotted with bright colors of lime green, orange, fuchsia, and tangerine. Their furniture pieces are a mix of modern, organic designs and updated classical pieces, showing off Cebu’s distinctiveness as a furniture design capital.

A similar “refreshed hotel” theme continues to their 160 guest rooms. For this room (above), a fresh color palette of white, soft yellow, tangerine, blue, and green create a welcoming and relaxing setting. It also has a balcony that allows you to enjoy the view of the beach.

What we love the most about BE Resort is its ambiance. It is youthful, happy and vibrant and, at the same time, it maintains the casual and relaxing atmosphere that everyone wants from a resort hotel. We’ll definitely BE back in BE!

BE Resort has an ongoing promo until May! Visit their Facebook fan page for details. [Thank you again Garry!]

in good taste: z bar, cebu

Z Bar was one of my friend’s highly recommended places to visit in Cebu because of its unique and impressive design. Because bars are always dimly lit, their interiors seldom have very detailed designs. But Z Bar is different.

After our first dinner in Cebu, Ana and I went to check the bar together with Ian (our impromptu photographer for the night, with his ever dependable Lumix camera) and our new-found friend Chito (our unofficial sponsor for the night, hehe).

I have seen photos of Z Bar before, but it looks way more amazing in person. Its design is a collaboration between modernist architect Ed Calma and designer Kenneth Cobonpue. Kenneth is internationally known for his organic furniture designs. Z Bar is, if I’m not mistaken, his first design applied on a full-scale interior. From what I gather, the primary motivation for the design was the small size of the space. So, to make the space look bigger, instead of highlighting the walls and ceiling, they were made to sort of disappear!

Those little wishbone-shaped stuff that seem to be floating in mid-air are bamboo twigs tied by hand onto a randomly welded metal frame. It is a blown-up, warped version of Kenneth’s Kris Kros screen which uses the same concept. Down on the floor are lighted onyx (translucent natural stone) tiles whose natural grains complement the overall organic look. This is the same material used for the lighted staircase (first photo). Apart from the lighted floor, there were also hanging accent lamps made from salago fibers, such as the round Moon lamp.

The bar felt and looked like there’s an abyss above you. Actually, I don’t know which is a more fitting association—a galaxy/outer space, an interior of a glowing beehive, or some scene in Avatar. You just have to see it for yourself.

Z Bar is located at the second floor of The Tinder Box, Archbishop Reyes Ave., Banilad, Cebu City.

*Photos courtesy of Ian Santos

i saw design: 2010 cebunext

Based on our visit to CebuNext, I’m guessing that we’re in for a “romantic” decade.

Romantic, in the case of art and design, would refer to the predominance of human or natural qualities (emotions, impulse, organic movement, whim) as oppose to logical/mathematical/linear qualities (sorry for using big words!). If you go visit other design and decorating blogs and websites, you’ll find out that this appears to be an up-and-coming trend. A lot of people seem to have a renewed interest in everything that’s vintage/granny chic (especially the floral and lacey ones), everything handmade (the growing popularity of Etsy is good example), everything organic (biomorphic and sinuous forms), and everything antique/period style (but with an added contemporary twist, like a punch of bright color).

I have to credit Kenneth Cobonpue for somehow bringing up the term to my attention.  He’s one of the first designers that we got to talk to during our visit to the exhibit. When I asked him about the concept behind his latest designs, he said, “I wanted to introduce the element of romance into my designs. For my latest pieces, I turned to handmade textiles like knits, crochet, and macramé for inspiration.”

The reference to traditional crafts and reinterpreting their intricate handmade details for his furniture defined the romantic aspect of his latest designs. “It’s like a comeback from the past decades’ minimalism,” Kenneth added. Adopting crochet, knit, and macramé details resulted to pieces with a softer and more casual look. Moreover, their fine details make you want to feel the texture of the pieces. I especially like the Little People Collection with little human figures that make up the form, and this white side table (above) whose patterns resemble a gathered crochet stitch. (Know more about Kenneth Cobonpue in a separate feature next week)

The use of sinuous, growing, and free flowing forms is another recurring feature that we saw among the displays. Clayton Tugonon’s designs for Classical Geometry feature these characteristics. His furniture’s free flowing linear patterns echo the organic form seen in nature. The emotive element of his designs is further emphasized by the design for the booth. Newspaper pages cover the walls and floor. A thin wash topped with drips of white paint finish off the graphic surfaces.

Nature and world cultures are also the inspirations for the designs of Accessoria and Detalia Aurora. Sisters Vikki and Paula Rodriguez are the young designers behind a number of the brands’ latest pieces. Stylized interpretations of stones, nautilus shell, and tree sections are supported by their use of indigenous materials and traditional craftsmanship, showing off detailed surfaces in a clean silhouette.

The nostalgic effect of finding inspiration in history and reviving period style pieces is also parallel with the romantic idea. Companies such as Pacific Traders, Mehitabel, and Obra Cebuana take this direction, reinterpreting period style pieces by adopting a more edited form to make them more relevant to contemporary aesthetics.

Obra Cebuana, however, took it to the next level, retaining popular furniture silhouettes but redesigned the rest of the components.

Designer Vito Selma capitalized on his creative impulse and whimsical ideas to come up with partially quirky designs. The exaggerated proportions and unfinished surfaces of his take on the Louis XVI commode (below, right photo) and the atypical design of his Nine Kiddie Chairs bookcase  (below, left photo) clearly demonstrate his adventurous design approach. (Know more about Vito Selma in a separate feature next week)

Check out the picture gallery below for more photos of the 2010 CebuNext exhibit.

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cebu weekend

Hello everyone!

Ana and I just got back yesterday morning from our weekend in Cebu. It was tiring but every minute was well worth it. While we’re still working on the photos and the articles, we’ll give you first a preview of our trip. Too bad Lilli Beth and Green Guide were not able to join us because of work and their theses.

Our two-day trip started with a very early 4:15am flight to the Cebu. Good thing our hotel had vacant rooms and checked us in immediately when we arrived. We were still able to grab a good three hours of sleep before we hit the furniture show.

Day 1, Friday, was spent going around the CebuNext Furniture Show at the Waterfront Hotel. We ooohed and aaahed over the impressive furnishings from Cebu’s top furniture and lighting companies. We even got to meet some famous designers like Kenneth Cobonpue, Vito Selma and Clayton Tugonon. Talk about being star struck! Read all about our feature on the CebuNext show tomorrow.

We spent Friday night with two friends, photographer Ian Santos and architect Chito Basit, who both happened to be in Cebu as well. After dinner in Ayala Terraces (which very much resembles Greenbelt 3) we went to the highly recommended Z Bar at The Tinder Box along Archbishop Reyes Ave. in Banilad. The bar’s interiors were designed by Kenneth Cobonpue. To call it beautiful or interesting would be an understatement. Again, special thanks to Ian and Chito for being our photographer and “sponsors” that night, hehe!

Day 2 started early with a cab drive to Mactan Island to visit BE Resort (formerly known as Microtel, Mactan). Maybe because of her lack of sleep, Ana almost forgot her camera! Along the way, we got a glimpse of Sharngri-la Mactan’s lush driveway and uber private Abaca Boutique Resort’s gated front.

It was like a breath of fresh air when we finally arrived at the white, bright, and colorful place of BE Resort. Unfortunately our tight schedule only allowed us to stay around two hours to shoot a couple of the resort’s areas.

In the afternoon, we made a quick visit to Kenneth Cobonpue’s inspiring showroom. We almost missed the place because we were looking for a showroom with a ”Cobonpue” or a “Hive” signage. We didn’t expect that the site was actually an unassuming place which also includes the designer’s workshop/factory. 

Our last stop, but definitely not the least, was the house of Ted Gonzales, uncle of Zina, a good friend of mine from UP Interior Design. His passion for architecture, interior design and art produced a lovely place which he and his parents call home.

This week is not enough to feature everything about our trip. So, we will be dedicating the next two weeks for all the design goodness that we have encountered in Cebu starting tomorrow with our feature on the 2010 CebuNext Furniture Show.

design trail: a wedding in memphis (part 2)

The current trend among couples is to have a concept pre-nup wedding shoot. But for Ken and Jessie, they decided to have a day-after shoot instead.

“Our photographer came up with the idea of the day after shoot. Usually she does bridal shoots like that before the wedding but we opted to do it after, mostly because it was so hectic beforehand,” Ken explained.

The couple chose Downtown Memphis as their location. They casually walked the streets, while their photographer, Annabella of Asian Bees Photography, took candid photos of the couple. They hopped around the historic district, stopping by some famous spots like the Peabody Hotel and Beal Street.

Here are some interesting tidbits about the location [texts via wikipedia]:

Downtown Memphis in Tennessee is located on the Mississippi River and is the oldest part of the city. The area includes the riverfront and the bluffs overlooking the river. The upper riverfront became the site of the river landing where steamboats were loaded with cotton and other goods during the 19^th and early 20^th centuries.

Between 1844 and 1886 the river landing was paved with limestone and granite cobblestones brought in from the upper Midwest. This created what is today the largest intact Mississippi River landing still in existence, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

One famous site here is the Peabody Hotel, a luxury hotel in Downtown Memphis. It is well known for its “Peabody Ducks” that live on the hotel rooftop, but which make daily treks to the hotel’s lobby in a daily “March of Ducks” celebration.

What Downtown Memphis is most known for is its role in the development of music genres particularly blues, jazz, and rock’ n roll. It is the home of Beale Street, world famous for being the “Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll”. For this reason, the clubs and restaurants that line Beale are major tourist attractions. Popular names such as Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Memphis Minnie, B. B. King, Rufus Thomas, Rosco Gordon and other blues and jazz legends played on Beale Street and helped develop the style known as Memphis Blues.

Beautiful couple in an equally beautiful setting!

*Photos by Annabella Jackson-Brandon courtesy of Ken & Jessie.

design trail: sariaya, quezon

The ancestral houses in Sariaya, Quezon have always fascinated Joyner Nuera, a UP Fine Arts graduate. For her thesis, she took photographs of these interesting homes in the place where she grew up and decided to share them with Design Folder.

Joyner says that what make these houses more interesting is how different they look from the rest of the houses in the area. Their designs were by the best architects of that time like Juan Nakpil and Andres Luna de San Pedro and are “showcases of the opulent lifestyle of old moneyed Sariayahins during the heyday of the coconut industry in the pre-War years.”

We’re glad to have discovered another town in the Philippines where architectural masterpieces are preserved. We hope we can visit Sariaya soon!

*additional info from sariaya.net, photographs by Joyner Nuera