Cover Mana Consultancy's design ethos, centred on Filipino living and identity, shines in Tierra Bella (Photo: courtesy of Mana Consultancy)
Mana Consultancy's design ethos, centred on Filipino living and identity, shines in Tierra Bella (Photo: courtesy of Mana Consultancy)
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Mana Consultancy
Twenty years later, Mana Consultancy continues to build an elevated way of living for the Filipino
Two decades is a long time; long enough for plenty of things to change beyond recognition. But one of the few things to remain constant is the need for spaces that elevate the way we live, and for the past 20 years, Mana Consultancy, Inc (MCI) has been tirelessly pursuing the creation of thoughtfully made homes, hotels, and workplaces. MCI executive director Jose Carlo Mateo shares how they envision a ‘built environment’ and the challenges in the way.
“Our journey began with a shared belief: that architecture is not just about creating spaces but about shaping lives,” Mateo shares. He and the rest of the homegrown brand wanted to build places that celebrated the Filipino identity and ensured that every aspect of one’s lifestyle was met. At the core of this pursuit are four core values that they uphold: integrity, human connection, innovation, and Philippine pride.
Their designs strive to connect with the client on a deeper level, and according to Mateo, “this genuine dedication to creating spaces with purpose and soul [is what] sets us apart.”
Above Executive director Carlo Mateo (Photo: courtesy of Mana Consultancy)
Executive director Carlo Mateo (Photo: courtesy of Mana Consultancy)
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But such work is not without its fair set of challenges. They must strike a delicate balance between creativity, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in an extremely competitive market. One may be overeager in including every kind of room or feature and lose sight of what really matters in a home. By focusing on the essentials—enduring functionality, resilience, and beauty—this is what their vision of ‘built environment’ is all about.
“Built environment refers to all human-made spaces that influence how we live, work, and interact,” Mateo explains. “For [MCI], it represents a responsibility to shape spaces that elevate lives, nurture communities, and honour the natural world.” MCI has remained committed to this ethos and philosophy for its entire existence.
“Sustainability became a huge thing 10 years ago,” Mateo says. “However, [for us], it is a given. We endeavour to drive the conversation beyond trends and move toward creating spaces that embrace a holistic approach to prioritise long-term impact over temporary solutions.”
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Above A concept home of MCI, whose designs are recognisable for their thoughtful and harmonious nature (Photo: courtesy of Mana Consultancy)
A concept home of MCI, whose designs are recognisable for their thoughtful and harmonious nature (Photo: courtesy of Mana Consultancy)
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Above The Ongpin Tower in Binondo stands proud as a world-class residence (Photo: courtesy of Mana Consultancy)
The Ongpin Tower in Binondo stands proud as a world-class residence (Photo: courtesy of Mana Consultancy)
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These qualities are inherent in its projects, which include the Ongpin Tower, a residence in the heart of Binondo, as well as resort hotels and upscale residences, fusing nature with Filipino sensibilities.
In addition, amidst the “condominium conundrum”, which is a surplus of housing supply in Metro Manila, MCI is confident that their upcoming truly family-centric project in San Juan, Metro Manila can address this growing issue. This project veers away from the traditional layout that conventional high-rise residences have, instead opting for a more community-focused approach.
This altogether ties into their vision of a Philippine living experience that celebrates the Filipino identity, restoring our local environment and coexisting in harmony.
“By ‘designing better to build less’, we lead the way in shaping a better and more connected future for the [country]. Through timeless architecture, cultural celebration, and a commitment to giving back to the environment, we continue to redefine what it means to create spaces that inspire and endure.”
As MCI celebrates its 20th year in the industry, it remains steadfast in its mission to craft spaces that honor heritage, embrace innovation, and shape a more inspired, sustainable future for elevated Filipino living.
See the future of Filipino homes at manaarchitecture.com.
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About
Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles.
He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.
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Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.
