Cover A panel discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
A panel discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
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Hosted by the DTI-Design Center of the Philippines, the ninth International Design Conference gathered global and local thought leaders to explore resilience, regeneration, and the transformative power of design in shaping the future
In a world that prioritises relentless productivity, the act of sitting in silence is a radical act. Wait patiently, and soon a gentle humming emerges. Its low, consistent tone runs through all the elements of life, from a passing bird to a rustle of wind through the trees, settling neatly into the hearts of those who dare to make space for it.
This reconnection with nature is not only possible; it is essential to our collective flourishing. So say the team behind the DTI-Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth iteration of the International Design Conference. The event was held at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura Premier, featuring a wide range of international and local speakers.
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Tools for a proactive, resilient disaster response
Above Professor Eisuke Tachikawa’s discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
Professor Eisuke Tachikawa’s discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
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Professor Eisuke Tachikawa, the CEO and founder of the award-winning design firm Nosigner, opened the audience’s eyes to the complexities of life’s 3.8 billion-year design process. “What is the nature of human creativity?” he asked, encouraging us to shed the preconception that talent was innate. “We can learn and be trained in different skills, because creativity is cyclical. It’s a balance of adaptation and development as we navigate a new world.”
Tachikawa was involved in creating more disaster-resilient structures in Japan, ensuring a proactive response to earthquakes and tsunamis. “Sometimes we want to give up when a situation looks impossible to change or recover from,” he tells Tatler. “But as designers, we can empower individuals to work within their own sectors with an open mind and consideration for what they can control and contribute.”
As for adapting his approach to the Philippine context, considering the number of typhoons experienced yearly, Tachikawa encourages a decentralised approach. “Working on local scales beyond the capital can help mobilise resources faster,” he shares. To close, he gave particularly astute advice for the youth. “Take inspiration from different sources, and don’t be afraid of ‘boundary-spanning’ ideas,” he says. “You can reintegrate the ‘human’ aspect of research by finding unique connections through the lens of your personal experience.”
Building a system for all Filipinos to thrive
Above A panel discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
A panel discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
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The following panel discussion explored the concept of ‘rewilding’ our creative practices, with Tachikawa in conversation with psychospiritual researcher and author Carl Cervantes, Kids For Kids co-founder Bella Tanjutco, and regenerative design strategist Sarah Queblatin. A thought-provoking question struck the heart of the audience: ‘What heartbreak led you into your work?’
Each individual shared their distinctive stories and approaches to a more integrated, supportive ecosystem for all Filipinos. “Well-being is felt in the body, in the land and what we eat,” mused Cervantes. “We are not machines that need to be fixed by mechanics. The prevalence of the prefix ‘ka’ in Filipino words like ‘kaibigan’ (friend) and ‘kasama’ (together with) shows that we are part of a larger context.”
The participants encouraged a return to the circular, participatory decision-making of precolonial Filipino society. They discussed the concept of ‘banyuhay,’ an encapsulation of the process behind regeneration. The pupa ‘remembers’ its future highest self, the butterfly serving as a blueprint for its progress. Once we reconnect with nature and with each other, we can encourage each other to thrive in uniquely powerful ways.
In case you missed it: Home tour: a verdant family home balancing heritage and sustainability in Laguna, Philippines
Above Carl Cervantes speaking during a panel discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
Carl Cervantes speaking during a panel discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
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“What is the quality of the soil where we encourage flourishing to occur?” asked the moderator, Jen Horn. This encouraging question allowed the discussion to flow intuitively, not imposing a prescriptive response while holding space for both ancestral and current knowledge. For Tachikawa, the furniture pieces and spaces we design are integral to this movement. “Design is more than aesthetics and beauty,” he shared. “It’s about relationality. Our instinctive pull towards beauty helps us understand the evolutionary need that led to its creation, and ensure its longevity.”
To encircle all the elements, Queblatin shared the image of the mandala, which she often uses in her own work. “We hold the collective voices and beings here: all the mistakes and reparations made. Together, we can move forward with humility and grace,” she shared.
Lessons in leadership and longevity
Above Erwan Heussaff speaking during a panel discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
Erwan Heussaff speaking during a panel discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
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The afternoon’s conversations shifted to a more hands-on approach, helpful for individuals and businesses navigating the shifting relationship between ecology and economy. “Ecology is about knowing your home, while economy is about managing it,” shared moderator Dr Nikki Carsi-Cruz. “How can we recapture the whole, healing the rift between the two?” she asked.
The panel was attended by Erwan Heussaff, whose documentaries and short-form videos at The Fat Kid Inside and FEATR Media have amplified the Philippines’ diverse culinary heritage. Joining him onstage were Maisie Littaua, the country head of Canva Philippines, Rafael Dionisio, the co-founder of MAD Travel & AVD Green Builds, and Marga Valdes, the CEO and co-founder of Valdes Designs.
Above Marga Valdes speaking during a panel discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
Marga Valdes speaking during a panel discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
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One of the key discussions involved a reimagining of the word ‘resilience’. “The self and the environment are deeply entwined; to separate one is to diminish the other,” she said. “Collective resilience, also known as ‘grit,’ is your most important tool that often proves itself in the long run–so don’t give up.” For Valdes, resilience grounded in compassion diminishes the need for external recognition or a spotlight. It shapes one’s character and replenishes one’s store of inner confidence.
As a leader, her advice was “to listen: to the people, the materials and the times. You must align your values with your practice, and be open to collaborations. Cross-pollinate your ideas and stay curious,” she encouraged.
Above Maisie Littaua speaking during a panel discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
Maisie Littaua speaking during a panel discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
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Dionisio added to her compelling points, stating that businesses now stand at the intersection of what customers want and what the environment needs. This intuitive understanding required much trial and error on the part of all panel participants, but Heussaff shared that ‘to be seen trying and failing’ was better than not trying at all. These visible attempts to make a difference in one’s community are fertile soil for innovation, with a far-reaching impact he could not have imagined amid the struggle.
Dr Carsi-Cruz explored the image of these failures and challenges as ‘compost,’ encouraging the panel to see their experiences as seeds that would be buried in the fertile soil of collective experiences, encouraging new growth and new ways forward.
Breaking new ground with the ‘transformation economy’
Above Joseph Pine’s discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
Joseph Pine’s discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
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The conference’s final conversations were shaped by Joseph Pine’s perception of the ‘transformation economy,’ which transcends businesses dealing with commodities, goods, services and even experiences to fundamentally change their customers’ identities. “Flourishing is the extent to which each of us is the way we were always meant to be,” he proclaimed. “The raison d'être is to build and sustain an atmosphere where this can take place.”
For Pine, money is not the final measure of success; that is merely a measure of how well the business is fulfilling its purpose. He encouraged the audience to see customers as more than consumers, but as ‘aspirants’ who could use the business to achieve their personal goals. This ripple effect would extend from communities to societies, and ultimately to the entire planet.
Above Bella Tanjutco speaking at a panel discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
Bella Tanjutco speaking at a panel discussion at the DTI Design Center of the Philippines’ ninth International Design Conference, entitled “Holding The Whole”
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The final panel discussion grounded such lofty ideals with a timely statement: that personal flourishing must be democratised, fueled by a purpose beyond mere self-development. “It can keep people in a vacuum, especially when only a small group have access to such opportunities,” said Dr Carsi-Cruz.
Instead, the panel encouraged a shift towards a more connectional intelligence, recentring the unique traits each person possesses, complemented by the material goods and services that can bring about genuine social change. “We want to have a healthy relationship with profit, distributing access while still drawing on the knowledge of indigenous groups,” synthesised Dr Carsi-Cruz from the panel’s thoughts. “We don’t want to forget all the resources we have access to, while paving the way for change and commitment to new ideals.”
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
