Cover A glimpse of Design Week Philippines 2023
A glimpse of Design Week Philippines 2023
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From October 12 to 19, the DTI-Design Center of the Philippines celebrates Filipino creativity through nationwide events, exploring the archipelagic heritage that shapes the future of local design
The Philippines’ rich history spans centuries of traversing between the land and the sea. Amid busy lifestyles, there is a deep calling within us to reconnect with the ancestral knowledge of our heritage. To celebrate this beckoning, the Design Center of the Philippines is hosting its thirteenth iteration of Design Week, with events nationwide. From October 12 to 19, explore various talks, workshops, and tours that encourage Filipino creativity on an unprecedented scale.
The theme for this year’s Design Week is ‘Unearthing Islandness’. The theme hearkens back to our archipelagic culture, exploring how indigenous wisdom and maritime consciousness can impact the future of the Filipino design scene. “Islandness is not smallness–it seeks to foster a rekindling with our Filipino spirit in hopes of cultivating design seascape for greatness,” the organisers shared.
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Above The poster for Design Week Philippines 2024, with the theme of Unearthing Islandness
The poster for Design Week Philippines 2024, with the theme of Unearthing Islandness
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The Design Center is under the Department of Trade and Industry, established in 1973 under the leadership of National Artist Arturo Luz, who was known for printmaking, sculpting, and innovative designs. Through its events, such as the International Design Conference and Good Design Awards Philippines, the Design Center shines a spotlight on up-and-coming Filipino creatives.
Last year’s theme of Design Week was ‘On The Edge,’ as the Philippines was still reeling from the effects of COVID-19. The pandemic created a need for more human-centric design, with designers navigating this unfamiliar landscape.
Above Attendees of Design Week Philippines 2023
Above State of Philippine Design panel discussion in 2023
Attendees of Design Week Philippines 2023
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Now, the DTI-Design Center is returning to our culture’s proverbial roots. “Our way of life is shaped by the water around us,” shared Gilda Dela Cruz of DTI-Design Center. “Every aspect of our identity is rooted in this, so we should explore it and dig deep into what we find.”
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Several activities are happening simultaneously nationwide, with a whole-day event at Yuchengco Museum on October 12. The first activity is a panel discussion on the state of Philippine design, which examines how designers and policymakers can work together to uphold Philippine cultural heritage to suit our evolving design industry. They will spotlight the unique aspects of island life that contribute to global design discourse. Designers can then explore other activities, such as a folio review by industry professionals.
Above The design sari-sari of Design Week Philippines 2023
The design sari-sari of Design Week Philippines 2023
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On October 19, guests can walk through different exhibitions, workshops and live performances at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).
Guests may also drop by various booths staged by curated merchants from PURVEYR and Good Design Awards. Spanish designer Alvaro De Ocon and Filipino visual artist Leeroy New will engage in a design talk that explores their respective design practices on sustainability and cultural preservation.
There will also be other discussions on archipelagic design and designing the balangay, the historic wooden boat that was crucial for our ancestors' settlement on the Philippine archipelago. Workshops include cyanotype printing, scentmaking, and pabalat making (turning Japanese paper into wrappers for pastillas, a milk-based confection) among many other exciting activities.
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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.
