Cover Kenneth Cobonpue (Photo: Courtesy of Smart Infinity)
Kenneth Cobonpue (Photo: Courtesy of Smart Infinity)
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Relive the powerful stories of these creative visionaries on Infinite Legacies
Stories hold immeasurable power. Uniquely, they carry the capacity to soothe our worries, whisk us away to a different time and place, or inspire us to enact change.
This was fittingly and unmistakably made apparent during the course of Infinite Legacies, the documentary series by Smart Infinity and Cignal TV that pays homage to today’s Changemakers in their respective industries and communities. “The pandemic gave us lots of chances to be introspective, to love our own more, to recognise how interconnected we are as people, to realise that we need to start living more mindfully, and to strive to spark more positive changes in ourselves and in our communities,” said Smart Infinity Brand Head Sofia Borromeo Alvarez, grateful to use their platform to stand for meaningful pursuits.
Among the featured visionaries were Filipino designers and entrepreneurs Len Cabili, Bea Valdes, Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez, and Kenneth Cobonpue—all of whom proudly showcase our country’s talent in the international arena. Through tales of their brave beginnings, the toils and sacrifices they’ve encountered, and ultimately the advocacies they’ve since pursued with their success, these treasured stories serve as an ever-timely reminder of how purpose is deeply embedded in the creative journey.
See also: Smart Infinity Celebrates Changemakers in The Return of Infinity Golf Classic Tournament
This was seen from the get-go in Cabili's particularly moving episode, where the Filip + Inna founder recounted dealing with her cancer diagnosis at such a young age. She explained how, in spite of this, she was driven to move forward with meaning, specifically in creating something that would resonate with her desire to uplift the traditions and livelihood of indigenous groups near her hometown in Mindanao. Cabili enthused, “When I started Filip + Inna, one thing was clear to me: the brand was going to point back to the Philippines and celebrate our culture through the craftsmanship of traditional and indigenous Filipino artisans.”
With her continued commitment and relationships to these local craftsmen and women, there is indeed something incredibly personal in each woven and handmade piece Cabili introduces in her globally-recognised clothing label. Moreover, through her recent partnership with Green Releaf to reinvigorate their existing traditions in farming with the regenerative and self-sufficient ways of permaculture, Cabili simply beams as an exemplar of going above and beyond one's craft in order to inspire lasting impact.
Above Len Cabili (Photo: Courtesy of Smart Infinity)
Len Cabili (Photo: Courtesy of Smart Infinity)
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Similarly alluding to the principle of sustainable design in the pilot episode of Infinite Legacies, Valdes stressed the importance of crafting beautiful items that are durable and have long-term emotional sentiment, so that they may become modern heirlooms that are prized and passed down for many years to come. Thus, the acclaimed fashion and accessories designer has since focused on bespoke creations for her clients, cultivating an intimate business model in which nothing is laid to waste and each piece is truly one-of-a-kind.
“We believe that the things that you make reflect the things that you value. It’s imperative that this work of hands may continue because they really speak to a greater humanity,” she passionately relayed. Finding her values aligned with Circulo, a Manila-based design and strategy studio notably promoting a circular economy, Valdes has amplified this conversation on such a vital topic across the fashion world and beyond, bearing how a deep-seated ethos can truly go a long way.
See also: Why is Championing a Circular Economy Important? We Hear From Bea Valdes and Smart Infinity
Above Bea Valdes (Photo: Courtesy of Smart Infinity)
Bea Valdes (Photo: Courtesy of Smart Infinity)
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This magnanimous quest and voice also resonated with Gonzalez—as managing director of doted furniture label Philux, she has only continued to honour her parents’ legacy in the industry while, of course, championing Filipino craftsmanship through and through. Resulting in masterful works that can be cherished for decades, Philux remains a vivid manifestation of one deeply inspiring rationale. Gonzalez declared, “Our purpose is really to develop and share conscious and finely crafted Filipino designs for every home and hope that it is passed on from generation to generation.”
In order to do so, the creative entrepreneur greatly recognises and upholds the brand's social and environmental responsibility. Apart from their continued curation and use of sustainably-sourced materials, Gonzalez and Philux have also embarked on a collaboration with Green Antz to upcycle the company’s plastic waste into sturdy eco-bricks to build homes, schools, and infrastructure all over the country.
Above Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez (Photo: Courtesy of Smart Infinity)
Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez (Photo: Courtesy of Smart Infinity)
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With these three ladies evincing how every artist truly carves their distinctive journeys that are laden with their own advocacies, Infinite Legacies finally welcomed Cobonpue to weigh in on his call to inspire the breadth of younger Filipino creatives to reach for thrilling heights and continue redefining local design altogether. In the most fitting way, his Infinite Legacies episode marvellously debuted in his hometown of Cebu, relating his story and underlying drive in a nearly full-circle moment.
Even more so graciously taking two budding talents under his wing, the world-renowned virtuoso encouraged his mentees, as well as viewers alike, to always put their heart into their craft. “Every piece that I do is in a way different. It’s always evolving because that’s just the way I am,” he shared. “Some of them may sell; some of them are going to be flops. But in the end, I want to look back and say that I’ve tried it all.”
Through Infinite Legacies, these four Changemakers have indeed captivated us with their powerful stories while embodying the Smart Infinity lifestyle—not only have they achieved great success through their brilliance, they have more importantly harnessed this to shine the light towards others on a remarkable scale.
Thus empowering us to do the same, the luxury postpaid brand, its suite of exclusive privileges, and its marvel of a series all rise as valuable ventures for today’s passionate individuals who seek to create waves of infinite impact, one courageous step at a time. Underscored by such dedicated customer service, Smart Infinity brings you every bit of potential within reach, so that you can truly live without limits.
The entire documentary series aired on Cignal TV via OneNews Channel, Cignal Play, and Smart’s GigaPlay app. Catch the replay episodes featuring Bea Valdes, Len Cabili, Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez, Kenneth Cobonpue, and the grand finale on GigaPlay.
For more information on Smart Infinity’s offers, visit the Smart Infinity website and follow them on Instagram.
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