MANILA, PHILIPPINES — For the first edition of Benilde Open Design + Art, the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde presents a series of riveting public programs with creative industry leaders. The talks will run from June 25 to 28 and will be held at the Design + Arts Campus.
On June 25, there will be a conservation among local trailblazers of the creative industries called #thefutureiscreative, which will delve into the current landscape in the Philippines as they share trends, challenges, and opportunities. Participants will gain insight into the future trajectory of creativity and innovation within the Philippine context. Speakers include Toff De Venecia, House of Representatives member for the 4th district of Pangasinan; Pauline Juan, Former Executive Director for Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions; and Erwin Romulo, writer, editor, music producer and creative consultant. The discussion will be moderated by Andrei Pamintuan of the British Council Philippines.
On June 26, there will be a discussion called “Unleashing Unicorns: The Quest for PH Success Stories” about discovering the next wave of billion-dollar startups, especially those in the more artistic and creative fields. In this panel discussion, speakers will share their extensive experience and proven strategies for identifying and nurturing high-potential startups and navigating the dynamic world of venture capital and startup investment.
The speakers include Jojo Flores, Co-founder of Plug and Play Tech Center and Launchgarage Innovation Hub; Jay Fajardo, Executive Director of Ideaspace Ventures and QBO Innovation; Franco Varona, Managing Partner of Foxmont Capital Partners; and Paulo Campos, Founding Managing General Partner of Kaya Founders.
Benilde Open grantee Rambie Lim and Mahalina Foundation President Dr. Patricia Araneta will host a conversation on June 28 about the unique experiences of designers, institutions, and companies working with artisans and indigenous peoples (IPs). “Consider their rights! Working with Local Artisans and Indigenous Peoples in Design” will focus on the question: how can we be mindful of protecting the rights and safeguarding the culture of artisans and IPs while collaborating with them to actualize creative endeavors? They will be joined by a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property rights.
There will also be a workshop on the same day about defining spaces of belonging. Titled “How to Make a Great Place,” the workshop will be conducted by Ar. Katz Odulio of Kronos Design Studio. Participants will be asked to reimagine existing space within De La Salle College of Saint Benilde with the question, “What can YOU do here?”
All exhibitions under Benilde Open Design + Art run until June 29 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information, please visit the website and social media platforms via Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
