MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The DTI – Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) recently recognized outstanding designs at the 2024 Good Design Award Philippines held at The Globe Tower, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
The Malasakit Gran Prix Award winner was the “First United Building” in Escolta, Manila. This project embodies the power of restoration and “adaptive reuse” in driving urban regeneration. Originally the Perez-Samanillo Building, this Art Deco landmark, designed by Andres P. Luna, son of the renowned painter Juan Luna, was Manila’s tallest building upon its 1928 completion.
The project’s vision transformed the historic structure into a vibrant hub for creative communities.
“The historic building’s transformation shows the power of placemaking, where it’s not just the walls and posts that make a place but the communities that flourish in it. The restored First United Building in Escolta revitalized the district, attracting creative tenants and drawing a new demographic of visitors and regular audiences that come to Escolta to escape the cookie-cutter spaces that proliferate in many urban areas. Despite challenges, the building’s revival showcases the power of design and preservation, not only in restoring its past but also in fostering Escolta’s economic resurgence that caters to the next generation of the creative class,” said Good Design Award Philippines 2024 Jury Chair Mylene Abiva, who is also Co-chair of Design Center’s Design Advisory Council 2024-2027.
Golds for Philippine Design
The “Right to Care Card,” a healthcare proxy document from Quezon City and creative agency MullenLowe TREYNA, won the Gold Award. This initiative allows same-sex couples to make medical decisions for each other during emergencies, demonstrating how design can enhance inclusivity and government services.
The “Philippine Textile Table Swatchbook” of ANTHILL Fabric Gallery also received the Gold Award by showing indigenous Philippine fabrics through “storytelling narratives and interactive features.”
“This year’s awardees are indeed a reflection of the transformative journey of Philippine design as a strategic problem-solving process that drives innovation, builds business success, and leads to a better quality of life through innovative products, systems, services, and experiences,” declared Rhea Matute, Executive Director of the Design Center of the Philippines.
“Our designers are storytellers, changemakers, and agents of malasakit (compassion) who exhibit the resilience and creativity of the Filipino spirit,” she furthered.
“The Good Design Award Philippines connects this year’s winners to the world. We are excited to see and support our country’s designers in introducing Philippine design to the global market,” said Crisela Magpayo Cervantes, Vice President of Marketing Communications for Globe Telecom.
It starts with malasakit
The Good Design Award Philippines, a biennial program, recognizes outstanding design across various categories and industries. This year saw a significant increase in entries, with 204 submissions and 84 shortlisted finalists.
The following winners are recognized as follows:
Red Awardees:
Object Making
- Wall Panel T’Nalak by Maricris Floirendo Brias
- Ocean Lamp by Rev Naval for OMO Furniture
- Keso Coin Holder by Miguel R. Habito
- Ugnayan: Cards for Connection by Jen Horn and Kookie Santos
- Lakat Sustainable Sneakers by Johanna T. Claparols & Michael E. Claparols
- Lalapatos by Maco Custodio And Zapateria
- Obra Ceramics by Ria V. Reyes
Image Making
- Pingkian: Isang Musikal by GA Fallarme
- Philippine Textile Table by Swatchbook Joy Anya Lim
- Alahas: Philippine Heritage Jewelry Book by Maria Angelica Santos-Bermejo + Manifesto Design Lab
- Bahay: A Tour of Traditional Filipino Homes by Adrian C. Panadero
- Right to Care by MullenLowe TREYNA and Quezon City Local Government Unit
- Ugnayan: Cards for Connection by Jen Horn and Kookie Santos
- Sulà Spirits by Vernon Carandang & Mark Daniel Rivera
- Imagining Auro Chocolate by Mark Mendoza Ocampo
- Shepard Packaging Design and Brand Identity by Jewelle Y. Mugglestone
Place Making
- A Bamboo Café by Ar. Marvin Albert Mariñas + IDr. Sheryl Mariñas
- A Tiny Tree Hugger Home by Ar. Marvin Albert Mariñas + IDr. Sheryl Mariñas
- Kilyawan Farm Resort Ar. Dominic Galicia + Ganzon Family
- First United Building by The Syliantengs and FUB Corporation
- Asador Alfonso by Carlo Calma
- Casa Tropica by Arch. Yonni Habulan + Arch. Maricris Ngo-Habulan
Systems and Service Design
- Wika by Roland Benzon
- Incognito Game: Sino si Anino? by Aria Chelabian, Faye Villanueva- Chelabian, and Lawrence Martin
- Right to Care by MullenLowe TREYNA and QC LGU
- Hateka: Hanyag sa Matematika by HoliCOW PH and Hablon sa Cebu
Gold Awardees
- Image Making: Philippine Textile Table Swatchbook by Joy Anya Lim
- Place Making: First United Building by The Syliantengs and FUB Corporation
- Systems and Service Design: Right to Care by MullenLowe TREYNA and QC LGU
Green Awardee for Environmental Solutions
- Lakat Sustainable Sneakers by Johanna T. Claparols & Michael E. Claparols
White Citation for Material Innovation
- Pili Seal Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon
Malasakit Awardee (Gran Prix)
- Place Making: First United Building by The Syliantengs and FUB Corporation
Awardees received a commemorative trophy, a miniature replica of an Arturo Luz sculpture, and the Good Design Award Philippines seal. Additionally, all winners except those receiving white citations can compete for Japan’s prestigious G Mark. This international recognition opens doors for Philippine design to reach the global market, fostering trade ties with Japan.
adobo Magazine is an official media partner of the 2024 Good Design Awards.
