PSID-Ahlen Institute Inc. Mounts PHUSION Exhibit

The Philippine School of Interior Design - Ahlen Institute Inc. just gave us a glimpse of this year's theme PHusion made by the class of 2023. In the past, they had a lot of these displayed at the Greenfield Tower's 5th Floor. Since it was the pandemic, they had a smaller number of spaces designed. Though there was certainly no shortage in talent, I loved what I saw during this batch. 

 PHusion is all about culture and how it influences design. With these spaces catering to Filipino and individuals from different countries, they were able to meld this together. Though just like the other times, it's in the "details" and the designer's interpretation of what they understand from the culture of the other country they are doing. I was assisted by Nicole and shown around the different displays this year.

FILIPINO x EGYPTIAN

 They call this space PER ANK which means Key of Life.

Their two countries were at opposite sides of the world, but they particularly thought of color as common ground to bring this together. The brown sand dune hues, the wood, the several pieces of furniture, the native baskets on the ceiling (as light treatments), the Malakas-Maganda figures etched on the cement wall, the pillars with Egyptian hieroglyphs (as accent wall) plus the Baybayin writings they customized was impressive to see. They knew one could overwhelm the other design and they were careful not to do that. This was certainly a good start.

FILIPINO x SOUTH AFRICA

They call this BAHAY UBUNTU. A term I'm quite familiar with because I'm a Computer Engineer, it's about compassion for others.

South Africa must be a little hard to put into design, but they've managed to concentrate on things that are common with the Philippines. The wood elements are present, they showed the glass table top that remained transparent to show the various wood underneath. What impressed me the most was the Nipa hut style on the ceiling, but it was made of a different material that can withstand years of abuse. It was efficient, virtually pleasing to the eyes, and the prints represented the South African flair.

 

FILIPINO x AMERICAN

 

This time, they used light to define two spaces. The couple they depicted here spend much time in the kitchen which is why the space had the large counter. This is also old 1930's themed which had more gold and geometric elements. The bar with the capiz window treatment and the iconic Kutsara Tinidor on the wall probably gives that Filipino touch. I get why they named it FILLENIUM.

 

FILIPINO x NICARAGUAN

One thing we have in common with Nicaragua is the tropics, which is why they used plants as part of the design in this space. It's a bath, vanity and closet, where you can take refuge and relax after a stressful day.

They didn't overwork the theme, they did it very simple. The natural elements like the weaving on the wall and ceiling plus a 70's style wall blocks has that Filipino stamp. It's very well executed, and didn't have to get too busy in the eyes to interpret their theme RELAJARSE.

FILIPINO x BRAZILIAN

This is called A DIVERSAO. Since the Philippines and Brazil enjoy tropical weather, that's where they have the theme combined. The wall on the shelves are from the Brazilian sunsets, also the curved lines which are common in Brazilian homes. They also had coconut on the face of the cabinets plus the solihiya weaving on the ceiling to make sure there's still Filipino in it. The design of the floor is also an interpretation of Brazilian black and white patterns.  They used it to separate the space between the play area and lounge.

 

 FILIPINO x FRENCH

This space was designed to mix the Filipino and French elements, but had more than what they bargained for. Think of it as a French space with a more worldly view because they also included the vibes of a well traveled individual who takes different pieces from different places and take them home.

I like the balcony, the wall treatments, and the carvings which are innately Filipino. They made it a tad lighter to see, not clunky and max which most Filipino spaces depict. They also had parts likened to "Bahay na Bato". The various things they placed on shelves were shabby chic, floral, to simply get the feel of the French homes with centuries worth of art. I like the artwork and chairs the most.

 

FILIPINO x SCANDINAVIAN

The designers of this space called LAGOM had one problem, it was to mix a more max design culture in the Philippines to the one minimalist style from Scandinavian countries. I loved that wall in the back that transitions into shelves on one side then disappears when you look at it from the other side. The light in the center also was a good choice, the shadows land on the different pieces of furniture and give it a more warm glow. They also had wood, employ a concentric design to have less corners from different views.

FILIPINO x BRITISH

One side of this had Chesterfield sofas which was apt for those who wouldn't want their suits get creases, a classic in every British space. I liked how they used wood mainly which was done to have that Filipino touch. The face of the cupboards and cabinets was also customized with a regional Lumban Barong Tagalog strip which made a statement, it is possible to mix the west and the East. I like how this was done, perfect for the Bachelor client they depicted who wanted this and all the natural elements he wanted from the Philippines.

FILIPINO x ITALIAN

This space reminds me of the bougie Gotti family (though not maximalist). There were gold elements on the recessed wall, fabulous light installation and also the curved arches on the lavatory with a twin waterfall faucets. It was fresh looking, light and airy despite having some big pieces on the wall and different spaces. The wall was a light pink, it didn't clash with the space despite it having a more ethnic design on the center. They did good.

FILIPINO x AUSTRALIAN

This was one impressive space. The work area with a Boomerang shaped table, the recessed wall shaped like the mountains in the outback, the beach dotted artwork (made by one of the members to depict the Great Barrier Reef), that's some of the items that are extremely OZ. The hammock, a place to take rest after a stressful day, with rhum in hand via the cart, it is like a vacation in the Philippines. I can see they used wood pretty much everywhere, which is something common with us too. The abaca fiber on top, plus how the spaces were separated was a good idea. It's a serious place for business, but comforting after that. 

FILIPINO x JAPANESE

This bedroom is a personal favorite. You can see why.

The capiz wall, the arches, the floor, they all depict the rising sun. It's an element both Japan and the Philippines share, which is why they wanted the 8 rays in the sun also included. They also mixed the home grown farmer hat salakot and bangasa which is mostly seen in Japanese festivals.  They also did night and day (sun and moon), as seen on the floors. The bamboo, the circular patterns, even the Kenneth Cobunpue chair in red just fit right in. With so many elements, it didn't look cluttered at all. Excellent work, they named it Pearl of the Orient Meets Prosperity.

FILIPINO x PERSIAN

Designed for a Filipino Iranian family, this wreaks blue royal homes in Iran with woodwork and intricate details from both countries. They have a space made for recreation, bonding on the floor because that's how they do it. They also have sliding doors for the television, as most want it kept. Look at the details on the green built-ins which they wanted to do because of extreme need for storage especially in Persian homes.  

If you want to see the exhibit, it's at the Greenfield Tower's 5th Floor. Thank you so much to the nice people we met from the 2023 Batch of PSID. Thank you also to the Batch Adviser IDr. Nicanor Jardenil whom we talked to later that morning. You guys did good this year!

PHILUSA Corporation Launches Babyflo Buddies at Robinsons Magnolia

Just got off the Babyflo Buddies media launch at Robinsons Magnolia's Central Garden grounds in Quezon City. Folks had to wake up early for the morning event and tons of activities were prepared for kids and their families for one fun Saturday with the Play, Party and Pamper event.

Babyflo is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to baby products. Their parent company PHILUSA is also Filipino owned, making sure their products are affordable but of world class quality. If you live nearby or are just in the area, the activities are open to the public from 1pm to 9pm just for today!

I love the party games and food carts the most because you kinda get to have fun while you're there. This would be a fun activity with your kids and other family members. 

PHILUSA Corporation's Marketing Head Maya Leander says "This is the first time we are holding an event after the pandemic, and we are excited to tell you about the latest additions to the Babyflo family. We are the second happiest country in Asia, and we wear that smile while we practice the joy with our families. It's our mission to bring that happiness to every kid, and we have the widest range of products to do that. We use the highest quality of ingredients and make it affordable, all proudly Filipino made. Now we have to encourage our kids to use this inner joy, to make sure they grow up right. I wish everyone a happy day today and beyond!"

Brand Manager Rachelle Inciso adds "Together with our team, we want you to experience fun and the magic of childhood. We believe a happy baby makes a happy mommy, and it also makes a less stressed Dad. We hope you can love the new Babyflow Buddies because you will see them on stage today!"

Mommy influencers Neri Miranda and Iya Villana Arellano also joined in the fun. They have a talk encouraging Moms like them to take time to have fun while taking care of their kids. Iya says "Thank you Lord it's not raining now, we can enjoy the fun activities Babyflo has prepared for all of us. As parents we can always relate at some way and form. I took off a lot of my workout regimen because I need to recover. They are rough boys, all of them, no 5th one yet. No plans but it would be a happy accident because it's unsurmountable joy they bring everyday. If you ask Primo, weekends are the only gadget day."

Neri says "I'm really busy with business but I decided to put load later because I can see my kids are growing up so fast. I want to make sure I have time for them, to be there to send them off to school. Kids are different now, you have to chase them at a certain age. I used to also let them use gadgets but I see the big difference in attitude, so I don't let them have it unless it's needed. They did become impatient, addictive, so I removed it from the equation and let them bond together. That is a whole lot better!"

Together with living with kids, you need products that can make sure they're clean and safe.. and also are having fun. Go to Robinsons Magnolia today and get you, your kids in tow to enjoy the activities this afternoon. Remember, it opens at 1PM til 9PM, only for today! 

Congratulations PHILUSA and Babyflo!

Japanese Condo Living in Taft: Kizuna Heights

I've been recommending a lot of places to live in and sometimes it just is getting a little expensive to do because instead of just plainly recommending it, I'd mostly be contemplating to do investments instead LOL. Why? Because sometimes you get the nitty gritty details that are just too attractive to pass on. Case in point is Kizuna Heights, an urban residential mecca right in the heart of the university belt.

As the name suggests, it's a Japanese inspired condominium project that's situated in Taft Avenue. This place is very near De La Salle University, College of St. Benilde, UP Manila, Letran, Adamson, so it's pretty good for families with students in tow. It's a great place tor receive your next course or do graduate studies if you're looking for opportunities like that. It's also near business establishments, churches, banks, and the cultural district of Manila.     

Ms. Teresa Tumbaga the property Division Head says "Living here is like taking part in Manila's rich history, you get to visit parks, iconic places because of its close proximity to Kizuna Heights. The address is highly sought after, and we are giving the chance to live in an urban metropolis, and have a life that they deserve at this address."
 

If you're looking for investments, you know where to go! Visit their official website vistaresidences.com.ph/properties/kizuna and their social channels to get more information.

HONOR Introduces 3 Affordable Phones and a Tablet

Much of the crazy talk about HONOR Philippines releasing phones this month played along the lines of it being more affordable for the market. The entry level and mid-range price range certainly feels more appealing in the country as we slowly recover from the economic effects of the pandemic. Since the recent HONOR 90 5G got sold out in the previous quarter, there's a feeling of optimism and being bullish with the brand since it's gone and given those high end features in a mid range price.

HONOR Public Relations Manager Pao Oga says "It is with great pleasure to represent a brand that pushes boundaries of what's possible. From smartphones to wearables, the quality is synonymous to the brand. It has shaken the PH mobile industry especially when we launched the previous models Honor Magicbook Series, Honor X7a, Honor Magic Pro 5G, Honor X9a 5G, Honor X8a, Honor 90 5G. We are ready to introduce to you more, and innovation is enriching lives, it is our testament and our dedication. We will unveil more in 2024!"

Honor's Brand Marketing Manager Ms. Joepy Libo-on adds "The Honor 90 Lite 5G is specifically made for students and young professionals looking for storage and good cameras. 6.7 inches screen, better graphics, 93.6% screen to body ratio means you've got more movies to watch, even clear when zoomed in. It's not noisy or pixelated even if it's affordable. It's got a large storage which means you don't get too worried running out of space.

Here's our unboxing video of the HONOR X6a!

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Here are some highlights from the event this evening!

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Their Senior PR Officer Denis Santos also talked about two more smartphones and the HONOR PAD X9. He mentions "The Honor Pad X9 has better vocal enhancement tech which means it has accurate sound better rated for vocals. It can be gripped easily, has snapdragon 685, so you get smoother performance. With a 7250mAh battery, you can stream 13 hours and is available in Space Gray color. It also has ample storage, can do multitasking, and can sync with Honor Connect across your different Honor devices. It also runs on Android 13, and can be installed with Google Kids so you can control what they see on the device. 120 Hz and 2K display makes sure you see crisp videos via its 11.5 inch display."

 

(Photos are compressed by FB, so imagine what you can do with the high resolution photos from the X6a)

I personally used the X6a for a couple weeks now and have been able to shoot a few photos with it. Suffice to say, it's really the Indian and not the Pana. But it helps when you do get a good phone like it, you need less editing especially if used in daylight. The sharpness and colors are quite nice too, if you're looking for a phone at this price point, you get a lot with an HONOR device.

Training Head Jaynard Lamarca boasts about the X series and adds "The Honor X6a and X5 Plus can store tons of photos, audio and movies. It's got a full view display, plus a 50mp dual camera which can do quality shots. The 90Hz refresh rate and comfortable display is good for kids and young pros who need it most. The price point is also attractive, you just have to decide what would fit your lifestyle."

The price for the HONOR Pad X9 Tablet is PHP 11,990. The Honor 90 Lite can be bought for PHP 12,990. The two x series phones Honor X6a is at PHP 6,990 and the Honor X5 costs PHP 5,490. There will be freebies with the corresponding devices, details will be on HONOR PH social channels and dealers. Go get them while it's hot!