BOOTH 6: Marahuyo Spa & Tea House

MEMBERS: Alissa Villareal, Sam Javier, Chloe Nabayo, Kiana Umali

The Punzalan Ancestral House was one of the homes of Atanasia Aniversario, popularly known during her time as Kabesang Tana, who was the owner of one of the largest fortunes in Taal. Since being built in the 1900s, the house has seen generations of the family come and go. Owing to its strategic location, the house has since been converted to a tourist inn. Taking the idea one step further, the group proposes to add a spa and teahouse to the existing inn in order to maximize the business potential of the site.

The spa will center on the Filipino ancient art of healing or ‘hilot’ with the use of volcanic rock massage, while the teahouse will highlight special herbal teas grown right in the backyard of the house.

Taking inspiration from the structural design and original finishes of the house, the group has decided to add a modern tropical touch to the area. The original interiors and terra cotta tile flooring is effortlessly melded with modern finishes like wallpaper and contemporary furniture designs. The intent is to come forth with a design that encapsulates the best of both worlds—deeply rooted in the traditions of the past, but utilizing the innovations of the present to strike the perfect balance of the old and the new.

BOOTH 7: La Moneda Bookshop & Cafe

MEMBERS: Alexis Casas, Tin Jaspio, Lauren Laudico, Hannah Tan

Intramuros today is a hubbub of activity—from students plying their routes to nearby schools, to vendors selling their wares, and to tourists exploring the cobblestoned streets. Within this microcosm of Manila life, we envision the Aduana Building revived as a bustling commercial building with a bookshop and café, attracting tourists and locals alike.

La Moneda Bookshop and Café takes inspiration from the history of the Aduana as the Mint House or Casa de Moneda, where the first Philippine coins were made. To echo this pivotal moment, the overall design of the space reflects the lustrous shine of the coin—from the artwork showcased against the coin wall to the copper and metallic touches in the fixtures and fabrics used.

The proposed design retains its neoclassical façade, its interior structure featuring original arches and exposed beams in concrete, and an iron gate inspired by the original gates of the building. Padded walls and a cowhide rug add softness and depth to the space while touches of wood and red stone flooring create a cozy ambiance. Bespoke furniture and a coffee bar inspired by the ruins complete the industrial glam look. In totality, the La Moneda Bookshop and Café glistens in historical charm and breathes new life to its original home. 

BOOTH 8: CC (Cafe+Creatives)

MEMBERS: Liz Catadman, Joyce Gozos, Geline Ignacio, Elvira Pareja

The former PSID Building located at 2230 Pasong Tamo Street in Makati City is one of the iconic buildings designed by Architect and Interior Designer Lor Calma. Built during the 1960s, the building boasts of a contemporary modern design not common during that era.

The space that the group chose to adaptively reuse in this heritage building is the hallway and entrance to the school.  There are three (3) distinct elements that can be found—the wooden wall inscribed with baybayin, the adobe stone wall, and the steel gate made of wrought iron grills in all its details. Focusing on the above-mentioned elements, the group has chosen to reimagine the space as a cafe where creatives can meet and discuss ideas, or simply to chill and absorb the vibe of the place. Dubbed Cafe+Creatives (CC), the design revolves around the theme of contemporary modern Filipino Ingenuity in its organic form, prioritizing human needs within a space. In correlation with contemporary aesthetics and design, the group pays homage to the architectural and design ingenuity of the Icon and Master Sir Lor Calma, as he paved the way towards Philippine modernism in Architecture and Design.

BOOTH 9: Little Cafe Museum

MEMBERS: Karl Ascano, Jerome Tinio, Erika Uramoto

The Philippine School of Interior Design can trace back its beginnings to 1967, when it first launched its four-term basic course.  Designed by Architect Lor Calma, the Philippine School of Interior Design, then called the Philippine Center of Interior Design, was housed in a levitating building built in the modern international style. Located along the stretch of Pasong Tamo in Makati, the building stands out among its peers with its distinctive features. No detail was also spared inside with one wall featuring an adobe stone finish, while another wooden wall is inscribed with baybayin. Furthermore, details such as the paint-splattered floor and the minimalist brass staircase, coupled with the vast windows looking outwards creates a bold statement that is ephemeral yet timeless. Truly, the architecture and architectural interiors showcase the best of 1950s modernism movement.

Given the location of the site, as well as its history of being PSID’s first home, the group proposes to convert the space into a museum-inspired cafe done in a mid-century modern style. The concept is to create a balance, utilizing natural light and clean lines with neutral tones to enhance the tranquil and living experience.

BOOTH 10: Cafe 308

MEMBERS: Abi Lazo

Designed in a neoclassical and beaux-arts style, the Regina Building is one of the few buildings in Escolta that has survived the horrors of World War II. The building boasts of timeless design elements such as pedimented windows, balusters, bas-reliefs, and sculptural groups. Due to its location in the heart of Binondo, the group reimagined the space as a coffee bar that caters to men and women who are always on-the-go yet who would need their caffeine boost for the day.

While the facade is retained, the interiors are finished in an industrial-retro style brought forth in the 21st century. Aged wood planks juxtaposed with concrete make up the floor, while a contemporary wall mural of Escolta and a vertical plant wall liven up the space. Grill works in weathered paint finish can also be found on the walls for visual interest and draws the eyes upward to the coffered ceiling design.

All of the furniture pieces are also carefully chosen to ensure consistency in the design— from the classic Chesterton sofa in leather to the studded antique chest to the bar with salvaged wood cladding and concrete finish. Lighting has also been carefully chosen to create an environment that is of the past and the present.

BOOTH 11: Kusina Aduana

MEMBERS: Chelsea Chua, Pau Alarilla, Kat Garcia, Janessa Nakata

“Kusina Aduana” provides an experience to last a lifetime. It offers hands-on cooking classes in order for one to develop a deep appreciation of the flavors, history and culture of Filipino cuisine. Each participant will be able to prepare various dishes under the guidance of experienced local chefs at one’s own workstation.

Discover and try the local food scene by experiencing some of the country’s famous delicacies. Explore and experience a local market where your chef will teach and encourage you to taste along the way. Get an in-depth glimpse into Filipino cuisine through a cookery course, which may vary based on the season.

Kusina Aduana offers a modern rustic design with a touch of Filipino elements. The modern rustic style brings warmth to spaces and adds timeless profiles to the contemporary designs. It embraces nature-inspired textures while making use of simple and earthy colors. Natural wood and stones are prominent in this kitchen design. Modern kitchen cabinets and appliances are incorporated in the space for a contemporary look alongside Filipino accessories such as rattan weave, palayok are used.

BOOTH 12: Below Zero Gelateria

MEMBERS: Elaine Hiloma, Denise Tuazon, Gwency Sobrepena, Rein Dela Cruz

                                                                                                               

The Aduana building, which was once the headquarters for the Customs Office in Intramuros, has been reimagined and redesigned into a commercial complex. Within its premises is Below Zero Gelateria, where students and tourists alike can lounge around and beat the heat with the shop’s tasty selection.

The proposed Modern Classic design brings together a timeless yet subtle air of sophistication reminiscent of Imperial Manila with a hint of humility and simplicity. Polished concrete was used for both the walls and the flooring while and bricks were used to mimic the remains of the building. Neutral colors run throughout the design including a touch of violet, a color often associated with the color of royalty. Antique mirrors decorate the ceiling and for a part of the wall to give the shop a vintage look while tufted furniture pieces with metal elements provide it class and elegance. The shop’s products are then accentuated through pendant lights positioned above the counter.

BOOTH 13: 13 Fit Street

MEMBERS: Jess Arellano, Cee Reganion, Bianca Francisco, Mariel Consolacion

Tanduay Fire Station is the oldest operating fire station in Manila’s University Belt area. The group’s vision to turn the station into an edgy modern gym hinges on the concept of making going to the gym feel like a night out.

With this theme in mind, the station was outfitted with strip lighting, black walls and acrylic signages. Reaffirming the nightclub theme, a “dark and moody” atmosphere was created and accentuated by the lights. A hooped ladder, commonly used for industrial buildings, is used as a rack to hold weights and other gym accessories.  Recycled black rubber salvaged from the old fire station serves as the cycling studio’s flooring, while the rest of the area is outfitted with resilient wood planks to withstand heavy foot traffic. Furthermore, the fireman’s pole was also retained and used as an accessory for the pole dancing studio. Wood from the ceiling dating back to 1897 was also salvaged and remade into a bench.

Overall, these elements provide a cohesive and consistent language that is able to not only incorporate the space’s history but also showcase it as a focal point of its design.

BOOTH 14: Dor-Moderno

MEMBERS: Dudz Domasig, Jr., Lei Santelices, Naomi Ng, Celina Zaraspe, Rizza Agoncillo

Located at the corner of Madrid and San Fernando Streets in San Nicolas, Binondo, Manila, the San Nicolas Fire Station was established in 1901 as one of the first fire stations ever built in the country.

Due in part to its location, the group envisioned the San Nicolas Fire Station as a modern and contemporary dormitory with the interiors and facade inspired by the station’s original design. The aesthetic blueprint of this mid-century modern dormitory was inspired by the accent walls and metal works derived from its old form. After being repainted and replaced with a more contemporary interior design, certain elements in the original San Nicolas Fire Station such as the fireman’s pole were left intact. The dormitory’s wooden interior also stayed true to its authentic form. The wood panels of the TV wall were salvaged from the reclaimed wood from the walls and floorings. The bunk beds mimicked the firemen’s quarters and the use of sliding ladders was inspired by actual fire truck ladders. With this one-of-a-kind design, this modern dormitory hopes to cater to students in the nearby schools within San Nicolas, Manila, giving this historical site a new lease on life.

BOOTH 15: Station No. 15

MEMBERS: Sophia Aguado, Alecsa Alcantara, Rani Lorenzana, Naomi Estiva

The Tanduay Fire Station in Paco, Manila was first established by Hugh Bonner, a former chief of the New York Fire Department. After the Japanese occupation, it houses a central fire station and firemen’s training school. Currently, it is now surrounded by universities and commercial buildings.

After visiting and experiencing the current situation of the building, the designers proposed to repurpose the storage room as a co-working bar.

The design embraces the old fire station by retaining the bricks, archways, and the metal works in the spiral staircases. To incorporate the steampunk style, pipes, gears, and metallic tones are also used to achieve that edgy look. By re-constructing its original structure and adding features of the steampunk genre, the designers create a new atmosphere that is both nostalgic and fresh.

The fire station turned to co-working bar was envisioned to cater to students and entrepreneurs looking for a conducive space to get work done. Unlike your conventional working spaces, Station no. 15 offers an environment that is more relaxed, creative, and liberating. This gives the space a redefinition in the curves of Manila, serving a new purpose to the modern Manileno.

BOOTH 16: Polo Estacion

MEMBERS: Carleen Choi-Kua, Chen Ferrer, Pauline Guiang, Kath Reston

Situated along a highway, the PNR Polo Station served as the base for military operations of the first Republic. Today, the group envisions it to be an Artisan market and local wine shop–creating an avenue to showcase the nation’s local produce. Brick walls, arched windows, and wall treatments were retained and balanced with contemporary elements of the bronze mirror, steel, and illuminated acrylic. The capiz and a careful selection of furniture and accessories help create the Rustic Contemporary meets Industrial design.

Inspired by the architectural features of Polo Station, the patterned capiz wall arching to the ceiling invites customers to explore the space. The lighted pathway and railway, illuminated arches, black granite, and bronze mirror project an illusion of an infinite railway. The capiz and wood ceiling allows for a subtle division of areas while a dedicated seating is provided for customers to dine and sample the goods.

The various elements used in the design unify the entire space, creating an interior that flows harmoniously. Polo Estacion highlights a perfect blend of the old and the new that evoke an unexpected yet one-of-a-kind charm that can’t be missed.

BOOTH 17: KM 102 Gentleman’s Barber Lounge

MEMBERS: Justine Dacudao, Christina Locsin, Dianne Gonzales, Jane Oracion

Built in 1892, the San Fernando Train Station is part of the Ferrocarril de Manila-Dagupan, the first railway system in the Philippines. Today, the San Fernando Train Station is reimagined into a Gentleman’s Barber Lounge.

The Gentleman’s Barber Lounge is a members-only establishment that offers today’s discerning gentleman a place where they can retreat to refresh their minds and bodies, replenish their energy, and network with their friends. There is a barber shop with traditional grooming services, a lounge with comfortable seating, and a music area that features a curated collection of vinyl records. Though inspired by the original interior architecture of the railway station, the Lounge embraces a contemporary aesthetic. The concept of mixing old and the new is translated not just by the experience offered in the Lounge but also in its design. The original brick walls are retained and juxtaposed with marble panels immersing the entire space with a sense of darkness, intrigue, and understated luxury. The dome of copper pipes as the accent ceiling above the lounge evokes a cave atmosphere. A combination of hard and soft materials are utilized that are commonly associated with masculinity.