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“It’s been 10 years since the first Newfolk exhibition electrified Singapore via Singaplural 2015 (A notable event with Singapore Design Week),” says project editor Anna Magsaysay Rosete.
Gabriel Lichauco, industrial designer and educator, founded the NewFolk Collective to tackle the changing world of Filipino design. Back then, only few opportunities existed for budding designers to showcase their creativity. While earlier initiatives like Movement 8 and Epoch highlighted the uniqueness of Filipino furniture design, Lichauco brought fresh energy in 2015 with new ideas that set the design scene under the spotlight.
Lichauco says, “We find ourselves in an era where a multidisciplinary approach is the standard, empowering creatives to transcend traditional boundaries and educational backgrounds. This next generation prioritizes community building, knowledge sharing and environmental consciousness, shaping a creative landscape characterized by collaboration and awareness.”
Today, a new wave of industrial and furniture designers continues this legacy. Newfolk: No Boundaries features 11 innovative creators whose works underscore the principles of connectedness, sustainability community and heritage. This landmark exhibition prioritizes the emergence of diverse voices, celebrating the vibrant evolution of Filipino design through the lens of the kitchen, reflecting contemporary aspirations and the spirit of our era.
La Mana Furniture Concepts Inc., founded in 2018, partnered with Japanese brand Ishinomaki Laboratory through the Made in Local initiative, manufacturing stylish furniture in the Philippines. This sustainable model reduces carbon footprints and empowers communities. Lamana crafts bespoke pieces, promoting craftsmanship and inspiring local artisans through workshops and events.
Selena Placino, a cum laude graduate from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, is an industrial designer specializing in furniture, lighting, and packaging for brands like Senseware, Lamana and Exploratory Projects. Recognized at EMERGE @FIND 2023 and 2024, her work embodies curiosity and enhances the human experience.
Razel Mari, an object-based artist from Plaridel, Bulacan, passionately explores diverse materials and methods — ceramics, fibers, wood, and digital fabrication — to craft meaningful narratives. A former product designer at the Community Crafts Association, he recently earned his master’s degree as a Fulbright scholar, redefining his artistic journey.
Margarita “Guia” Viray artfully melds her illustrative and graphic design expertise into stunning furniture, lighting, and decor, showcasing the elegance of wood at Triboa Bay Living as assistant design director. A KATHA awardee and board member of Philexport Region 3, her works have graced esteemed exhibitions and murals.
Jasser Aguila, an Industrial Design graduate from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, apprenticed under renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue in Cebu. Inspired by the world’s dynamic nature, he skillfully abstracts stories and everyday scenarios into his innovative home décor and sculptural designs.
Meyte Chan’s Senseware transcends traditional functional art, focusing on sensory experiences that foster awareness and introspection. Each meticulously crafted piece, using organic materials like mother of pearl and capiz shells, invites appreciation of the interplay between form and sensation, celebrating the connection between our surroundings and inner selves.
Chini Lichangco, a De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde graduate, honed her design skills with Kenneth Cobonpue in Cebu. Her innovative work, recognized globally, includes Honorable Mention at the 2021 Cheongju International Craft Competition and Best in Product at the 2021 London International Creative Competition. Most recently, she was featured at the Emerge Design Fair Asia (2023, 2024), solidifying her reputation in design.
Simon Santiago Te is a Manila-based artist navigating the boundaries of image, object and space, probing the interplay between material and memory. With a background in film and carpentry, he distills fleeting moments into tangible forms, inviting introspection and engagement through craftsmanship. Co-founder of MOLD, his work champions sustainability and meaningful design.
Bianca Carague bridges digital and physical realms, transforming virtual textures and shapes into tangible objects. Her collection, initially digital sculptures, is handcrafted in porcelain, showcasing familiar yet unconventional forms. Designed for functionality, these pieces invite interaction and elevate dining experiences, merging curiosity with everyday use.
