Passion and purpose always find their way back to each other. Regardless of money, status or recognition in other fields, you’ll ultimately return to what you truly love — because only there will you feel fulfilled, happy and whole.

To where it all began

Since childhood, Cecil Ravelas has demonstrated a deep passion and talent for the arts — from designing elaborate 2D costumes for paper dolls to excelling in school arts and crafts. Encouraged by a forward-thinking art teacher, she explored hands-on projects. Her creativity thrived, even earning income by selling hand-lettered name tags to classmates. In high school, her fascination with interior and fashion design intensified. She chose electives aligned with her interests and received full support from her school. Art remained her steady companion, shaping her path with joy and purpose.

From tertiary to career: A journey with bumps along the way

Cecil was raised in a traditional family where her businessman father envisioned a practical career for her, especially since she excelled in math. Accepted into La Salle’s engineering program, she actively participated in student organizations. But unlike her peers, Cecil focused on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization. During her first engineering exam, she solved only one of two problems but passed. Still, the constant exposure to numbers left her drained, even haunted by nightmares of giant digits. She asked to shift to architecture, and her father, recognizing her need for creativity, agreed.

After exploring several schools, Cecil enrolled at Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID) for interior design, where she thrived under rigorous teachers. Competitive yet highly selective in focus, she also took leadership roles, organizing student exhibits and securing sponsorships.

First milestone led to many more

As a student officer in charge of sponsorships, she once welcomed Regina Co Seteng, owner of Mariwasa Tiles. Impressed by Cecil’s poise and knowledge, she became her first client. That serendipitous moment marked the start of Cecil’s professional journey.

While freelancing, Cecil pursued her degree through a consortium with Benilde, balancing academics with styling events and holiday decor. Her career advanced when she boldly walked into a renowned designer’s office and said, “I want to work for you.” Hired immediately, she began creating luxury residences for Manila’s elite, all while juggling home renovations and board exam prep — on a modest salary of P5,000.

A woman of hundred percent

Never one to stay idle, Cecil immersed herself in theater, music and leadership while studying. This energy didn’t go unnoticed. Benilde later invited her to teach, a role that evolved into leading the Interior Design program and eventually the Culture and Arts unit. She transformed it into a full-fledged department, developing scholarship programs for dancers, singers, and visual artists — many from marginalized communities. Her vision: the arts deserve equal academic support.

While helping conceptualize the School of Design and Arts (SDA) building, Cecil took on heavy project management duties. The experience was fulfilling but exhausting. After its completion, she felt it was time to move on. A mentor soon recruited her into a high-stakes project management firm during Metro Manila’s casino and hotel boom. Though a minority in a male-dominated field, she excelled — known as “CPR” for reviving failing projects. But when burnout struck and her mentor passed, so did her passion for the role.