Selena Placino reimagines the mundane

Summers in Selena Placino’s childhood home were more than just continuous play. The family delved into art workshops, music lessons, swimming clinics — seasonal invitations to explore, imagine and create. The youngest of four siblings, each following their own passions, she was the quiet observer, though always inquisitive, always crafting.

“I’d say I’m an introvert,” she hesitantly offered, “but one who’s deeply curious and observant. I find inspiration in the everyday.”

It was through such a simple moment that she first discovered design. One ordinary day, flipping through Our Father by master lensman Jun de Leon — a book her dad owned — Selena came across the work of Kenneth Cobonpue.

“That was the first time I encountered the term ‘Industrial Design,’” she recalled. “I was surprised to learn that it wasn’t just about making furniture, but also designing everyday objects.”

The awakening, subtle as it was, shaped her future. She enrolled at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde for a degree in Industrial Design and graduated in 2018.

Selena’s education extended beyond the classroom. She interned at The Walt Disney Company Philippines, where she gained insights into the corporate side of creativity. “It was my first glimpse into how creativity and business came together on a large scale.”

Post-graduation, she flew to Cebu for an apprenticeship under Kenneth Cobonpue, her first design hero.

“One of my most memorable times there was seeing a few of my design projects — from conceptualization all the way to shipment,” she shared. “It reinforced within me that design isn’t just about having creative ideas. It is also about patience, adaptability, and working closely with the right people to bring those ideas to life.”

Selena continued her career growth through Offsite, an intensive online program by Advanced Design, a United States-based nonprofit. It broadened her understanding and connected her with a global network of like-minded creatives.

Mentor Gabby Lichauco, a design professor at Benilde, performed a crucial role in her journey. “Gabby, in particular, was really supportive. Through him, I got leads and opportunities which helped me at my first international show in Singapore in 2023.”

The event marked the debut of her Taho! Bench, a piece that merges playful nostalgia with practical form.

In April 2025, she was invited to exhibit under Newfolk, a group show of emerging designers handpicked by Lichauco.

Of all her achievements thus far, one project stands out. “For now, I think it would be the teether collection I designed for Chicco, an Italian baby brand,” she said. Her concept won from over 100 entries. It was launched globally, her first design to be mass-produced and used by families around the world.

Her process remains tactile and grounded. “As cliché as it sounds, I still go back to paper and pen. It’s where my ideas first take shape.” She often works with leftover materials — paper, wood, metal — making sustainability a natural part of her practice.

Selena looks up to global designers Naoto Fukasawa, Jasper Morrison, Nendo, and Filipino ingenuity. “I’m deeply influenced by how Filipinos make the most of what’s available — resourceful and creative, often out of necessity.”

Now based in Quezon City, Selena is building with fellow creatives a shared studio space. “It’s been really fulfilling to create a place where we can share ideas, work, and support each other’s projects,” she reflected.

Let’s listen to her thoughts on design:

Taho! Bench

“Taho vendors have always amazed me because they carry such heavy canisters for their goods every day. I once tried reimagining their canisters to make them more ergonomic for the vendors, but it didn’t pan out. Later, I thought, what if instead of redesigning the canisters, I created something that facilitated rest after a hard day’s toil? What if the yoke they carry doubled as a seat? Thus, the form of a portable bench supported by the taho canisters was born. While the design hasn’t reached the actual vendors themselves, I hope to make that connection one day.”

Inspirations

“What may seem mundane at first glance tends to spark my curiosity, things we often pass by without a second thought. In my travels across different cities and provinces in the Philippines, one thing that really stood out to me is how each tricycle design is distinct to its location—from the materials and proportions to the colors and added details. Some are built much larger, for instance, because they’re used not just to carry passengers, but also goods. They’re practical, resourceful, and deeply reflective of local character and needs.

“I’ve been documenting these variations, and together with my friend Clara Cayosa, we turned them into an open edition Risograph print—a way to archive and celebrate the everyday creativity that’s so uniquely Filipino.”

Favorite industrial design piece

“One piece of design that’s really stuck with me is the GLOO glue stick by Nendo, a Japanese design studio, for the stationery company Kokuyo. It has a square cap that keeps it from rolling off the table – unlike the usual cylindrical ones. Even the glue stick itself is square, which makes so much sense, since most paper edges are right-angled. It’s such a simple, thoughtful solution to an everyday problem. The way Nendo approaches design—clever, minimal, and just the right amount of detail—has really inspired how I think about my own work.”

Apprenticeship learnings

“One of the biggest lessons I took away from that apprenticeship is that good design is never a solo effort. Behind every successful product is a team—designers, engineers, prototype makers, factory workers, sourcing specialists, marketing teams, and more. Collaboration is essential. It taught me that being a designer isn’t just about having the ideas; it’s also about knowing how to work with others to bring those ideas to life.”

Future projects

“Right now, I’m in a bit of a breather—working on a few personal ideas and exploring new directions. I’m always open to meaningful collaborations, especially with brands that value thoughtful, well-crafted design. It’s been a nice time to reflect, experiment, and stay open to what’s next.”