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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Without a clear plan, Cecil left corporate life — but the universe responded. Former clients began reaching out, and soon, “The Red” was born. Twelve years on, her firm is thriving, known for bold, unconventional projects — her signature. With age came intention. For Cecil, design must now be transformative, not just aesthetic.
Inspired by her early outreach with scholars, she seeks work that nourishes both soul and livelihood. She continues to recruit from underserved communities, merging purpose and creativity into a practice grounded in meaning, challenge, and change.
Kindness and sincerity guide Ravelas’ path. From her student days working with scholars to her current leadership, she emphasizes respect and compassion. She calls these efforts “food for the soul,” fueling her mission to merge impact with income.
Rather than hire conventionally, she recruits from underprivileged communities and continues to support scholars — a value passed down by her father, a community worker, and shaped by her early education under nuns. For Cecil, meaningful work must uplift others.
She urges others to live authentically, find their voice, and make their work purposeful. Even small acts can spark powerful change. And when setbacks arise, she finds strength in what she calls “angels” — unexpected encouragement that reminds her to press on.
Cecil’s life philosophy is simple yet profound: Do what you love, believe in its power and use it to make a positive impact. That’s how true change begins — with heart, purpose and an unwavering push forward.