KATHA Awards: Hallmark of Philippine product design excellence and innovation

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

SHOWCASING THE FINEST IN PHILIPPINE DESIGN!

Since its inception in the early 1980s, the KATHA Awards has been distinguished as the hallmark of Philippine product design excellence and innovation. This prestigious accolade has continuously pushed the boundaries of creativity, setting the stage for the Philippines as a competitive player in global design markets. The KATHA Awards recognize and celebrate the brilliance of local artisans and manufacturers, encouraging them to craft original designs for furniture, home décor and furnishings, holiday décor and gifts, and fashion accessories that appeal to both local and international audiences.

This year’s edition of the KATHA Awards spotlighted exceptional pieces that reflected both craftsmanship and innovation. Each winner stood out for their uniqueness, sustainability, and remarkable aesthetic, offering a glimpse into the Philippines’ creative prowess.

Major Awards

Best Product Designs by Category:

Zulu Bench by Finali
Best Product Design for Furniture

The Zulu Bench by Finali is a stunning example of how nature can inspire furniture design. The intricate, almost vine-like structure of the bench's backrest reflects the organic shapes found in nature, offering a touch of the wild with a sleek, modern finish. This bench doesn’t just provide a place to sit—it makes a bold, artistic statement.


Fauna by Azcor Lighting Systems
Best Product Design for Lamps and Lighting

Taking inspiration from the gentle folds of fauna, this lamp by Azcor Lighting Systems is a brilliant blend of form and function. The delicate design radiates an air of sophistication, while its soft lighting evokes an atmosphere of warmth and elegance. It's perfect for those looking to illuminate their spaces with artistry.


Achite Chess Board Set by Bon Ace
Best Product Design for Home Decor and Houseware

Combining playfulness with craftsmanship, Bon Ace’s Achite Chess Board Set marries design and functionality. This wooden chess set features uniquely shaped pieces that reflect Filipino artistry, making it a must-have for collectors and lovers of design who appreciate the finer details in home décor.

PISA Handbag by Bon Ace
Best Product Design for Fashion

The PISA Handbag, crafted by Bon Ace, showcases a masterful use of natural materials blended with modern design. Its sleek structure and attention to detail make it not just a fashion accessory, but a work of art. Perfect for the discerning fashionista, this handbag exudes both elegance and functionality.


Nutcracker Ornaments by P&B Valises et Compagnie

Best Product Design for Holiday Décor and Gifts

The Nutcracker Ornaments by P&B Valises are a nod to the festive spirit, capturing the whimsy of the holiday season with intricate craftsmanship. These pieces are not only perfect for spreading holiday cheer but also serve as heirloom-quality decorations that can be passed down for generations.


PAEA Table Runner by Buttons ‘N Things
Eco Design Award

The PAEA Table Runner is a celebration of sustainable design. Made with eco-friendly materials and an elegant minimalist aesthetic, Buttons ‘N Things brings sustainability into the spotlight, proving that style and environmental consciousness can go hand-in-hand.

Special Citations

Best Booth Design: P&B Valises et Compagnie

P&B Valises’ booth was a visual spectacle, drawing attention for its refined, elegant setup. The ambiance it created for showcasing its products was both inviting and sophisticated, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.


Best Sustainable Booth Design: Zarate Manila

Taking sustainability to heart, Zarate Manila’s booth impressed with its innovative use of eco-friendly materials. The booth itself was a masterpiece, designed with environmental impact in mind while maintaining an avant-garde aesthetic that stood out from the crowd.

The KATHA Awards continue to inspire and challenge Filipino designers and manufacturers to create innovative, culturally relevant designs that can stand proudly on the world stage. This year’s winners reflect the dedication and passion for craftsmanship that have long been the hallmark of Filipino artistry. As these exemplary designs captivate the local and international market, they also highlight the Philippines as a hub for creativity and ingenuity.

Congratulations to all the winners! Your brilliance is setting a new standard for Philippine design excellence, inspiring the world with your creativity and innovation.

BCI Equinox 2024: A Stellar Networking and Tech Showcase in Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



On October 18, 2024, Le Pavillon Event Hall in Manila came alive with innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge technologies at the BCI Equinox 2024, a premier event for the construction and building technology industry. Running from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, this highly anticipated gathering attracted a broad spectrum of professionals, including architects, engineers, and project managers, all eager to explore the latest technological advancements in construction.

Event Highlights and Agenda

Registration and Opening:

The event kicked off at 4:00 PM with attendees eagerly registering for an evening of exploration and networking. The exhibition opened shortly after at 4:30 PM, setting the tone for what was to come: a convergence of industry leaders showcasing innovative solutions that are shaping the future of the built environment.

BCI Report:

Jelyn Valerio, Head of Sales, took the stage to present the BCI Report. Her insights provided a detailed overview of market trends, challenges, and opportunities in the construction industry. Valerio’s presentation highlighted the dynamic nature of the sector and set the stage for the technology discussions that followed.

Technology Hub Sessions

The core of the event was the series of Technology Hub sessions, featuring expert speakers from various companies, each delving into specific innovations within their domains.

Technology Hub #1:

Benoit Foujouls, Country Manager of BTICINO, was joined by Engr. Danilo Norman Dadulla, Jr., Sales Manager, Systems & Solutions at BTICINO, to present the latest advancements in electrical and digital infrastructures. Their presentation underscored BTICINO’s commitment to smart and sustainable building solutions.


Technology Hub #2:

Cyril Javan, Assistant Sales Manager at INNEWVATION, took the spotlight next. Alongside Maureen Villones, Sales and Project Development Executive, they presented cutting-edge sustainable solutions that emphasized automation systems designed to optimize both energy efficiency and user convenience.


Technology Hub #3:

Mervahn Go from James & Jones highlighted their contributions to the field of building automation, showcasing solutions that enhance the ease of managing complex building systems with a focus on smart technology.


Technology Hub #4:

The spotlight turned to Rodolfo Bernat Jr., Business Development Manager at Panasonic, along with Roel L. Bayron Jr. of the Residential Projects Team. Together, they outlined Panasonic’s cutting-edge residential technology innovations, including energy-efficient solutions designed to improve living environments.


Technology Hub #5:

Robert E. Malubay Jr. of Panasonic presented a deep dive into the company’s residential project innovations, emphasizing the role of smart technologies in enhancing home safety, efficiency, and sustainability.


Technology Hub #6:

Rattanasak S. Lizardo, Environment Coordinator and Green Buildings Head at DATEM, shared the company’s vision for a greener and more sustainable future. The focus was on the integration of environmental concerns into construction practices, a critical issue in today’s industry.


Technology Hub #7:

John Alcancia, Product Specification Manager at Aquapanel by Knauf, concluded the tech hub sessions with an engaging presentation on modern drywall solutions. He discussed how Knauf’s technologies are streamlining construction processes and improving the quality of finished projects.

Evening Networking and Entertainment

Amid the hustle of presentations and exhibitions, the evening featured refreshments and live music at 7:00 PM, providing a relaxed atmosphere for attendees to network and discuss the latest trends and products showcased at the event. The lively ambiance, paired with engaging discussions, created an environment that was both professional and enjoyable.

Conclusion and Closing Program

The event culminated with a closing program, featuring a raffle and photo opportunities for participants. BCI Equinox 2024 succeeded in not only bringing together key players in the industry but also offering valuable insights and actionable solutions for the future of construction in the Philippines and beyond.

A Glimpse into the Future

BCI Equinox Manila 2024 was more than just an exhibition; it was a dynamic platform for fostering innovation and knowledge exchange in the building and construction industry. As the Philippines continues to urbanize, events like BCI Equinox will remain pivotal in driving forward sustainable and technologically advanced construction practices.

For attendees, the event was a prime opportunity to connect with peers, explore groundbreaking technologies, and gain insights into the future of the built environment. As industry professionals look forward to future events, BCI Equinox will remain a beacon for innovation, collaboration, and progress in the world of construction.

Bookshelf PH launches online magazine Blankscape, a curated gallery for writers and artists

  

At an event held in SM Aura Book Nook, Bookshelf PH launched Blankscape an online digital magazine that gives writers and artists a platform to share their work with the world.

In the endless concrete jungles of Metro Manila, feeling overwhelmed and lost is easy. From towering buildings to the multitudes who live and work here, the individual has little room to really express themselves.

Even on social media, these spaces are becoming increasingly crowded. Algorithms and the focus on popular and trending content frequently drown out the voices of original content and small artists. More than ever, there is a pressing need for a place where these Filipino creators can have their works given the proper attention they deserve.

Fortunately, a new initiative aims to change all of this.

New worlds calling

At the latest “Write Side of Bookshelf” session at the SM Aura Book Nook, publisher Bookshelf PH officially unveiled their new digital magazine Blankscape. The magazine aims to be a safe place where creators can have their works presented and even polished to be the very best they can be.

The magazine is divided into different sections for paintings (Strokes), poetry (Stanzas), prose (Sentences), and photography (Shots), catering to all forms of creative and artistic expression possible.

The name Blankscape, a play on the words “blank space” and “landscape”, represents something more profound. It represents an empty canvas, a world waiting to be given life and color. Through this initiative, the publisher hopes to foster creativity and artistic expression by providing creatives a safe space to develop their craft, one page at a time.

The joys of creation

To celebrate the launch of the new platform, attendees participated in a very special activity.  Using provided pencils and paper, they were given ten minutes to express themselves and create works based on the theme, “Escape”. This theme perfectly represents the type of creative expression that Blankscape wishes to cultivate–that anyone can find safety from the constant restraints and overbearing noise of the outside world and the mainstream and be free to develop their ideas.

After the ten minutes were up, several of the participants showcased their works. One of them, for instance, interpreted the theme in the drawing of a child lost in the pages of a book, his imagination taking him to new places and faces never before seen.

Behind the dream

“I can’t draw to save my life,” Monette, one of the co-founders of Bookshelf, jokingly said to the audience. “But even though I can’t draw, I still want to help others who can. Among us, many can write and draw.” Bookshelf PH itself was created to help meet a pressing need she noticed during the pandemic–a lack of books about Filipino businesses and local stories. Over time, the publisher has expanded its reach beyond its original scope.

Now, they wish to do the same for Filipino creatives. They too deserve a place where they can explore and spread their wings in an environment suited perfectly for free and total creative expression–a blankscape.

Come and bring your work today! Blankscape is now accepting submissions at https://www.blankscape.media/.

About Bookshelf PH

Bookshelf PH is an online marketplace, publisher, and printer dedicated to promoting and printing books in non-fiction and fiction for the Filipino audience.. Through workshops, publishing services, and community engagement, Bookshelf PH aims to make self-publishing accessible and enjoyable for all aspiring authors.