There’s an unexplainable serenity whenever we enter a well-designed and neat room, whether it’s our house, somebody else’s, restaurants, malls, or even public places. Ambiance creates a huge impact on every person’s mood and this exhibit kept that in mind as we have entered it.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ graduating Interior Design students created their passion project in dream of leaving a mark before they leave the campus. In my opinion, this was achieved.
“IDestinasyon: An Itinerary of Philippine Tourist Spots through Hospitality Interiors” has officially opened last April 3 and will run until April 20. This class is under the supervision of IDr. Billie Jean Dumlao-Dela Cruz, piid. The students created ingenuous spatial interpretations of the chosen tourist spots, with creatively planned design solutions that revolves around the idea of developing a better living
environment.
This design project aims to raise awareness and appreciation of our own culture and heritage that showcases on fourteen (14) different hospitality spaces that feature different Philippine tourist destinations on all over Philippines.
Every concept represents the students’ creative minds and hands. Each is unique and put up with innovative yet resourceful appearance.
All photos below are shot by Clifford Domingo.
BOOTH 1: Hotel Lobby | Timeless Ilocos
Designers: Patrisha T. Casalme, Teresa Molina, Ly Ann M. Soriano
Ilocos Region is undeniably one of the Philippines’ finest when it comes to stunning tourist
destinations. The region is situated at the northwestern coast of Luzon. Ilocos’ allure inspired the interior design of the hotel lobby showcasing its magnificent and ageless beauty. The Bangui Wind Farm featured on the accent wall gives emphasis to the uniqueness of the place, in incorporation with Vigan’s well-known Calle Crisologo, and the enormous buttresses of old churches, while its pristine beaches noticeably influenced the ceiling design. The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation’s form and color inspired the reception desk and floor. Together with the other elements, the design proudly embodies the timeless beauty of Ilocos region, giving every one a beauty to remember.
BOOTH 2: Karaoke Room | Basco Lighthouse
Designers: Kristine Joy M. Verano, Angelica Marie F. Pavo, Rondal B. Sinangote, Mikaela P. Argana
Basco Lighthouse is situated in the town of Basco in Batanes, the northernmost province in the Philippines. Standing at 66-feet, the lighthouse comprises of six stories, with a viewing deck on the fifth,
allowing unobstructed views of the West Philippine Sea to the west, Mt. Iraya to the north, and the Basco
Town Proper to the south.
In this karaoke room, the design was derived from the physical structure of the lighthouse.
Inspiration from the lantern room, stone masonry and shape of windows and door can be seen around
the interior. It comprises of light colors and balancing it with the lighting, will bring comfort whilst
having enjoying yourselves immersed in singing.
BOOTH 3: Spa Room | Mount Pinatubo
Designers: Angelie A. Saberon, Clifford Dale A. Domingo, Kathyreen S. Castro
Mt. Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano located on the tripoint boundary of the Philippine provinces of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga. The beautiful catastrophe of the mountain was one of the most known disasters that left a mark in the history of the Philippines. The 1991 eruption caused a big impact, destroying everything in its path which was also felt worldwide. Nevertheless, who would have
thought that this beautiful landscape was ironically created by destruction? It was simply beautiful.
Through the natural God-creation beauty of the Pinatubo, this spa design was made. Inspired by
the eccentric formation of the mountain, down to the devastated field full of lahar, the gaze of the
emerald waters of the Caldera Lake, neighboring ethnic settlements and one of, if not the best, perfect
spot to view the mountain’s beauty in destruction.
The natural subtle tones give calm to the interior and the warm-welcoming ambiance that
embraces relaxation rewards you with the same stunning captivity of the place which lets you forget all
the weight of troubles and burdens in your life, perfect for those who seek peace and serenity.
BOOTH 4: Coffee Shop | Palawan
Designers: Wilhelm Joyce A. Bagac, Rhealiza C. Dimaano, Aealuz Anne A. Obello
Palawan Underground River features spectacular limestone karst-the great stalagmites and
stalactites. This works of nature represent significant habitat for biodiversity conservation and it is
naturally sustainable. While it is reflecting in the Palaweños continuous and diverse rich culture.
The coffee shop design executed “continuous drips of water,” from how the 20 million old rock
formations form that emerges directly and splashed entirely. Emulating the quick falling, slowly slipping
of dripstone is like brewing a coffee. This haven signifies the continuous flow of design, the presence of
indoor plants and sustainable materials. Add the magnificent color of nature. Experience cave mood, the less wide but comfortable, mellow sound waves while chilling with hot coffee brew.
BOOTH 5: Restaurant | Bicol
Designers: Citela L. Reyes, Gilda P. Carmona, Almira Joy F. Radam
Booth V is a dining area of a fine-dining restaurant that serves Filipino cuisine. This booth
showcases the best of Bicol region; from its branding/restaurant name: Kakang Gata – or coconut cream,
richest and thickest consistency extracted on Niyog, to its concept: Mayon Volcano – world’s most perfect
volcanic cone, to its main material: Manila Hemp – world-famous product exported from the region.
The restaurant name “Kakang Gata” has been taken from the fondness of Bicolanos of cooking
their vegetables, seafood, and other cuisines in coconut milk as coconuts are also popular in the region.
Since the restaurant offers high-end service, ‘Kakang Gata’ – which is the first substance extracted from
the coconut, the richest in flavor and thickest in consistency, best defines the restaurant.
The concept of the restaurant is the famous stratovolcano, the Mayon Volcano. It is located at
Legazpi, Albay and is best admired for having the perfect symmetrical cone. The symmetry, geometry, and material of the volcano have been applied to the interiors. From the layout of the floor plan to the geometry of the solihiya pattern to the usage of rocks as material for wall and floor. The layout takes the shape of the volcano as it divides the dining areas for a banquet and for few seaters. For rhythm and contrast, the ceiling plan breaks the symmetry of the floor as it is slightly slanted and partly coffered. The coffered ceiling takes the pattern of solihiya as this is the accent of the space. This pattern represents the main industry of abaca weaving which is the main industry of Bicol Region. Solihiya is also widely used in ancient houses and is commonly seen as one of the main elements of furniture pieces in Bicol region.
BOOTH 6: Nail Salon | Boracay
Designers: Kim April Cuarto, Rubinia Montero, Christine Anne Santos
Boracay Island belongs to the Western Visayas island-group, Region 6 of the Philippines, along
in the western part of the province of Negros, the island of Panay, and has a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers.
Harnessing an interior sense of beauty yet creating a functional detail that would definitely bring
relaxation with rewarding services to experience a short-time vacation, just within the metro. Pinoys are
generally more of easy goer than other Asians, people are not stuck up and like to enjoy life, not too
uptight about relaxing which directed the space design to be amenable for all to hang around.
The interior comprises of low-key colors, with the stability of furniture allocation on both sides of
the space to express an undeniably easy atmosphere similar to the island.
BOOTH 7: Music Lounge | Haladaya Festival
Designers: Lorraine Anne Baniqued, Warren F. Lungay, Ally Asprec, Jean Claudine Compañero
In the province of Daanbantayan, The Haladaya Festival- one of the grandest and colorful festival
in Cebu fills the street with smiles, endless music and dynamic dances celebrated every August 30. This
festival commemorates the bravery of Datu Daya on protecting his territory called “Kandaya” from the
Moro Pirates. Kandaya was later changed to Daanbantayan which means “lookout”.
The interior layout of the music lounge was designed to resemble how Datu Daya defended his
territory, showcased through the idea of dividing the bar and lounge to portray different functions. Also,
the lounge area gives off a good feeling of being protected. Bamboo, wood and other indigenous materials were featured because it was used by the traditional and indigenous dwellings during the reign of Datu Daya.
This music lounge wish to cater to different types of customers that will serve as a haven not only
for happy hours, but will be a perfect outlet to release stress as well.
BOOTH 8: Hotel Suite | Biri Rock Formation
Designers: Kate Constantino, Mari Mar Prado, Stephanie Fitero
Biri Rock Formation is sighted at the Biri Island – northwest tip of Northern Samar. Strong winds,
movement of tectonic plates, intense heat and whipping waves carved the rock formations – earning the
description of the Battle of the Gods.
The hotel suite is designed based on the huge waves meeting the rocks. The accent wall that
outstretched to the ceiling mimics the huge waves crashing onto the elevated area that portrays the rock
formation.
The interior design evokes coziness and warmth through the color palette and textured finishes
that render a homey, relaxing and comfortable feeling while staying at the hotel suite.
BOOTH 9: Bar | Vinta Regatta
Designers: Bonn Tristan Yanson, Julius Angelo Garcia, Mark Anthony Jabson
Vinta is a native boat of Zamboanga, an island in Southern Philippines. It is famous for its
dazzling colorful cloth sailing which embodies the rich and spectral culture highly influenced by Spaniards to the different tribes, religious views and daily lives of the people.
Regatta, on the other hand, is a popular event during Zamboanga Hermosa Festival (also called as
Fiesta Pillar in honor of the city’s patroness, Our Lady of Pillar) that showcases the racing of vinta boats
on the beat of the drums and ladies’ dancing via shoreline.
Vinta Regatta is a powerful concept that illuminates the legacy-reached elements present on a
vinta boat and letting it sail on the vast bodies of waters through the proposed interior design execution
via the designer’s space, the Bar.
BOOTH 10: Bakeshop | Northern Mindanao
Designers: Aljohn F. Terante, Lyssa Angela T. Lompot, Amylou Roma M. Bisana
Barotorera is a traditional boat or yacht racing festival along the astonishing sea waters of Ginoog
City in Misamis Oriental, one of the provinces in Northern Mindanao. A rowboat, Baroto, is made from
dug-out canoes and installed with double outriggers with interesting colors and patterns on its sails.
As it is one of the region’s prides, molded by a rich history, intricate artistry and everlasting
durability, the designers adapted the edgy form of the Baroto itself into the boulangerie interiors which
brought character to the space. The shop is designed to mimic the relaxing ambiance of the region’s
natural scenery conveyed through a modern tropical interior that gives a connection to nature while
enjoying the baked goods the shop has to offer.
BOOTH 11: Bedroom and Breakfast | Samal Island
Designers: Justine Elaize G. Singun, Axzell T. Tocmo, Maria Gebel M. Nuñez
Davao is known for its durian and it is the home of the Philippine Eagle. But within it is a remote
island that is highly popular because of its pearl farming and its scenic sunset, the Samal Island. This
tropical beach creates drama in the interior through the use of colors of the sea and sunset. The curves
convey the waves of the sea that gives a relaxing feeling. The separation of the seashore and the ocean is
seen thru the elevated flooring that celebrates beauty thru diversity, the passage of time and mystery of life.
Lastly, the tropical nature of the pearl farm is interpreted in the interior using natural materials such as
pebbles, woods, Abaca, foliage and the mother of pearls or the Capiz shells, that will fulfill the warm
accommodation that every guest wants to experience in their leisure time with their family.
BOOTH 12: Café | Lake Sebu
Designers: Ma. Pauline C. Acibar, Aldrin V. Timbal, Valerie Anne M. Eclavea
In the province of South Cotabato lies the waters of Lake Sebu. Aside from freshwater species, one of most notable tribes that also call it home is the T’boli tribe. The fluid forms of the lake can be seen from the walls and ceiling, then to the furniture pieces and counter. The color of the banquette upholstery is based on the T’nalak fabric of the T’boli which is usually a deep red in color. Hints of greens depicting the lush forests around the lake can also be seen in the design through plant decors and a built-in artificial grass wall. For the signage, a wooden fish carcass is hung on the ceiling with the name of the establishment, “Lakeside Café”.
BOOTH 13: Kids’ Playroom | Enchanted River
Designers: Charlotte C. Suarez, Angeline C. Cardenio, Niña S. Gamboa Rationale:
From the town of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur of Caraga Region lays a body of water with a unique feature of unfathomable depth and crystal-clear water and its mysterious and creepy stories of spirits that are believed to be the guardians where they coined the name “Enchanted River”. The enchanting history and undeniable beauty inspired the designers to create a playroom where it showcases a captivating and exciting space especially made for kids.Adapting the colors of the scene and creating adventurous activities was applied to the interior while interpreting the enchanting story through the child’s point of view.
BOOTH 14: Business Center | CAR
Designers: Alexandria Jonabi M. Lanuzga, Ryan Miguel D. Bataclan, Mary Ellis G. Panes
As a business center, the room inspired by the mystical town of Sagada in the Cordilleras portrays
the main industries the Sagadans are endowed with. The geo form of the town is simulated through the
elevated flooring. It also represents the primary livelihood of its people – rice terraces farming.
Walls adjacent to the accent are reminiscent of the Sumaguing cave’s majestic limestone filled
interior. Cove lights portray the glimpse of sunrise inside a cave. The art of pottery is evident through the
layout presented in a circular form with its spiral ceiling meeting the mouth of the pot, and the working
stations are flabbergasted with colors through the harp-shaped divider symbolizing the weaving craft.
Covering each angle are reserved for the creation of God himself, a seeming depiction of a 180
degree view of Kilteplan Peak to display His majestic work of art.
