Woven Fiber "Sketches"

Delores has worked as a loomer for Narda's since 1983. Here, she looms for us a 3-inch wide fabric sample composed of waxed cotton (the warp = vertical thread) woven-in with an assortment of natural fibers , abaca strips, and several plies of cotton (the weft = horizontal thread) for a soft-product side project.

Star Search

skills, originally uploaded by suvajack.

We are constantly taken back by the talented tradesman and women here in the Philippines. Local graphic signs aren't cut from vinyl, instead they are hand-painted, and seen everywhere the eye meets; shops, bars, restaurants, posters, and even on jeepneys and cars. The weavers are out of this world, with fabric, bamboo and abaca basket style weaving. We are meeting with one such weaver today to have a custom piece weaved for a wallet that we're making. In collaboration with new designs we hope to learn a fraction of what is truly an indigenous skill to the Cordillera and many other island regions.

The skilled work doesn't stop there, it spills over to the carvers as well. We were amazed by the intricate detail and movable parts as is the case with this highly technical tripod design. It is entirely carved out of a single piece of wood - no glue here. This piece, native to the Ifugao region, serves as both sculptural and functional. Its various sizes allow it to become a bowl holder, table base or, with the addition of a leather cover, becomes a seat.

Bontoc Home Of Sagada

Baguio - Structures, originally uploaded by jsigharas.

The Winaca Eco-Cultural Village, so far, features three authentic Cordilleran homes. Six more distinct homes from the region are planned to be re-located to the village. With this Sagada style Bontoc home, there are no windows, only a front door and a back door. The home "suggests a womb--dark, warm and enfolding, both a habitation and a passage". Inside, the interiors are a sooty-black due to a constantly lit fire used to warm the house as well as preserve it. The dimensions are small and are meant to house no more than three occupants, usually only the husband, wife and the smallest child, and just under the roof is the space used as a granary. The Bontoc structure is constructed out of pine and nara woods, which are distinct to the mountainous region of Benguet. One must take note that in other provinces dim, windowless homes contrast drastically in comparison to the bahay kubo of Panay: well-lighted, airy homes that include spaces which convey both an indoor/outdoor sense of space. The village component we will design models that of the bahay kubo in a contemporary way. More details on that later.

Narda's Furniture Warehouse

Baguio - Spaces, originally uploaded by jsigharas.

Entering this warehouse we were surprised to find only two furniture makers. In a space this enormous and filled with a considerable amount of local wood just gathering dust, an environment like this is a designers' dream! We were told that in the 80's the Capuyans had more than 20 furniture makers working full-time to furnish an entire 5-star hotel being built here in Baguio. Since then, the 1990 Luzon earthquake (7.8 magnitude, 1000-plus deaths) and the band on logging in Benguet, the warehouse has significantly cut back on its furniture production, limiting it only to custom orders. The main drawback of the warehouse is its lack of power tools to cut and finish the material. This makes sense as their furniture-making style is quite un-processed: raw organic slabs of beautiful hardwood-rustic, unique and full of character. We hope to make use of the warehouse to the best of our capability and limited access to tools.

Dr. David Baradas

Baguio - People, originally uploaded by jsigharas.

We finally met with the legend that is, Dr. David Baradas. Within the very first minute of meeting him he became our close mentor, resource, and friend. How alive this man is. Any explanation of him would not do him any justice. After our 17-hour meeting with David, filled with conversations that spanned the spectrum from Filipino design to his adventures around the world, our a multi-destination tour of Baguio left us utterly inspired, connected and more aware of the Winaca project and life in general.

Baguio Arrival

Baguio - Panoramic, originally uploaded by jsigharas.

We arrived to Baguio's bus depot at 7 am. The bus ride was bumpy, and therefore left me in a half-asleep/half-awake state for the entire trip. I'm absolutely exhausted and jaded from big city life and looking forward to some peaceful times in the mountainous region of Benguet. Baguio City (pop. 250,000 plus) is at an altitude of approximately 1500 meters (5100 ft) and set in a moist tropical pine forest. The terrain is diverse and hilly and reminds me a little of where I grew up in Asheville, NC, except dryer and more polluted. The environment is so different from what I'm accustomed to in the Philippines as it is known more for its tropical island/beach climate. It also is significantly cooler here compared to muggy Manila. From what I've seen it seems like you can catch an amazing view from almost any point.

Alex and I will be staying in the municipality of La Trinidad, on top of Narda's weaving factory. Our pad is great. It's basically the size of a small apartment with 1 master and 1 guest bedroom. We just finished touring the weaving factory that's below us and met with Narda and Wilson Capuyan, directors of the Winaca Foundation. Great conversation and inspiring ideas have left us antsy. Stay tuned!

Baguio Trip Delayed

Manila - Transportation, originally uploaded by jsigharas.

After our trip to Quiapo we visited, again, Fort Bonafacio to kill time at the Starbucks (free Wi-Fi) before departing for our red-eye bus ride Wednesday morning (the 19th) for Baguio, an approximately 6 hour trip. Originally we had planned to leave Manila earlier but found ourselves wanting to visit Quiapo instead, which I'm very glad to have done. Plus, a crowded and hot bus ride wouldn't have been the best idea after another late night in the city.

Quiapo Shopping Hub

NO. 35, originally uploaded by suvajack.

Quiapo is home to the gray market and to one of the most famous churches in Manila, Quiapo Church. It's off the beaten path for most travelers and is more of a local spot to find cheap-anything. We couldn't resist experiencing this quintessential side of Manila.

Manila Mondays

I know Jon said that Friday nights in Manila can't be beat, but that was before we made it to a "Manila Monday". So apparently the local rock scene is bursting at the seams, and we we can now vouch for that. Warehouse 135 was the venue of choice and bands like Chicosci who have opened for the "who's who" of the global punk/rock scene, was just the opening jig. They set a raging pace that had everyone mosh/dancing basically on stage all night. Great bands followed like Pedicab and Taken by Cars which rocked the street out front Pablo Gallery Saturday night. This event wouldn't have been possible without meeting Diego at Mo_Space Gallery in Fort Bonafacio. Diego was an excellent host, adding us to the guest list to come watch his band and putting ice-cold San Miguels in our hands at the show. Turns out Diego's band, Sandwich, that he so humbly spoke about, rules! From one music lover to the next, these bands all offer something to appreciate. Check them all out whenever you can. I know we're gonna have to again before this ride is all over.

















Sandwich playing at Warehouse 135

Positive Future For Street Children, Pangarap Foundation

The Pangarap Foundation helps street children (boys aged 8-23) of Manila to get back on course. They assist in reintegrating the children into a future of promise through specially design programs. The programs encourage and help the boys to become active, educated and skilled. We had the opportunity (thanks to Silvana Ancelloti-Diaz) to experience first hand a candle-making program that teaches the children to engage in a skilled craft. The children make the molds by hand using plaster of paris, pour the wax, wax the wicks, finish the candles, and package the final products. The kids really seemed to enjoy themselves. 10% percent of their sales go into their savings funds giving them added motivation. Jon and I are hoping to collaborate with the foundation to explore new design possibilities and market promotion to help these children gain the recognition they deserve as fellow skilled Filipinos. Send in your suggestions or contact us if you or your store would be interested in supporting them in anyway.






























Outside Pangarap Foundation

Visit To Galleria Duemila, Pasay City

Manila - Environments, originally uploaded by jsigharas.

Visit by appointment only, we met and spoke to Silvana Ancelloti-Diaz, art director of Galleria Duemila in Pasay City. Silvana (an Italian who married a Filipino) established the gallery in 1975 to encourage support for the country's modern art. We had an incredibly in-depth conversation about the people of the Philippines, its future, culture, art, politics, and youth. We discussed a wide-array of topics that left us overwhelmed. The background information she gave us was priceless and has left us with a better understanding of the current state of the Philippines. I'm starting to get a better feeling of what we're getting ourselves into and I find it both intriguing and scary. It's amazing.

We met with her husband, Ramon Diaz, an artist himself who currently is exhibiting at Galleria Duemila. The both of them gave us a visually stimulating tour of their home which was filled with ancient artifacts, sculptures and hundreds of paintings. It basically could be a small gallery of its own.

Work by Ramon Diaz, Galleria Duemila

Manila Low-End

Manila - Streets, originally uploaded by jsigharas.

Walking along the streets of Makati City, Manila's business center, and yet another shopping district, it's easy to find yourself caught up in the very familiar westernized, commercial-crazed areas of Manila. But right next door (literally a few blocks away), especially near Pasig River, you'll find areas of an extreme contrast. Flimsy shantytowns exist in many areas of metro Manila. Nearly a third of Filipinos live in poverty, according to government statistics. Among the countries of Southeast Asia, the Philippines has one of the most visible divides between rich and poor. It's such a troubling thought to personally experience walking/driving through poverty stricken areas one minute, and strolling through mega-malls and fine-dining the next.

Pablo Gallery Aniversary, Cubao X, Quezon City

After meeting some artists from Mo_Space Gallery we were invited to another gallery opening/anniversary/concert at Pablo Gallery. Taken by Cars was the best of many impressive local bands (Mozzie, Happy Happy Joy Joy, Analog, The Ronnies & Juan Pablo Dream) that played that night. The 1st year anniversary also sparked the opening of a new exhibit featuring more local talent like of Mike Sicam, Isabel "Pepper" Roxas and Paolo Lim.

Action! Vintage Pop

Action! Vintage Pop, originally uploaded by suvajack.

Another hot spot in Cubao X was Vintage Pop. It's far from an ordinary furniture and accessories shop. Vintage Pop features rare photo and cinematography designs from the ages along with selective modern pieces. The owner and designer of the shop, Bong, has a love of film and promised us a showing of some of his silent films next time we are in town. Cubao X is situated in Quezon City right across the street from where the historical Ali "Thrilla in Manila" fight took place. This tight knit artist community is a must see spot to catch the freshest art and vintage finds.

Mo_Space Gallery, Fort Bonifacio Global City

Manila - Art, originally uploaded by jsigharas.

Mo_Space Gallery is an alternative art space showcasing many of Manila's young and talented visual artists.

-Subject: the activation of artistic ideas both current and crosscurrent to our times.
-Medium: visual dialogue and critical correspondence; open-ended questions, nagging instincts, introspective musings, or forceful assertions - all consistently guided by the power of the artworks themselves.
-Dimensions: the reach, depth, and arrange of contemporary expression.

We met Mausen Ong (aka Marlene), a friend of Boots and the owner of Bo Concept and Vitra furniture stores at Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City. We found Marlene to be a great source in guiding us in our mission to seek out contacts and venues relevant to contemporary design culture, as well as the alternative art scene in Manila.

Friday Night In Manila

Manila - Entertainment, originally uploaded by jsigharas.

After an already full night of gallery hopping and openings at the Fort we decided to hit up some traditional Filipino cuisine and drinks at Maca and San Miguel beer and dancing at Temple, and then later to Absinth, to experience Manila's thriving nightlife. Friday night can't be beat as it is also payday. All of this can be found at Greenbelt Mall in Makati City, considered the highest-end shopping center in Manila, and where the young, trendy and stylish play. It is well known that Manila's youth love to party. After coming home at 6am the following morning (right on time for the hotel's breakfast buffet) we can definitely contest to that.

View From City Garden Hotel, Makati City

Manila - Buildings, originally uploaded by jsigharas.

Despite being jet-lagged for the first day and a half (Manila is 15 hours ahead of Vancouver), the humidity (a shower is needed immediately after exiting an air-conditioned building), and the simple act of walking down pedestrian un-friendly streets (it can best be described as passing through an exhaust pipe packed with crazed motorist and no sidewalk space), the city of 10 million-plus hasn't diminished our productiveness at all. We met with Boots Herrera, via a short tricycle ride, for a book launch at an Italian owned space called Alliance de Francaise de Manilla. Boots then graciously takes us to two gallery openings and a photo exhibit at a well-designed shopping center called Fort Bonaficio Global City in Taguig City.