A’kin-Atin, held at Ayala Malls Manila Bay from November 25-29, successfully concluded, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. The exhibit showcased exceptional craftsmanship and creativity by De La Salle College of St. Benilde Interior Design Students, highlighting the transformative power of design in furniture.
The event showcased 33 thoughtfully curated pieces inspired by the theme of Filipino kinship and the art of designing furniture for social spaces. Among the 14 pairs/ groups of creators, several stood out for their exceptional work, earning eminent awards. The Intellectual Property Award Grand Winner was ‘Kalinangan’ by Ayen Lei Noromor and Matthew Notarte. The Professional’s Choice Award was given to ‘Habi’ by Lienne Legaspi, Chandalle Ong, and Madison Sanders, while the People’s Choice Award went to ‘Kapit-bisig’ by Alyanna Krishna Cinco and Mariel Grace Coloma.
Adding depth to the event, Ar. Jed Yabut of Jed Yabut Furniture delivered an inspiring talk titled “Furnishing the Future.” He shared insights from his design portfolio, tracing the evolution of his creative journey with a particular focus on his standout furniture pieces. Ar. Jed also discussed how his business started, sharing valuable lessons from his entrepreneurial journey. His story sparked interest among the student participants, and asked insightful questions about starting and managing a design business.
Beyond the displays, the exhibit offered an interactive experience through a mural area and a freedom wall. These spaces encouraged participants to express their creativity while engaging with contemporary issues, creating a sense of community and dialogue. Visitors left not only inspired but with a deeper understanding of how furniture shapes everyday life, reflects societal values, and influences cultural expression. The hands-on opportunities allowed for personal reflection and highlighted the significant role design plays in shaping our world.
Aside from the furniture exhibit, the event also featured a collaboration with the graduating class in their ‘Daong’ exhibit, a showcase of their final works, as well as the ‘Reclassified’ exhibition in partnership with McDonald’s Philippines.
The success of A’kin-Atin was made possible by the unwavering support of its sponsors, partners, and participants. As the event concluded, it left attendees with a sense of excitement and anticipation for future exhibits that will continue to push creative boundaries and inspire new ideas in design and art.
This event was made possible by A’kin-Atin.