Student Association of Interior Design - Earist

🛋️: Fact 059
“DR. RAQUEL B. FLORENDO”
The Advocate for Purposeful Design and Education
𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗗…?
Dr. Raquel B. Florendo is a well-known interior designer and professor at the 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬 (𝐂𝐇𝐄) who has made a significant contribution not only to design but also to education and community service.

She was named the 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐏𝐑𝐂) in 2014. This award honors those who have proven expertise and professionalism and have made significant contributions to their field. This recognizes Dr. Florendo's contributions to the profession and her involvement in promoting high standards of interior design practice in the Philippines.

Aside from her work in design and education, Dr. Raquel B. Florendo contributed to literature through works such as 𝗟𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗮𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗷𝗼 𝗗𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗮𝘀: 𝗔 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗼-𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻: 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗿 (2012). She also worked together with Edith Olivares in 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬: 𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 (2014), which reflects Filipino culture and identity.

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 explores the history and evolution of interior design in the Philippines, describing how local traditions, materials, and cultural practices impact design and providing examples of interior spaces that blend utility and beauty. 𝗟𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗮𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗷𝗼 𝗗𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗮𝘀 focuses on topics of everyday life, community, and social experiences, emphasizing how locations and settings shape people's identities. Together, these books provide readers with knowledge that will help them better understand Philippine design, culture, and the link between people and their surroundings.

Reference:
🖇https://upd.edu.ph/florendo-is-prc-outstanding-professional-for-interior-design/
🖇https://upd.edu.ph/florendo-new-cide-president/
🖇https://www.facebook.com/share/1ApdAuairi/
🖇https://www.lamudi.com.ph/journal/interview-dr-raquel-b-florendo/
🖇hhttps://www.abebooks.co.uk/9789715066488/Casas-Bajo-Campanas-Socio-Cultural-Approach-9715066488/plp

🛋️: Fact 058

"Baliuag Inlay Furniture"
Art Meets Function

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗗…?
The town of Baliuag became widely known for its bone and wood inlay furniture during the late 19th to early 20th century, a period influenced by the Spanish colonial era when Filipino artisans were exposed to European decorative arts. Bone inlay is a traditional technique where small, carefully carved pieces of materials such as carabao bone or shell are embedded into the surface of wood to form decorative patterns and images. This craft in Baliuag is believed to have started when local craftsmen adapted European furniture styles and combined them with indigenous materials and skills, creating uniquely Filipino interpretations of ornate design. Using strong local hardwoods, artisans meticulously inserted bone and shell into carved grooves, forming intricate floral and geometric motifs that required patience and precision. Over time, this technique developed into a specialized craft industry in Baliuag, with skills passed down through generations, making it a significant part of the town’s cultural identity. Today, Baliuag inlay furniture continues to contribute to Philippine interior design by offering heritage-inspired, handcrafted pieces that serve as artistic focal points, reflecting a rich blend of history, craftsmanship, and Filipino creativity.

References:

🖇https://traveleronfoot.wordpress.com/2017/05/07/baliuag/
🖇https://museongbaliwag.wixsite.com/culturalproperties/post/imbute-bone-inlay
🖇https://members.salcedoauctions.com/twal/35/salcedosays-the-hidden-history-in-your-furniture
🖇https://members.salcedoauctions.com/stories/94/artspeak-the-b-s-of-important-philippine-furniture

🖼️: Mariell Kate Aguilar
✒️: Criszel Mae V. Valdemoro

𝑻𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒍, 𝑨𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒔𝒂 𝑩𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒕 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒖𝒌𝒂𝒔𝒂𝒏. ✨

Muli natin alalahanin ang katapangan ng mga Pilipino at Amerikano sundalo na lumaban sa dangal, soberanya at kinabukasan ng ating bansa. Parangalan natin ngayon 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐰 𝐧𝐠 𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 ang kanilang sakripisyo at kabayanihan na nagbigay saatin ng kapayapaan at kalayaang tinatamasa natin ngayon. 🇵🇭✨

✒️: Tristand Pamittan
🖼️: Creatives Committee

𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒍 𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒔!✨

Let's have time to appreciate the people whose existence is as bright as the sunny days. Like petals in the sky and the quiet hope of Easter Sunday mornings, you carry both mischief and renewal in your soul. Happy birthday blossoms of April! May your year unfold like spring where every ending waters a new beginning.🌻

✒️: Clarisse Rodriguez
🖼️: Roszey Nanca & Clarisse Angcay

🛋️: Fact 057

"IDR. SONIA SANTIAGO OLIVARES"
The Matriarch of Philippine Interior Design

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗗…?

IDr. Sonia Santiago Olivares is a pioneer in Philippine interior design. Her legacy includes academic, institutional, and professional contributions.

She was one of the original faculty members who helped shape the early curriculum at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), which was the first school in the country to offer Interior Design as a major within Fine Arts in 1954. Her influence extended to professional advocacy, particularly as President of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) from 1975 to 1976, a critical period for strengthening the community of local designers and formalizing professional standards. Her influence grew further with her appointment as Chairperson of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Board of Interior Design and the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Council for Interior Design, where she helped shape the regulatory frameworks that govern professional ethics, practice standards, and mandatory continuing education.

Beyond these formal appointments, IDr. Santiago-Olivares is well-known for her mentoring of the country's most prominent designers. She founded her own design and consulting firm, Sonia Santiago-Olivares & Associates (SSOa), which has set the standard for excellence for over four decades by completing high-profile residential and corporate projects that combine timeless aesthetic principles with functional and technical precision.

References:
🖇https://www.abs-cbn.com/ancx/style/style-profile/03/29/19/these-7-women-are-the-pioneers-of-philippine-design
🖇https://piid.org.ph/about/
🖇https://peopleasia.ph/newly-inducted-piid-board-puts-emphasis-on-inclusivity-and-collaboration/
🖇https://tribune.net.ph/2024/02/17/new-piid-trustees-take-oath-at-goldenberg-mansion

🖼️: Creatives Committee
✒️: Miel Clarisse B. Gelle

𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

With stories that inspire and experiences that teach, Tanaw Studio’s IDr. Chelsea Magbanua and Ms. Arvel Alvarez truly made DESIGN(HER) a meaningful celebration of women in the field.

In an industry where construction spaces are often male-dominated, women continue to rise; finding their voice, earning respect, and proving their strength. Yet beyond resilience, what sets women apart is the empathy they carry and the patience they extend in understanding people and spaces.

Women are essential in shaping the design industry. They bring emotion, sensitivity, and depth—transforming structures into spaces with meaning.

Here’s to all women wearing hard hats and breaking boundaries.
You are more than designers—you are 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗛𝗘𝗥. ✨

As we enter the Holy Week 2026 today for the Palm Sunday, may we observe silence for reflection and prayers.

Important Dates to Remember:

✝️ March 29 - Palm Sunday
✝️ March 30 - Holy Monday
- Online Class
✝️ March 31 - Holy Tuesday
- Online Class
✝️ April 1 - Holy Wednesday
- Online Class
✝️ April 2 - Maundy Thursday
✝️ April 3 - Good Friday
✝️ April 4 - Black Saturday
✝️ April 5 - Easter Sunday

📣 Regular Classes resume on April 6, 2026.

✒️: Andrea Reciproco
🖼️: Ivhan Nalaunan

🛋️:Fact 056
"IDR. WILLIE GARCIA”
Inside the Green Design Vision of Willie Garcia

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗗…?

Wilhelmina “Willie” S. Garcia is a licensed interior designer also known as a green designer from Biñan, Laguna. She earned her Interior Design degree from St. Scholastica’s College, Manila and later expanded her knowledge through a social entrepreneurship program with Youth Encounter Sustainability (YES) in Armenia

She supports environmental protection and continues to create art pieces that help reduce waste in different communities.

Garcia’s interest in green design developed through her participation in environmental initiatives such as coastal and barangay clean-up drives. While working with her sister, conservationist Liza Dans, she became aware of the increasing issue of waste piling up in landfills. This experience encouraged her to seek more sustainable solutions, which later led her to focus on using recycled and reclaimed materials in interior design.

In 2009, Garcia established her own design firm, Junknot, which focuses on sustainable design practices. Her work highlights the practical application of eco-friendly design principles in the Philippine context.

References:
🖇https://www.junknot.ph/about
🖇https://www.realliving.com.ph/shopping-services/6-filipina-interior-designers-you-need-to-know-a00010-20170318
🖇https://imahica.art/artist/willie-garcia/

🖼️: Roszey Nanca
✒️: Maria Kate V. Andales

‎She’s not just a designer—she’s an interior 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗛𝗘𝗥. ✨
‎
‎Join us this Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Room 302 and dive into the real stories behind the craft; the struggles, strengths, and successes of women shaping the field of Interior Design.
‎
‎Featuring Tanaw Studio’s very own Founder, Chelsea Magbanua, and Senior Design Consultant, Arvel Alvarez. Get inspired as they share their journeys, insights, and passion for design.
‎
‎Don’t miss this meaningful talk brought to you by the Student Association of Interior Design—plus, enjoy free snacks while you learn!
‎
‎See you there, future interior designers! 🌷
‎

🛋️: Fact 055

EDITH L. OLIVEROS
“Honoring La Doyenne of Philippine Contemporary Design”

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗗…?

Edith L. Oliveros, a pioneer of interior design in the Philippines, built her foundation through education. She earned her degree in Home Economics from Philippine Women’s University and later completed her Master’s Degree in Interior Design at Drexel University in Philadelphia, shaping her strong design perspective.

Returning to the Philippines in the late 1960s, she worked with Cancio-Calma Furniture, where she refined her craft. This experience led to the creation of the Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID), which became a key institution in developing design education and training future professionals.

Her influence is seen in iconic spaces such as the Admiral Hotel Manila and the Metropolitan Theater Manila. Beyond practice, she shared her knowledge through books like Design in the Home (1993) and Interior Design in the Philippines (2013), helping spread design ideas to a wider audience.

Oliveros' achievements inspired many designers and demonstrated that women can be leaders in creative fields. Her legacy emphasizes the role of creativity, vision, and education in creating meaningful spaces.

Reference:
🖇https://business.inquirer.net/267643/filipina-pioneers-of-design
🖇https://www.abs-cbn.com/ancx/style/style-profile/03/29/19/these-7-women-are-the-pioneers-of-philippine-design
🖇https://www.instagram.com/p/DV-U9rCE_h7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==