The Philippine Trade Training Center‘s Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA) recently recognized exceptional designers among the 52 graduates of its first-ever Obra Design Masterclass.
The Obra Design Masterclass aims to support local talent within the furniture and creative industries by mentoring them to develop their design and product development skills.
This program unveiled the participants’ amazing furniture, lighting, and decor designs at the Philippine International Furniture Show, which took place from March 7 to 9, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Manila.
The Obra Design Masterclass honorees are:
Best Furniture Design: Apollo Coffee Table by Reimer Neil Bonghanoy (Cebu)
1st Runner-up: Heron Parasol by Luzel Andrea Alconera (Cebu)
2nd Runner-up: MORF (Modular Organizer Furniture Set) by Dean Gabriel Lusung (NCR)
3rd Runner-up: Obrang Baybayin by Chester Gazzingan (NCR)
4th Runner-up: Hiraya Bar by Basil Rico Gahi (Cebu)
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Best Decor Design: Pangolin Sauce Bowl by Jay Chadly Pulan (Cebu)
1st Runner-up: Orbito Tray by Reimer Neil Bonghanoy (Cebu)
2nd Runner-up: Kyrie Screen Divider by David Paras (Cebu)
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Best Lighting Design: Zephyrus by Matthew David (Pampanga)
1st Runner-up: Socorro by Josh Matthew Flores (Cebu)
2nd Runner-up: Orbital Corners by Maria Catherina Agregado (Pampanga)

The Obra Design Masterclass program was held for three months in Manila, Pampanga, and Cebu. Its main goal was to help local talent by teaching them how to use the latest technologies, sustainable materials, and innovative processes.
“The Obra Design Masterclass enriches the Philippine furniture industry by upskilling designers and crafters capable of making a significant impact on the global stage. Scholars with design backgrounds, architects, and industrial designers, among others, were guided by seasoned mentors on key concepts such as mindset development, design thinking, material selection, and assembly techniques, which were valuable in producing prototypes worth selling to the international market,” said PTTC-GMEA Executive Director Nelly Nita Dillera.
Graduates of the furniture design industry received guidance from renowned figures like Ronald Rommel Viloria, Josef Crisanto, Eric Paras, Stanley Ruiz, Rey Soliven, Dem Bitantes, Vito Selma, Estela Ocampo-Fernandez, and Christine Manguerra, and key industry partners such as the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (CFIF), and Pampanga Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (PFIF). They mastered design, craftsmanship, and business and communication skills to bring their ideas to life.

Obra Pop-Up: A PTTC-GMEA Showcase of Obra Scholars & Prototype will exhibit furniture designs at the PTTC-GMEA lobby area in Pasay City on March 11-12, 2024. The event is free for furniture designers, enthusiasts, and students to visit and check out the brilliant furniture, lighting, and accessories designs.
Next One Now organized the Philippine International Furniture Show in collaboration with several design organizations and ran alongside Interior & Design Manila.
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