The Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID) used to be housed on the second floor of Cancio-Calma Associates building on the former Pasong Tamo (now Chino Roces) Avenue in Makati. Fifty years later, its campus is now a multistory building in Fort Bonifacio.
If you want to study interior design, dahlings, you go to PSID, which offfers basic and advance certificate courses. It is set to graduate its first BS Interior Design students under its college arm, the PSID-Ahlen Institute, known for its annual student-thesis exhibit.
PSID president Rosario Cancio Yujuico attributes PSID’s success to four cornerstones: “The first is a strong curriculum; second, a faculty of practicing designers; third, an eclectic mix of students of different ages and backgrounds; and a supportive administration and staff.”
PSID recently celebrated its 50th anniversary at Uratex Ronac Lifestyle Center in Paseo de Magallanes.
The school gave awards to its founders: Agustin Cancio (posthumous), a pioneer in the Philippine furniture industry; Herminia Cancio-Layug, mother of renowned artist/designer Budji Layug; and Edith Oliveros, who designed the school’s first curriculum and was its long-time directress.
Former dean Rose Marie Bautista, former director Nardy Aquino, prominent architect Lor Calma, and National Artist Arturo Luz were also given awards.
Alumni who placed first in the licensure exams from 1994 to 2016 were likewise feted: current faculty head Jie Pambid, Michael Pizarro, Margarita Colet, Rosette Yabut, Candice Arboleda and Irene Dee.
A commemorative marker designed by PSID faculty Leo Lino Almeria was unveiled.
The Philippine Tenors led by Aliw awardee Dondi Ong performed. The night ended with everyone dancing to the music of Jessica Meriño’s band.
Formally launched was the book titled “Gold: From the Academe to the Industry, PSID turns 50.” Edited by Pambid, it chronicles the history of PSID and features 17 design masterpieces, including Bahay na Tisa, a heritage house restored by Manny Castro.
It also traces several generations of PSID professionals, such as pioneer faculty Aquino, who supervised the first PSID exhibit, and Almeria.
Special dinner for US envoy
Former Foreign Secretary Roberto Romulo recently hosted dinner for new American Ambassador Sung Y. Kim at the popular Romulo Café on Jupiter Street, Makati.
A special menu was prepared by visiting chef Regina Carsi-Cruz of the Party Kitchen (part of the Romulo Food Group): Tanigue Kilawin, Laing Cup (taro leaves cooked in coconut milk), Lechon Kawali Sisig Wrap, Filipino-Style Onion Soup, Beef Bulalo with caramelized onions, and more.
Guests were delighted with the quality and presentation of traditional Filipino food.
Romulo said the main purpose of the dinner was to allow the new ambassador to meet and exchange views with corporate CEOs, former senior government officials, and members of the media. He added that the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation would initiate a regular series of meetings between foreign dignitaries, experts, as well as local opinion-makers.
Cinderella goes green
Cinderella celebrated over two decades in fashion with a culminating event that also put the spotlight on Mother Nature.
Movers behind the clothing brand organized a design contest to encourage a green lifestyle.
Entries to the “Work With Nature Design Contest” incorporated elements of nature. The designs were executed in various merchandise such as tees, canvas tote bags and pouches and mugs.
The items were launched at the basement of Cinderella Glorietta 3, and went on sale. Proceeds of which would go to environmental causes.
Hosted by Bianca Valerio, the Cinderella fashion show introduced the finalists.
Second place was “Paradise Tropics,” by Emmanuel Emnace, art teacher from the Department of Education Rizal Regional Lead School for the Arts.
First place was “Sundown Harmony,” by Tricia Eunice Sapalasan, a student of the University of Perpetual System in Biñan, Laguna.
The grand prize went to “Flora and Fauna,” by Joonifer Mikhaela Porciuncula, a student from Far Eastern University.
Proceeds of the sale of the fashion merchandise went to the Bantay Kalikasan program of the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.
Cinderella is at Glorietta 3, Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall and Robinson’s Place Manila.
