For designer and creative JC Manalo of Hojas!, a handaan is more than a feast but a word that reflects care, creativity, and shared experiences that bring people together
In the Philippines, the word handaan evokes an immediate sense of community, love, and abundance. While it does directly translate to a feast, it doubles as a verb meaning ‘the act of preparation’—an expression of hospitality and a stage for connection.
To truly appreciate the art behind handaan, I spoke with JC Manalo, who runs Hojas!, a tablescape designer, florist, interior designer, and creative director whose work transforms everyday gatherings into memorable celebrations.
Through thoughtful design, cultural homage, and intentional storytelling, Manalo elevates the act of dining together into an experience that resonates with meaning and warmth.
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The creative process behind every handaan
“The concept starts with deciphering what the general feel and direction for the event will be, and the technical requirements of the space, before I actually look for images,” Manalo explains. Once the foundation is clear, he presents a few guiding visuals to set expectations but leaves room for improvisation. “Executing is more of a play—we play around with forms on the spot. The output is a surprise to both the team and the client.”
Sourcing materials locally is an integral part of his process. “What we usually source in Dangwa for the installations determines what we will be using. We purchase what the vendors have in season and on hand, to be able to support the small vendors there.”
Balancing simplicity and impact
Manalo’s designs are rooted in simplicity, but simplicity, as he notes, is far from easy. “With everything I do, I try to simplify and simplify, which is actually hard to do because there is a thin line between understated and boring.”
He relies on scale, light, and intentionality to make every setup impactful. “I usually use simple and few elements but play with how much I will be using. Light also plays an important role; might it be the strength of a round spotlight, or the sensuality of an uplight, the flickering of candles on the table.”
Storytelling through materials
Storytelling is woven into every detail of Manalo’s curations. “The storytelling is usually seen in the materiality of my installations. The use of natural elements such as rocks, mosses, shells, leaves, flowers, and vegetables are my ode to the motherland and its natural produce.”
For tablescapes, he often incorporates objects of personal or cultural significance. “I usually use objects of affection: handmade ceramics, vintage china, glassware, and silvers handed down from generations, an appreciation of workmanship and design, or simply things that bring them joy.”
His love for foliage also shines through in his work. “‘Hojas’ is Spanish for leaves, since I tend to make the leaves, which are essentially a background of the flowers, the main highlight.”
Handaan as uniquely Filipino
“The handaan experience in the Philippines is the willingness to go all out, might it be for a special occasion or a simple gathering,” Manalo reflects. This spirit of generosity often manifests in the food. “Handaan in the Philippines is preparing a lot of food because there is always a worry that someone might go hungry.”
Filipino hospitality is also evident in how food is served. “The important element in the setup that is distinctively Filipino is the fact that food will be for sharing; there will either be a buffet table to be arranged or the serving plates will be laid out in the middle of the table. Sharing food is a very Filipino thing, as we value family, pagsasama, and pakikisama.”
This cultural depth flows naturally into Manalo’s designs. “Weaving Filipino elements through materiality is both a conscious and unconscious decision. Conscious because I always want to push for Filipino design and artistry, and unconscious because it is also what I grew up with, so I’m naturally inclined to something familiar but with somehow a more modern language.”
Handaan as a gesture of love
For Manalo, a well-thought-out table setup is an act of care. “I think a well-thought table setup means that you spent time and energy to make your guests feel special. That you have thought of the little details to make them comfortable.”
His tablescapes and installations engage the senses. “I treat tablescapes and installations as a multi-sensory experience—visual through flowers, foliage, and lighting; auditory through music that matches either the spaces or the type of cuisine to be served; tactile through the tablecloth where they rest their hands, the glassware, ceramics, and silver they use to eat; smell through an incense, candle, or a reed diffuser; and taste through the food itself, or the fruits that I usually scatter around the table as part of the installation.”
All of these touchpoints welcome a holistic experience for each guest, turning each preparation into a breadth of love and thought.
Manalo cherishes moments when guests notice the intentional details. “The compliments I really enjoy are when the little details get pointed out—the details that are so small but are noticed because the guests observe more when they realize. It’s when they consider that they were actually considered on the choices you made for the gathering.”
Elevating everyday gatherings
Manalo believes that anyone can create a memorable handaan with a bit of thoughtfulness. “Base what you would put on the table from the food that you would be serving. Arrangements are beautiful, but make sure they’re not high enough to hinder a conversation. Find a playlist that would go with the vibe. Dim the lights and opt for lamps and candles. Have a glass for water, and a glass for wine.”
Ultimately, it’s about creating an atmosphere where people can connect and share. “Making a tablescape is not solely about making it beautiful. A successful tablescape is a spread that is enjoyed. I think aside from the food, how people felt during the gathering is something that they would remember.”
Manalo reintroduces a new definition of handaan—one that is more than a feast, more than a preparation, but a word that reflects care, creativity, and shared experiences that bring people together.