Layug designed the furniture including the Victoria Occasional Chairs (right). Themodern Filipino aesthetic is reflected in the “solihiya” or cane-weaving pattern on the back of the chair.

In a bid to become a leading global beauty destination, the Belo Medical Group is the first aesthetic clinic to be accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The chain, which specializes in cosmetic procedures, merited DOT’s official recognition because of its international certification from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH).

In the past five years, Belo Medical Group has likewise been the only aesthetic clinic in the Philippines recognized by the NABH. International peers of this organization assess the healthcare center for its high standards of patient service and safety, the staff’s continuous learning and constant improvement of facilities.

“Achieving many firsts has made us as an industry leader,” said Victoria Belo, medical director and CEO.

Cristalle Belo-Pitt, managing director, explained that to reflect Belo’s impressive credentials from the NABH and DOT, the group can now actively promote medical tourism.

“Because of these, we got Budji Layug and Kenneth Cobonpue’s furniture. Taas bandila ng Pilipinas. (We’re raising the Philippine flag).”

Belo added. “At Belo, we believe in making the world aware of how great Filipino are, not only in cosmetic surgery and dermatology but also in design.”

The new clinic suggests the feel of a deluxe hotel. The space is vast and light-filled.

Three new clinics

The chain commissioned Budji +Royal Architecture + Design to do three new clinics.

The 14th Belo facility at One Bonifacio High Street Mall in Taguig represents the firm’s signature modern Filipino aesthetic. This sensibility will also be executed in the upcoming clinics at SM Megamall and Ayala Malls by the Bay.

“I was asked to reimagine the Belo clinic into global standards and show the modern Filipino in its execution,” said Antonio “Budji” Layug, the firm’s chairperson. The Belo brand is identified with Belo’s personality—innovative, fun, glamorous and caring.

Layug interprets these brand’s qualities and the new directive through the design elements.

The mall unit had to pass his standards—large space, high ceilings, huge expanses of glass to welcome natural light and a terrace with a view.

Cushy sofa reflects the cuddly personality of its namesake, Scarlet Snow. The painting is an ode to Belo’s love for dance.

“The environment fits her identity,” he said. “We came up with a plan that puts the Filipino aesthetic on par with international levels.”

The Belo brand’s glamour is echoed in the luxury of space—no crowding of islands of furniture here, marble flooring and counters, gold-leaf ceiling, Italian stucco-inspired wallpaper, velvet upholstery, lush area rugs and oversized spool-shaped metallic chandeliers, designed by Layug.

He likewise created the furniture which are named after the family members.

The modern Filipino touch is present in the Victoria Occasional Chairs. The whitewashed mahogany frames have modernized solihiya or cane weaving.

Then there’s the Hayden chair—an angular wingback with an ottoman—named after Belo’s husband, Dr. Hayden Kho. The curvy asymmetrical sofas are homage to their cutesy, 4-year-old daughter Scarlet Snow.

An antique botanical print by Spanish friar Fr. Manuel Blanco blends with the luxurious modern finishes of the powder room.

Botanicals

Original botanical prints by Spanish friar Francisco Manuel Blanco adorn the powder rooms. Soon the walls will be decked with paintings by Layug and Federico Elizalde.

The soothing neutral color scheme of gray and blue invites visitors and clients to relax. The cove ceiling adds a layer of intimacy. Layug brought in foliage and orchids to give life to the clinic.

Layug then puts in the fun with the playful furniture of designer Cobonpue who is known for fusing traditional weaving techniques with modern materials and technology. The Cebuano designer’s modern take on the Peacock chair, inspired by the bird’s feathers, makes a powerful statement at the reception.

The terrace comes alive with patterns and colors rendered by the unwieldy circles of the Noodle Chairs, the curvilinear lines of the Isabella sofa and chair, which Layug designed for Cobonpue, and the asymmetrical loops on the Trame dining chairs.

As a narrative of the Belo brand, the design indicates that Belo is an early adaptor to advance technology and procedures—all of which are executed by “expert hands, warmest touch.” Belo aims to make people better about themselves and the new environment enhances that.

Wrote Belo, “I used to think that being 30 years means we would seem old or outdated. We are not. Our expertise of 30 years is something to be proud of. There may be new kids on the block but Belo has so far remained relevant. We get bonus points for experience.”