C A N VA S
iDiscover Manila Binondo Map
Aside from that, we’re planning to work on more
projects through The Manila Creative Exchange. It’s
an initiative that we started along with Anjo Bolarda
and architect Angelo Ray Serrano. We want to tap
Escolta and the existing creative community to help
the new generation of creatives in terms of discussions,
connections, and exploring their potentials.
Manila isn’t without its problems, and I'm sure this
is something you guys are reminded of, being based
in the city. As creatives, what issues or problems of
the city can be addressed through design?
Where to begin? Well, I think one of the fastest ways
we can all help in is through the communication and
branding materials of different agencies. Especially in
this day and age of social media and fake news, being
able to communicate whatever it is that you’re trying to
say is already hard in itself—more so in an effective and
affecting way. It doesn’t hurt also to approach different
agencies if you would like to lend a hand because most
of the time they just don’t know where to find the right
designers for their projects.
Any urban myths about working in Manila that
you’d like to debunk?
I can only think of two things right now: Traffic
and security. It takes me more time to get out of Makati
or BGC to anywhere than going to Escolta from
Mandaluyong. Manila is very accessible via LRT and the
MRT, and even via the Pasig River Ferry. And you can
pretty much walk around Escolta and Binondo without
worrying that much about your valuables even in the wee
hours of the night.
“Urban myths? you can
pretty much walk around
Escolta and Binondo
without worrying much
about your valuables
even in the wee hours
of the night.”
What other quality/qualities of the city do you love
that is often overlooked by everyone else?
As cliché as this may sound, the vibrant energy and
dynamism of the city and the people who live in it.
I also love how Manila runs 24 hours a day—something
that I’m surprised is not the same with other neighboring
capitals. But above all are the many creative possibilities
that it allows you to explore with its collaborative minds
around and frequent challenges with the limited resources.
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