Nippon Paint Young Designer Award 2015 Winners Announced

By Mommy Donna and Kib - November 04, 2015

I am in awe whenever I see someone shows his/her creativity and ingenuity. I always encourage my son to always think out of the box, though honestly, sometimes it irks me whenever I see our room full of junk, hahaha. Anyway, I always remind my son to put things in order after he has finished doing his projects :)

I got excited when I received an invite on the awarding ceremonies of Nippon Paint Young Designers Award (NPYDA) 2015 last Wednesday, October 21, 2015 held at the Grand Ballroom of Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas Center. NPYDA is a regional competition across 12 Asia Pacific countries organized by Asia's No. 1 coatings manufacturer Nippon Paint. This contest is for all architecture and interior design students.

I am very curious on how these young aspiring architects and interior designers create spaces that can connect people from all walks of life--including the physically challenged community, the elderly, the young, and nursing mothers--as well as enhance experience and transform lives.

This year's theme is "Design with Heart" which served as the contenders' guiding principle in creating their designs. The participating students from different universities and colleges around the Philippines are challenged like never before to further push the boundaries for future living. Mr. Michael Chung, General Manager of Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines said, "With the official launch of the NPYDA in the Philippines last year, we have noticed how Filipino designers have this genuine passion in creating spaces which are people-oriented and environment-friendly. We are very sanguine that this year's finalist can maximize the innate talent to step up and compete with other countries."

Mr. Michael Chung giving his speech during the awarding ceremony

There were ten (10) finalists for each category (Interior Design and Architecture). All entries were based on their Green and Sustainable Design Concept, Colour Concept, Design Innovation, and Design Concept Statement.

The ten (10) finalists for Interior Design category are:

Andrea Louise Vergara (University of San Carlos, "Tropism")
Ella Monica Monteroso (University of Santo Tomas, "ConnectWork"
Justine Esternon (University of Santo Tomas, "Viaje")
Krizia Hesusa Tejada (University of Santo Tomas, "Yaman Learning Center")
Lynelle Delmo (University of Santo Tomas, "Habi: Weaved with Lots of Love")
Martha Joyce Tomas (University of Santo Tomas, "Biojet")
Patricia Ella (University of Santo Tomas, "Sharing Sustainability")
Paul Angelo Montesines (Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, "FilipiKnows Attributes")
Rosalie Ann Perez (University of Santo Tomas, "Beacon of Hope")
Courtney Gatus (University of the Philippines, "Project Eversmile")

The ten (10) finalists under Interior Design category

The ten (10) finalists for Architecture category are:

Von Christian Andrade (Technological Institute of the Philippines, "Expression of Life Through Art")
Rowell Pinote (University of Mindanao, "The Sunshine Eco-Community")
Marko Alab Adviento (University of Santo Tomas, "Sibol: Interactive Community Park")
Andrew Cerwin Yu (University of Santo Tomas, "Branch to Interaction")
Kae Ann Aguila (University of Santo Tomas, "UrbaNature")
Mikael Jerome Lim (University of the East, "Community Interactive Space")
Ruben Felizarte (Far Eastern University, "Conart Park")
Jose Augustine Ricarte (University of Santo Tomas, "Marikina Link")
Justine Salvador (University of Santo Tomas, "Centro: Community Center")
Mary Nicole Ligan (University of Santo Tomas, "Circulo")

The ten (10) finalists under Architecture category

Top five (5) finalists were chosen for each category on which the Silver and Gold Awardees will be chosen.

Each of the Gold Awardees will win Php50,000 cash prize, plaque, an internship at Lor Calma and Partners (for Interior Design) / Casas Architects (for Architecture) for six months, plus an all-expense paid overseas trip for a once-in-a lifetime learning programme in Bangkok, Thailand in March 2016, and an exclusive workshop crafted especially for winners featuring internationally renowned speakers in the fields of architecture and interior design.

On the other hand, the winner's professor/adviser will also get Php10,000 cash prize and plaque while his/her academic institution will also receive Php10,000 cash prize, plaque and Php10,000 worth of paint voucher from Nippon Paint.

Meanwhile, the Silver Awardee will receive Php30,000 cash prize and a plaque and the eight finalists will get Php10,000 each. Special awards will also be given to Best Colour Choice and Best Green Innovation with Php5,000 cash prize each.

The winners are:

Interior Design

Martha Joyce Tomas (Gold Awardee, Best Green Innovation)
Courtney Gatus (Silver Awardee, Best Colour Choice)

Architecture:

Jose Augustine Ricarte (Gold Awardee)
Marko Alab Adviento (Silver Awardee)
Kae Ann Aguila (Best Green Innovation)
Ruben Felizarte (Best Colour Choice)

Gold and Silver awardees for both Interior Design and Architecture categories (L-R: Marko Alab Adviento, Jose Augustine Ricarte, Courtney Gatus, Martha Joyce Tomas)

University of Santo Tomas (UST) bagged the Best Professor and the Best Supporting College/University for both categories.

The announcement of winners was really a heart-stopping moment as both the audience and the finalists were very quiet while the emcee was opening the envelope.

The awarding ceremonies was indeed a well-attended event as students supported the finalists from their respective schools. Students from the University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas cheered the loudest during the event and they were given a special prize.

Congratulations to the winners!

For more information on Nippon Paint Young Designer Award 2015, you may visit www.youngdesigneraward.ph and https://www.facebook.com/youngdesigneraward.