by Emcee Go

At the busy corner of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in BGC Taguig, Kenneth Cobonpue’s latest outpost stands as a testament to his design prowess. With two levels, the showroom showcases his distinct furniture and furnishings. Most notable are Kenneth’s light fixtures with each piece, meticulously handcrafted. They showcase an intricate play of light and shadow, transforming any space into a haven of warmth and sophistication. Kenneth’s designs, deeply rooted in local artistry, resonate with both contemporary minimalism and cultural heritage, making them a standout in any room.

Kenneth Cobonpue’s showroom

The showroom is more than just a furniture store. It features a bar, naturally reflecting Cobonpue’s unique touch. Additionally, the second level houses a gallery by celebrated artist Ronald Ventura, blending design with avant-garde art in a sophisticated yet inviting setting.

Ronald Ventura’s artworks

Richard Yap and friend

During the opening night recently, guests entered a red carpet, bringing a Miami-like vibe to Manila. The fun event celebrates creativity and culture and highlights the intersections of design, art, and revelry. Seen at the event were several Cebu personalities who were also in town for the opening of Art Fair Manila.

Jun Escario with Kate Anzani

Patricia Dela Cruz and Neil Felipp

Gallerist Mariz Holopainen, designer Kenneth Cobonpue, celebrated mod artist Ronald Ventura, Melo Esguerra and Eva Gullas

By Emmanuel Hamoy

Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti Collection is a testament to the maison’s ability to weave cultural symbolism and fine craftsmanship into jewelry and timepieces. Since its debut in the 1940s, the collection has embodied the elegance, mystique, and power of the serpent—a motif deeply rooted in mythology, art, and culture. In 2025, Bulgari’s Serpenti designs found renewed significance as the Chinese zodiac ushered in the Year of the Snake.

In Chinese astrology, the snake is revered as a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and transformation. Those born under the Year of the Snake are believed to possess a refined, enigmatic aura and an innate ability to adapt to life’s challenges. Bulgari’s Serpenti collection perfectly mirrors these qualities, blending the serpent’s sensual curves with bold design elements. Each piece—from coiling bracelets to striking necklaces and watches—captures the serpent’s duality as a figure of grace and strength.

The synergy between Bulgari’s craftsmanship and the symbolism of the snake was celebrated in 2013 with special edition Serpenti pieces. The designs showcased the maison’s expertise in combining colorful gemstones, intricate scales, and coiling shapes, echoing the serpent’s fluid movement and timeless allure. These creations paid tribute not only to the Chinese zodiac but also to Bulgari’s Italian heritage, renowned for its bold use of color and innovative designs.

Today, the Serpenti Collection remains an enduring icon of luxury and transformation. Its connection to the Year of the Snake enhances its allure for those who resonate with the snake’s symbolism, making it a coveted collection for connoisseurs and collectors alike. Through the Serpenti, Bulgari continues to celebrate the universal power of the serpent—a creature that transcends time, culture, and borders.

PJ Ong of Inodoro, an internationally renowned graphic designer, is the first Filipino whose work will be part of the permanent collection of Switzerland’s Museum of Avant-garde

CEBU CITY — In a groundbreaking achievement, Cebu-based graphic designer and art director PJ Ong of Inodoro Design Studio, is set to become the first Filipino artist permanently exhibited at Museum of Avant-garde (MA-g) in Mendrisio, Switzerland.

Cebu-based graphic designer and art director of Inodoro Design Studio, PJ Ong

Ong’s recognition at MA-g places him among over 250 avant-garde artists, including iconic figures like Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp, signifying a profound milestone in museum history.

“Avant-garde,” is a term that refers to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

“I am extremely honored and humbled. It is a remarkable milestone in my creative journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a prominent platform. The acknowledgment, especially considering Switzerland’s exacting standards in art and design, is truly fulfilling,” said Ong.

Part of a stellar contemporary collection

Under the museum’s Contemporary Collection, Ong will join global contemporary agencies such as M/M Paris (collaborator of Icelandic singer-songwriter and composer, Björk), WORK Pte Ltd (brainchild of the “Godfather of Singapore Graphic Design,” Theseus Chan), Bedow (Stockholm), BVD Stockholm AB (Stockholm), Socio Design (London) and Milkxhake (Hong Kong), among others.

Ong’s music packaging design for the Filipino harsh noise duo, White Widow, will be featured in the museum. The band’s album “The God Uterus Dissolves” — released under Melt Records — features an unconventional cassette tape packaging incorporating a hand-crafted wire mesh, elevating it into a unique and bespoke collector’s item.

The museum’s selection process for its Contemporary Collection involved three categories: Graphic Design, Photography, and Illustration. Swiss-Canadian Fritz Gottschalk, a prominent figure in contemporary graphic design, led the Graphic Design category.

“This is profoundly validating for me as a graphic designer. Being part of a museum’s permanent contemporary collection is a lasting testament to my capabilities as an artist,” said Ong.

‘Poetry you can touch’

The graphic designer from Cebu City further defined the album as a “deliberate departure from the ordinary,” stating that it was a testament to the artist’s and band’s dedication to pushing boundaries and offering the audience a unique and immersive experience.

“Careful consideration was given to every detail, including choosing a premium supplier for the cassette tape. Opting for a screen-printed cassette, where design elements were applied directly to the surface, gave it a contemporary and visually striking result, helping us reinforce the design narrative,” said Ong.

“From the cohesive placement of elements to using symbols instead of track titles on the spine and customizing fonts, every aspect was carefully thought out. Rather than opting for the conventional wire mesh treatment on print, I took a bold step by incorporating a hand-crafted wire mesh, adding a unique and sensory dimension to the album — almost like poetry you can touch.”

Profound honor

Established in 2003, Inodoro Design Studio under Ong’s leadership has garnered global acclaim for its bold design philosophy, spanning music, fashion, architecture, culture and technology. In becoming the first Filipino whose work will be on display at the MA-g, Ong stated that it is “particularly humbling.”

“Traditionally, these privileges are given to individuals who have amassed decades of experience, attained mastery in their craft, or even as a posthumous acknowledgment. To be among those selected is a profound and unexpected honor,” he said.

“Museums typically focus on visual artists, and for a graphic designer, especially within the realm of commercial work, recognition can be more elusive. I appreciate the challenges of this less conventional route and I am committed to proving the significance of graphic design in the broader artistic landscape.”

Art enthusiasts can anticipate viewing Ong’s work with “The God Uterus Dissolves” at MA-g, scheduled to open to the general public in 2025.

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About The Museum of Avant-garde (MA-g)

The Museum of Avant-garde compiles an original body of work from private collections, providing a unique perspective on the cultural and artistic significance of avant-garde movements. These movements, synonymous with transformative ideologies and daring experimentations, played a pivotal role in challenging political and societal conventions. For more information, visit www.ma-g.org.

About Inodoro

Inodoro is the creative moniker of graphic designer and art director PJ Ong, a prominent figure in the Philippine design scene. Established in 2003, Inodoro Design Studio, based in Cebu, Philippines, has garnered international recognition for its bold and distinctive design, with a focus on thought-driven imagery and iconic visual language. The studio specializes in identities, custom typography, graphic design and art direction. For more information, visit www.inodoro-design.com.