Obra maestra 2015: The Wondrous Interplay of ASEAN Centric Design

CEBU, Philippines - The 20th Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition - Worldbex 2015 - announces the much anticipated intercollegiate interior design competition: the 5th Obra Maestra. In partnership with Wilcon Depot and the Council of Interior Design Educators, this year's Obra Maestra banners the theme "ASEAN CENTRIC, the harmonious interplay between various cultures of the east and the modernization that drives its constant flux."

Slated to be held on March 11 to 15, at the Philippine Trade Training Center, the 5th Obra Maestra, once again seeks to exhibit the fresh new perspectives that exist among the minds of burgeoning interior designers and put the spotlight on a deserving and outstanding few.

On January 28, Worldbex and Wilcon Depot gathered members of the media at the formal launch of this  year's competition, at the Designo Atelier in Libis, Quezon City. Led by Worldbex Services International's Marketing Director JR Ang and Wilcon's SEVP/ COO Rosemarie Ong, the program introduced this year's theme to participating schools.

In order to showcase the diverse range and  dynamism of the participating students, each participating school was given a distinct theme to work with. Expected to be even more compelling and exciting than the previous installments, this year's Obra Maestra features the works of 12 academic institutions offering BS Interior Design courses, including the University of Sto. Tomas, SOFA Design Institute, St. Scholastica's College, Philippine School of Interior Designers, University of the East, Mapua Institute of Technology, University of the Philippines, Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, College of Holy Spirit, Philippine Women's University, and the College of St. Benilde.

The themes to be interpreted by the participants include a Cambodian-Inspired Dining Room, Malaysian Styled Bedroom, Thai-Themed Living Room, Philippine Indigenous Style Bathroom, Laos-Inspired Bedroom, Brunei-Look Living Room, Philippine Colonial-Designed Dining Room, Singaporean-Themed Bathroom, Myanmar-Inspired Bedroom, Vietnamese-Themed Living Room, Indonesian Dining Room, and a Muslim-Inspired Bathroom.

The works are to be judged based on such values as interior design, planning, theme, furniture selection, and color scheme. Trophies and cash prizes await the winners, who are also to get an internship grant at Wilcon Depot. The winners' schools, for their part, also get corresponding prizes.

The Obra Maestra competition not only serves as a venue for exposure to outstanding young designers, but also shows visitors and trade-goers how much interior design has evolved in the country - championing young talents as well as the future of the Philippine interior design community. (FREEMAN)