Cebu-based designer Kenneth Cobonpue is APEC's official creative director

MANILA, Philippines - With a myriad list of eminent patrons that include Queen Sophia of Spain and Hollywood power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, it is only fitting for internationally acclaimed Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue to serve as the creative director for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Welcome Dinner.

His role includes handling the set design for the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, where the dinner will be held, as well as designing souvenir tokens and special chairs for the 21 economic leaders.

According to the Cebu native, the project's main challenge is to properly evoke the image of a global Filipino. 

“What I always find challenging…[is] to still use natural materials and natural themes, and to make it sophisticated—to show that we are rooted in the past, but we are [also] right in the 21st century.”

He added, “I think it’s really important…to showcase the best of who we are and what we are—and we do that with the program, and all the little details that make up the whole welcome dinner.”

The Cebu native has always had a knack for creating and designing. Inspired by her mother who is also a furniture designer, Kenneth said nature plays an important role in all his designs. 

So, for the setup of the APEC leaders’ welcome reception, Kenneth used the World Heritage Site Banaue Rice Terraces as inspiration. With a combination of locally sourced materials and handmade production processes, he was able to evoke a garden-like setting.

Kenneth describes his work as something simple, light and natural. 

"I’m very proud of the outcome,” he said. “How I wish everybody could be in that space, because it’s really unique and wonderful.”