Last February 20, 2026, a new lineup of Philippine interior designers took the floor to “support Philippine interior designers, elevate the professions, and shape an ecosystem.” This Oath-Taking event was held at the Goldenberg Mansion, located near Malacañang Palace in Manila.

The event’s venue was fitting: a captivating space that matched the sophistication and class of the guests. Surrounded by creativity, everyone was inspired as the day unfolded. During the event, the former board officially handed over their duties to the new board, embodying the thrill of what was to come as past met future.

As the day continued into lunch, catering by Margarita Fores showcased Filipino cuisine in a more refined, imaginative manner, seamlessly extending the sense of innovation and tradition established earlier.

Not to mention the harmonic voice of Tenor Ramon Acoymo, which carries the beauty of Filipino music, connects with interior designers, honors their duties, empowers fellow interior designers, and expresses the uniqueness of modern Filipino interior design.

Fast forward to March, and we found ourselves at the World Trade Center, which was bustling with activity throughout the three-day WorldBex 2026 exposition. But somewhere in the east wing stood a small, dome-like sanctuary. HINGA (a Filipino word meaning Breath) was interpreted as a design concept by IDr. Cecil Ravelas for Red Interior Design was an open invitation for exhibit-goers and exhibitors alike to experience stillness, reflection, and restoration.

Ravelas observes, “Most environments today prioritize speed, efficiency, and constant stimulation. Few spaces let us pause.” In her practice, stillness and calm define her work. “I’ve always studied how spaces shape our feelings and movements. Spaces carry energy and shape our inner state in subtle ways.”

HINGA was conceived out of an inner desire to create a space that inspires others to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with themselves. “The intention behind it is simple: to create a space for pause and well-being. Through this project, I explore how design can create environments that allow us to step out of the rhythms of everyday life, even for a moment.”

Designing HINGA was a study in materiality and its emotional effects. Ravelas chose raw, natural textures, letting space prevail over visual clutter. “We used accessible plywood, showing that meaningful spaces don’t need rare or costly materials.”

HINGA was also built on key pillars of sustainability and circularity: reuse, repurpose, and reimagine. “The installation was designed using a modular construction system, allowing it to be dismantled, reused, and reconfigured for future presentations rather than discarded after a single exhibition. For me, responsible design is not just about aesthetics. It is also about how we work with materials thoughtfully and how we extend their life while creating spaces that support wellbeing ,” elaborated Ravelas.

That HINGA can be reused and reconfigured in a variety of ways makes it adaptable across many environments, including wellness destinations, offices, hospitals, cultural institutions, schools, and even residential enclaves.

“What matters is the intention, not the size. HINGA could be a pavilion, quiet room, garden sanctuary, or restful pause in a larger space. Activities like meditation, breathwork, sound healing, reflection, journaling, or silence are gentle invitations, not programs.” According to Ravelas, the installation presented during WorldBex 2026 is only the first expression of HINGA. The concept, which the designer also considers a spatial principle, was intended to evolve and respond to different contexts and environments.  

HINGA asks: Where do we allow people to pause and breathe in our built environments? Creating intentional pause spaces transforms how people experience cities and buildings. Ultimately, HINGA invites designers, developers, and communities to see design as creating care, reflection, and restoration—not just function.”

Over the years, the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) has led many programs and initiatives that empower Filipino interior designers. And with the new board, they’re aligned in leading towards the future while honoring their roots. Moreover, the current president, Cecil Ravelas, shares the collective’s aim to strengthen past projects while innovating and creating a deeper impact in the present.

For more on Cecil Ravelas, follow her on Instagram HERE

Article edited by Cyan Leigh Dacasin