interview with Mr. Bren Bataclan

I got a chance to interview Mr. Bren Bataclan for my thesis research and here are his thoughts on Philippine design.....

1. What are the top design disciplines (like fashion, interior design, animation, etc.) that you think Filipinos are really known for in Asia or in the world? Please give examples.

The first thing that comes to mind is furniture design. I've known this for years and I have seen books about our work. I also know that some Hollywood-based animation firms have also been outsourcing work to the Philippines. I think that this is great (I went to grad school for computer animation). Filipinos and Filipinas are also being featured a lot in recent American-based reality shows. Example: Diane Monique Lluillier was a guest judge for Project Runway recently.

2. What is/are that quality/qualities of Philippine designs that make/s it uniquely Filipino?

Most Filipinos can understand/speak English and we are constantly being exposed to Hollywood/American media... This is one of the reasons why we appeal to the computer animation industry in the U.S. Filipinos are also good with craft and we like to use our hands--that's why we are known for our furniture (plus, we have unique natural resources for this industry). Overall though, we are known as excellent workers and that we are affordable.

3. Usually if you “goggle” search for designs of Filipino, a lot would be about furniture, jewelry and such. What are your thoughts on other disciplines like graphic arts, cartoon art, digital art?

Prior to painting full time, I used to know a lot of really talented Filipinos and Filipinas in the design and animation fields, both in the U.S. and in the Philippines. The world should know about our more high tech capabilities.

4. The industry of Philippine design has rapidly grown for the past few years but continues to face tough challenges and competition. Please share your thoughts.

I believe that one of the reasons why Filipinos face lots of challenges in the design field is because of our lack of innovation. We should stop mimicking what is out there and find our own true voice in the field. No amount of technical wizardry would truly impress the world. Filipinos should define the Philippine design aesthetics. The Swiss and Japanese have done it. We can do the same!

5. What promotions tools would you recommend be used if Special Event called “Philippine Design Festival” would be held?

I am not quite sure about these questions. I'll try to answer it the best I can. Though this seems like an obvious answer... I just re-learned that mailing postcards is still an effective way of promoting one's work or event. People do not have to print it, they can touch it and post it to remind oneself. The web and email is also a good idea. Finally, having a well designed and professional looking brochure or program is another good solution.

6. What components of a Philippine Design Festival would you like to see?

How we define Philippine design aesthetics.

7. In today’s business, please give three Filipinos who epitomize Philippine design. Why?

1. Dino Ignacio: http://www.dinoignacio.com/

2. The Filipino animators working at Pixar

3. Lucille Tenazas: http://www.tenazasdesign.com/