In the Philippines, Christmas begins as soon as the “ber” months arrive. By September, homes, malls, and streets glow with lanterns and ornaments, while radio stations bring back Jose Mari Chan classics.
It is the world’s longest holiday season, stretching past December into January, and marked by familiar symbols: the parol, the belen, and the towering Christmas tree.
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‘Simoy ng Pasko,’ a Simbang Gabi–inspired dining lanai by Clare Dacanay, Katharine Garcia, Nadine Javier, Nida Lopez, Samantha Matias and Jade Uy (Rendered image)
But for a new generation of designers, Christmas spaces are no longer limited to mass-produced décor in red and green. Students from the Philippine School of Interior Design–Ahlen Institute (PSID-Ahlen) are presenting more personal, sustainable, and culture-rooted concepts in their graduation showcase, Designs of Christmas.
One featured project, “Simoy ng Pasko: A Simbang Gabi–Inspired Dining Lanai,” uses limestone walls, terrazzo floors, rattan furniture, capiz tiles and golden lighting to capture both nostalgia and renewal.
‘Brazilian’ by Dean Espiritu
“Our design is a tribute to tradition and a reminder of the values that give the season its magic,” said student designer Clare Dacanay.
PSID-Ahlen professor Pojie Pambid said the shift reflects a broader change in how Filipinos celebrate.
“Today, interior design lets homeowners experiment with colors and themes that reflect their personalities. It has transformed the way Filipinos experience Christmas,” he said.
‘Art Deco’ by Myra Barcelona, Danielle Castro and Klarisse Marces
The exhibit features 12 interiors ranging from Victorian and Art Deco to Mexican, Brutalist, and Filipino.
Batch president Joel Benitez said the variety shows how young designers want to tell stories through spaces. “For us, Christmas is not only tradition. It’s also a canvas for creativity and meaning,” he said.
Designs of Christmas opens Sept. 27 at GH Tower in Greenhills.
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