Save Our Shoes! Ayala Museum Design Talks Oct 15, 2011

Brian Tenorio, who grew up in the Philippine's shoe making capital, Marikina, is alarmed about the the state of shoe manufacturing in his hometown:

"I’ve just gotten back home to Marikina less than a year ago from the US and already I’ve witnessed friends’ factories close down, and some now empty buildings here in our city. When I drive through the city streets, I see some sewing machines for shoe-making lined up by the pawn shops. When I shop around in our malls, I see more imported labels than pairs made in the Philippines."

That being said, he still believes in the future of the Philippine shoe industry and as such is inviting everyone interested in design and shoes as well as supporters of Filipino design and local businesses to join his talk.

"My goal for this talk is to bring shoe makers, shoe manufacturers, shoe buyers and retailers, and shoe lovers together — meet one another, talk, network, build new brands and businesses together!"

Sounds promising and I hope some of you will get to attend and participate in the discussions!

Tickets to the lecture are available for Php300, discounted to Php150 for students, teachers, senior citizens and Ayala Museum members. For inquiries or reservations, call 757-7117 to 21 loc. 25 or 35, or email education@ayalamuseum.org.

Net-work It! Mixers and Events for the Design Industry

My friend Brian Tenorio has been hosting a series of New York-style Mixers (networking cocktails/events with pre-appointed point-persons strategically encouraging networking, lively chat, and fabulous introductions) in Manila since early February, and there are still THREE more mixers you can participate in! 

Pride in Design — for the LGBT (Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender) sector and their supporters

Eco Designers — designers for sustainable living and ecology
Design+Tech — inspired technology, high fidelity in design

Next month, March, Brian with the support of Ayala Malls, will be presenting two major events:
(1) a talk on The State of Philippine Design (at Cinema 2 for 300 people), and
(2) The Ambassadors of the Philippine Brand Exhibition (in Greenbelt, followed by Trinoma, then Alabang Town Center).

These events are especially valuable for students, practitioners and supporters of the design industry. This is open to all, and is a wonderful way to exchange ideas with those who have an appreciation and passion for design.

To find out more about these events, or to participate/RSVP, click on Brian Tenorio's online invite HERE.