DESIGNS OF THE YOUTH SoFA Design Institute's SHS graduation exhibit "METRO333" showcases the promising future of the Philippine design industry
SoFA Design Institute recently hosted their highly-anticipated senior high school graduation exhibit “METRO333,” showcasing the future of the Philippine design industry. Headlined by nine of the rising designers and creatives from SoFA, the artists come from SoFA’s prestigious senior high school program, one of the country’s very few design-specialized high schools. The exhibit featured the artists’ creative journey in various creative mediums, including painting, digital art, multimedia installations, and fashion pieces, taking the audience into an immersive  retro-futuristic atmosphere that sports a “maximalist utopian metro atmosphere.” Held on the illustrious stage of Clubhouse at The Palace Manila, the event offered a transformative experience that left some of the country’s art enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the wider community spellbound. Amina Aranáz-Alunan, co-founder and president of SoFA Design Institute, expressed her excitement for this event. “We are excited to open doors to a world of possibilities, allowing our SHS students’ creativity to shine before a wider audience,” she said. “This event is a catalyst that connects young artists and designers with industry professionals, inspiring them to reach new heights of innovation and self-discovery.” Angelique Castro, SoFA’s SHS principal, enthusiastically shared the positive impact the event could have on the SHS students’ growth and development. “This is an avenue for our students to learn to navigate different perspectives and challenges, strengthening their resilience and adaptability,” she said. MEET THE ARTISTS From left: Nev dela Merced, Carla Louise Peña, Bianca Torres, Senna Purugganan, Chaitanya Labayog, Icha Logaring, Summer Villaluz, Christine Callahan, and Maximhari Sales
SoFA SHS student Summer Villaluz expressed her gratitude for this experience, “This experience helped me grow as a student and as a creator. I grew up not knowing that I could be capable of something like this. Knowing that SoFA was able to expand my skills, and gave us so many opportunities is something that I’ll always be grateful for,” she said. The exhibitors, SoFA SHS students Bianca Torres, Icha Logaring, NEV dela Merced, Summer Villaluz, Chaitanya Labayog, Carla Louise Peña, Christine Callahan, Senna Purugganan, and Maximhari Sales, showcased their remarkable talents and artistic vision, leaving an indelible mark on the art and design landscape of the Philippines.