Amid the curated exhibits of this year’s Manila FAME, one name stood out not only for its visually stunning pieces but for its deeply rooted design philosophy: Genteel Home.
The Pampanga-based furniture brand, led by founder and principal designer Katrina Blanca de Leon, unveiled a collaboration with celebrated architect Royal Pineda. Together, they introduced the “Ugnayan Collection,” a tribute to communal living and the evolving essence of modern Filipino life.
Rooted in connection
At its heart, the Ugnayan Collection—“ugnayan” meaning “connection” in Filipino—reimagines how we live together as a community. The collection emphasizes harmony and balance, drawing inspiration from the Filipino family dynamic. “It’s the communal living of Filipinos today,” said de Leon. “We’re inspired by the people around us, people we know, and how Filipinos live now.”
This vision is epitomized by the “Roberto” series, one of the five collections launched during Manila FAME. The dining table and chairs celebrate the duality of roles—“Flerinda,” the modern working woman who balances career, motherhood, and marriage, and “Roberto,” the supportive partner. Together, the pieces reflect how Filipino families uphold tradition while embracing progress.
Modern Filipino design
The collaboration with Pineda, known for his advocacy of modern Filipino architecture, elevates the collection to a new level of artistry. Known for blending simplicity, sustainability, and cultural identity, Pineda’s influence is evident in the collection. “His vision of a better Filipino identity inspired us to be more observant of how Filipinos live today,” shared de Leon.
The collection’s designs highlight the strong connections Filipinos maintain with their families, even as societal roles shift. Communal living, as captured by the collection, is a hallmark of Filipino culture, where multigenerational households gather, celebrate, and thrive together.
Pampanga’s world-class artisans
Genteel Home is driven by the artistry of Kapampangan artisans, whose craftsmanship underscores the authenticity of the collection. Renowned for their expertise in woodcarving, pottery, and furniture-making, these artisans brought the designs to life with exceptional precision. Kapampangan creations are truly world-class, redefining Filipino design and craftsmanship.
The brand’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond materials. By championing local craftsmanship, Genteel Home helps preserve traditional skills and ensures they are passed down to future generations."It's about creating jobs for Filipino artisans, preserving craftsmanship, and passing down these skills to future generations," she said.
New era for Filipino living
With “Ugnayan,” Genteel Home aims to present Filipino craftsmanship on the global stage. “We want to be present globally. We envision Filipino furniture and design to be appreciated by the international audience and the Ugnayan collection is just a start,” said de Leon.
The collaboration with Pineda not only represents a fusion of two creative visions but also a shared dream of bringing Filipino identity to the forefront of global design conversations. As the brand continues to expand its horizons, this collection marks the beginning of a journey to redefine Filipino design for generations to come.