Only Superlatives

BRIAN TENORIO: My Top 10 Favs from the Philippine Fashion Week 2010

2010-06-03T02:25:00.000-04:00

I wouldn't say that I am an expert in fashion. I am also not a fashion designer. As an online spectator, these are my favorite ten pieces (arranged in alphabetical order by first name). I selected the ten without focusing on the names to each collection. The images are from StyleBible.ph.

Aries Lagat

Jan Garcia

Jaz Cerezo

Joel Escobar

Kermit and Leeroy

Kristel Yulo

Melvin Lachica

Michael Cinco

Roel Rosal

Tina Daniac

My grad school diploma -- FINALLY!!! Thanks, everyone, for the greetings!

2010-05-29T20:24:00.005-04:00

Wooohooo!!! Just got this in my mailbox today!!! After two years of papers/reports/Powerpoint presentations... finally! :))) NOW WILL HAVE TO FORMALLY START LOOKING FOR A JOB. Friends, if you know of openings in New York, preferably jobs in COMMUNICATIONS, DESIGN, EXTERNAL RELATIONS, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (UN stuff -- and similar organizations like ADB, WTO, etc.), CULTURE and the ARTS (e.g. AsiaSociety etc), please message me! Thanks!

From your album:
Wall Photos

Added May 27 · Comment ·

Frances Alcaraz, Maylyn Estrella Retirado, Rachell Lisbeth So and 40 others like this.

Daryl Amores Versola

Congrats bryt! :)

Thursday at 12:30pm ·

Brian Tenorio

Thanks, Toink!

Thursday at 12:30pm ·

Brian Tenorio

Ay, hindi pa pala ako graduate -- sa June 1 pa according to the diploma. Post-dated pala sya. Hahahaha

Thursday at 12:32pm ·

Karen Berthelsen Cardenas

you've been away for two years???? Congratulations, brian, You will have no problem landing a job.

Thursday at 12:33pm ·

Karen Berthelsen Cardenas

http://premiumbeat.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-Graphic+Design/l-New+York

Thursday at 12:34pm ·

Leeann Tenorio-Buzeta

congrats, cuz!!! :)

Thursday at 12:37pm ·

Brian Tenorio

Karen! When you have time nga one day, can I consult with you re career stuff? Since my departure from Manila, I've been considering transferring industries (from Fashion to Communications work for international organizations -- not necessarily design work for agencies, but communications work (strategies, etc.) for orgs like the UN, etc). I just think that it is more relevant and meaningful in the long term. I'll bug you one of these days ha? Thanks!!!

Thursday at 12:37pm ·

Marden Iglesias

Congratulations Brian! All the Best!

Thursday at 12:38pm ·

Olga Vargas

Great... Congratulations... I wish u the best :) U should feel so good :)

Thursday at 12:40pm ·

Erick Cruz

congrats brian !

Thursday at 12:42pm ·

Howard Yambao

wow, B! pinoy pride. ;D

Thursday at 12:49pm ·

Noel Y. Calingasan

Congratulations!

Thursday at 12:56pm ·

Andrew Gerard Dacay

naks naman! :)

Thursday at 12:58pm ·

Karen Berthelsen Cardenas

Sure Brian! Always ready to give my two cents to you!

Thursday at 12:59pm ·

Brian Tenorio

Gusto ko 99cents, Karen! heheh jk Thanks!

Thursday at 1:00pm ·

Marbee Shing Go

Congratulations Brian!

Thursday at 1:05pm ·

Megdonna Chrysanthemum

BRIAN! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! KIREI!!!

Thursday at 1:09pm ·

Ray Madronio

Congrats Brian. Diploma looks great! Will keep an eye out for a job for you.

Thursday at 1:19pm ·

Kirsten Brito

congrats!!

Thursday at 1:30pm ·

Richard Anthony Tagle

Congratulations!

Thursday at 1:49pm ·

Czarina Platon

Congratulations!!!:):)

Thursday at 1:54pm ·

Ryan Tajonera

CONGRATS!

Thursday at 1:58pm ·

Clovy Pe-Chua

Congrats, B!!!!

Thursday at 2:42pm ·

Harvey Villarica

Congrats Bri!

Thursday at 3:05pm ·

Tün Lín Htêt

Congratulations BRIAN!!! :)

Thursday at 3:22pm ·

Brian Tenorio

SALAMAT, everyone!

Thursday at 3:41pm ·

Alpa Del Rosario Vitente-Lazo

congrats cuz!...way to go!

Thursday at 4:10pm ·

Butz Fuentes

CONGRATZ BRIAN!

Thursday at 5:13pm ·

Robert Montelibano

Congratulations Brian!

Thursday at 5:40pm ·

Francis Chiu

Congratulations Brian!!! Well deserved.

Thursday at 7:41pm ·

Penelope Uy

COngratulations Brian!!!! :)

Thursday at 7:59pm ·

Ria Santos

Congratulations, Brian! :)

Thursday at 8:32pm ·

Vivian Dumpit

Congratulations!!! galing!........see you in July!

Thursday at 8:43pm ·

Dilek Ka

No resume needed. I will hire you! Good luck!

Thursday at 8:54pm ·

Rosary Coloma

CONGRATULATIONS again Brian!! Well done and all the best with your future!!!

Thursday at 11:37pm ·

Mark Ches

congratss!!

Yesterday at 12:28am ·

Rafael Guillermo

take note of the "with distinction label" nice :-)

Yesterday at 12:35am ·

Brian Tenorio

Salamat, everyone! Grabe ang haba na ng thread na ito!

Yesterday at 1:13am ·

Mon Maranan

Wow! :)

Yesterday at 1:28am ·

Roan Ng

congratulations, Brian!:D

Yesterday at 2:23am ·

Maco Custodio

Congrats brian! great!

Yesterday at 3:22am ·

Ghia Patricia Pastoral

Congrats B! :)

Yesterday at 5:55am ·

Pia Rivera-Mendoza

Bri! We're so proud of you!!! Well done indeed!

Yesterday at 6:06am ·

Terry Falcon

Congratulations Brian! :) I'm sure with your talent and ambition, you'll have no problem landing a job or even setting up your business again! :)

Yesterday at 8:59am ·

Emika Tokunaga

Congratulations! :)

Yesterday at 9:36am ·

Brian Tenorio

Thanks, everyone!!!

Yesterday at 12:23pm ·

Rann Golamco

congrats bud!

Yesterday at 2:11pm ·

Irwin Cruz

congratulations bri. try artstaffing.com

12 hours ago ·

VDaynewyork Tvm

So proud of you, Brian!!!

12 hours ago ·

AND LIKED BY:

Frances Alcaraz

Maylyn Estrella Retirado

Cris Golamco Barancik

Stevenson Van Derodar

Brian Yambao

Butz Fuentes

Kenneth Catangay

Laleine Gonzales-Gutierrez

Leeann Tenorio-Buzeta

Wendy Misa

Filbert Kung

Vince Bunuan

Extra value through design

2010-03-30T12:57:00.000-04:00

Published on Manila Bulletin

by Brian Tenorio

The driving force behind Tenorium Inc., Brian Tenorio has made going beyond borders and thinking outside the box his lifestyle. The Fil-Am's long list of achievements include topping the Filipino Harvard-alumni-sponsored “Battle of the Business Plan” competition, and reaching the semi-finalist level at the Harvard Business School 2005 Entepreneurial Idol, while also being one of the winners of the 2007 Dutch Business in Development Challenge, and the 2006 Junior Chamber International Creative Young Entepreneur awards. Branching out from shoes, he now also designs jewelry and caskets (yes, you heard it right; Tenorio is the first to venture into designer caskets).

He describes his current experience in design management course in Pratt Institute in New York as “a humbling experience,” though he nevertheless has reaped more insight on how to run his company. “Design management is [just] a 15-year-old program,” he says, “but I think it’s one of the best in the whole world because of the technique—it’s not just about the technical design skills. We don’t have classes about rendering, fabric or soles. It’s about negotiations, international relations, finance, accounting and principles, business law and decision making—everything you need to become a designer who can manage a firm.”
“Go for it, no fear”
Before Tenorio hit it big, however, he literally sold his wares on his knees. During his “shoe soirees,” made popular via e-mail blasts among avid shoe shoppers in Metro Manila, Tenorio did the fittings himself. He was also one of the first who sold his merchandise online.
But the setbacks in establishing his business didn’t stem from his unorthodox marketing methods, but from politicking inside the shoe industry. “I faced a lot of intriga in the shoe industry when I was starting,” he says. “I was very new and I already joined one of the first few trade shows. The government and other funders spent for 10 companies. It was my first time as a designer, and as an entrepreneur, to experience some form of politicking and maybe corruption, not in government, but with the leadership of that federation.
“The other thing was about the trickiness of business partnerships. I’d like to stress this though: it’s not always your fault if you’re not doing well with a business partner. It might be because things are going at a different pace, or because you look at things differently. I also realized that Filipinos could be very effective bosses, but maybe not so good at partnerships.”
Hurdling those setbacks, Tenorio continued to move forward. “Tenorium, Inc. (the company that handles his shoe, casket, and jewelry lines)’s business model is very interesting because I was coming from not having anything to lose, and once you come from that place where you have nothing to be afraid of, you can try things that have never been done before. At some point, that became our philosophy on how we did things—‘It’s never been done, we shall try it then.’ Go for it, no fear. If people talk about it, that’s great, if not, it’s fine. And so far, it worked very well for us.”
With “Only Superlatives” as his motto in Tenorium, he’s made an active decision to manufacture on home ground in Marikina, an endeavor that many have tried but few have succeeded at, what with cheaper sourcing from China, and the Filipino’s love for imported and branded stuff. Tenorio admits it wasn’t the easiest decision to make—but one that’s paid off quite well.
“Initially, it was good, but after a while, with the budget, I thought, oh my gosh, napasubo ako. I had to follow through because I had people depending on me for their work, for their employment. So the only thing to do was to improve the craft.” This has resulted in footwear that can go, no pun intended, toe-to-toe with more renowned brands. “That was one thing that made me feel really good. Plus the fact that my employees have been fiercely loyal—many people have tried to pirate them, but they’ve stuck with me.”
Expanding Industries
With his background, it’s not surprising how much faith Tenorio has in the creative assets of an organization. “It’s about identifying and allocating them,” he says. “I think creative assets are not just about the trademark, the fashion, or the designs of the organization, but also how it does things, the way it thinks. A good example of a company with a creative asset is Apple. Apple’s design qualities are very intact. Wikipedia is also a good example with regard to the way it’s maintained itself as a true organization.”
There are other things that you could also identify and develop, he adds, “And once you have done that, you’ll have an advantage.” You’ll reap the full benefits of those advantages when you “No. 1, reduce cost; no. 2, maximize profit; no. 3, meet the practical needs of your staff,” he explains.
“[Meeting] their practical needs is important because you create happiness in an organization. It becomes more sustainable for the future. And the concerns become more about the people. The bottom line is: people, planet and profit.”
Now, Tenorium’s business model has not only expanded over different industries—shoes, jewelry, caskets—but “is looking for industries that are already good at what they do, and injecting more designs, for them to become more competitive. I think the Philippines has that, except that we don’t know how to maneuver and manage our industries.”
And what new industries does Tenorio have his eye on now? “I’m excited about a furniture and perfume line,” he replies. He already has a name for the latter: Adobo.
“One of my dreams this year is to have a perfume line. Among the scents I want to make [revolves around a concept I call] Adobo, which is a very nice, savory, human scent. The business model behind that will bring extra value through design, and with that I don’t just mean beautifying the product, but improving the quality and the marketing.”
The Next Step
For the next decade, Tenorio believes, Filipino designers should focus on making the country more relevant in the design field. “You don’t want to be known [as a country] because of a few people like Manny Pacquiao and Corazon Aquino. Not that it’s bad, but there’s nothing very visible, or at least, visibly acknowledged in the Western world about us. Sometimes I feel like Nepal even has a more exotic feel to it than the Philippines, and will probably have more tourists than Manila. So I think the goal is how to be more relevant.
“I also think our major strength is—and I shall quote Lisa Lampanelli, which might be weird because she’s a comedian—that Filipinos are the Swiss Army knives of minorities. It’s true because we can be in an area with black people, and be like the blacks too; when with the Chinese, even if we’re not fully Chinese, we eat pansit, noodles, etc. In my class, for example, which is very multinational, I am probably one of the best presenters because my accent is adaptable, very understandable. I think it’s something we can rely on.”
To achieve this goal, he suggests, Filipino designers and artisans need to be clear on their priorities. “I think in the Philippines, we can make anything we want. There just needs to be some understanding of what is important and what the priorities are. This is another cliché, but also it’s probably true—if you don’t understand how you are, what you’re good at, and who you will be to everyone else, then there will be no understanding.”

Source URL: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/249999/extra-value-through-design

specimens

2010-03-10T18:02:00.005-05:00

NEW YORK STATE OF MIND: BRIAN TENORIO & EMI JORGE ON THEIR COMING EXHIBIT - StyleBible.ph | VIDEO | DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT

2010-03-09T00:11:00.000-05:00

NEW YORK STATE OF MIND: BRIAN TENORIO & EMI JORGE ON THEIR COMING EXHIBIT - StyleBible.ph | VIDEO | DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT

Brian Tenorio and Emi Jorge in New York

2010-03-03T17:23:00.001-05:00

Coercing a flower to bloom

2010-02-22T21:39:00.001-05:00

Remove

Brian Tenorio : My philosophy is STRATEGY. There is a time for things to happen. We can coerce blooming petal by petal if we are the ones who designed the flower.

Entrepreneur.com.ph | Your partner in Business, Money Matters, Franchising, Sales and Marketing

2010-02-21T07:40:00.000-05:00

Entrepreneur.com.ph | Your partner in Business, Money Matters, Franchising, Sales and Marketing

Casket vs. Clutch

2010-02-18T21:29:00.000-05:00

Was shopping in Makati last December 2009 when I came across these adorable clutch bags at this very large boutique at Greenbelt 5. The bags look like my Lux Mortem caskets! My caskets look like the bags! Very cool!

More of these caskets at www.luxmortem.com

High Profile feature

2010-02-16T22:14:00.002-05:00

Thanks, Paolo, for the feature. Photo by Alfred Mendoza.

Inspiration vs. Imitation

2010-02-15T13:01:00.020-05:00

Well design is design. But from the perspective of Strategic Design, a piece can be considered as an imitation of another when several different comparative points are met: form (how it looks), texture (how it feels), target market (sold to whom), purpose (rtw, couture, runway, exploratory work?), price point (from a merchandising POV), and talk (what has been said or written about the piece).

So, if a design looks like another's but is "experienced" differently and is for a different target market -- inspiration. A mass-market product that is re-worked to be high end and of good quality and ultimately sold to a high-end target market -- inspiration. The converse of that is true: a high-end product remade to be more accessible to the mass-market -- inspiration. A design that has some thick cultural context to it but remade for another culture -- again, inspiration. Same material, same form, same texture, but cheaper (or more expensive) -- could be imitation, unless it is introduced and positioned [talked about] differently.

Door Poem

2010-02-12T20:51:00.001-05:00

Was killing time at the UN Language Program classrooms. An inspired wait? What do you think?

Winter Haiku

2010-02-08T08:11:00.000-05:00

Two Hs, one "Oh"
Elements precipitate.
Distance makes for snow.

One Night Only -- Shoe fitting by Brian Tenorio at Greenbelt 5

2010-01-03T22:33:00.002-05:00

I've gotten so many requests to personally fit shoes (while in Manila this month) from my former clients and those new to Tenorio Manila shoes. So I've scheduled the whole late PM of Friday *8JAN* for private shoe fittings at Bonne Bouche in Greenbelt 5. Limited slots, as I shall be doing the fittings myself. Please schedule ASAP if you want to have your TENORIO MANILA pairs made (and fitted by me). Thanks!

ONE NIGHT ONLY
Shoe Fittings by Brian Tenorio
5 to 9pm, Friday
at Bonne Bouche, Greenbelt 5
Makati City
Philippines

RSVP for a 30min slot at shoes@tenoriomanila.com
Inquire at 0908 307 0438

SUPERLATIVE: The Philippines' Most Expensive Designer Coffee: KAPE MUSANG (Php 360/cup)

2009-12-09T16:47:00.000-05:00

BRIAN TENORIO for FILIGRENASIA

2009-12-08T13:15:00.002-05:00

The Biggest Parol Display on Fifth Avenue ever!!! Dec 5 2009 at 556 Fifth Avenue

2009-12-02T11:57:00.001-05:00

Stars of Hope on Fifth

2009-12-02T03:02:00.004-05:00

Philippine Parols on Fifth Avenue

2009-11-25T15:46:00.003-05:00

*Each Parol lent to the display will have a tag with your family’s name on it.

**If you don't see this image, please go to www.pcgny.net for more details.

Let these Stars of Hope serve as reminders that despite the challenges that face the Filipino people after a trying 2009, we continue to persevere, celebrating the season with hope, and looking with optimism to the promise of the New Year.

Please contact Ms. Zeny Avila at 212-575-4774 to schedule receipt of the Parols during office hours from November 25 to December 4. Bring your family (and your cameras!) to our Lantern-Lighting event on Saturday, December 5, 2009, at 5PM, before the Simbang Gabi at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Your Parols will remain part of the Stars of Hope display until 8 January 2010, and shall be returned thereafter.

Brian Tenorio shoes on Fifth Avenue -- May 2010 New York

2009-11-02T02:55:00.002-05:00

The Lux Mortem Postcard

2009-10-28T00:12:00.004-04:00

Lux Mortem Designer Caskets inspired from gems (video preview)

2009-10-27T14:02:00.000-04:00

Does this look like a casket to you?

2009-10-27T04:16:00.002-04:00

Does this look like a casket to you?

Happy David and Brian Tenorio's DESIGNER FUNDRAISER -- OCT10 NYC

2009-10-02T02:49:00.027-04:00

HAPPY DAVID and BRIAN TENORIO's joint birthday celebration to raise funds for ONDOY victims!!! OCT 10, 3-7pm at Bayan Café, then 9pm at PS450 Lounge at Park Ave.

To all our friends in Fashion, Design, Gradschool (Pratt, Parsons, FIT, NYU, Harvard, Fordham, Cornell, Columbia), Healthcare, Entertainment, PR, Development Work, Humanitarian Work, Professional Orgs, and everyone else
TWO GET TOGETHERS IN ONE DAY -- you can go to either one or both:
If you feel like showing your support through simpler and less party-ing means, you can join us and our friends for a simple Kapihan at Bayan Café from 3 to 7pm (some get together over coffee/drinks--KKB. Our attendees are requested to pay for their own food as this is a fundraiser. We shall have a small table in the premises for collecting donations.)
Or if you feel like meeting interesting people and making more friends, please join our mixer/socials at the PS450 Lounge at 9pm. (cash bar with no cover/no door charge).
Ayala Foundation USA will be helping out in collections and giving receipts for your donations. Cash or checks ok.
Any one person who donates the largest amount will be given TWO TICKETS (a $110 value) for IMELDA THE NEW MUSICAL (Oct 13 to 16 shows) (--raffle rules may change during the event). The play is directed by Tim Dang, based on the book by Sachi Oyama; music by Nathan Wang. More info at www.panasianrep.org. The tickets are compliments of the Pan Asian Repertory Theater. (Thank you, Ms Tisa Chang!)
Please forward this to your friends, specially the ones in New York -- Filipino or otherwise, as my crowd will be mixed too. To forward this invite, just direct them to www.briantenorio.com. They can also call me (Brian) at +1 (347) 556 2799.

RSVP HERE

We shall also be giving out our buttons free for donors and supporters. If you can't make it to the event, please email me atinfo@briantenorio.com so we can find ways to send you these buttons.

From Brian:

My actual birthday was last Sept 26 (same day as the flood). And my home is actually in Provident Village, Marikina. I've so many friends and family members in that village. Some neighbors died and a lot of people from the city were affected as well. Our bungalow was totally submerged in water -- nothing was saved. Even all our pets died. This is a fund raising event for the flood victims and the poorer people in Marikina City (and other areas in Manila). -- Brian Tenorio

That's all that I can actually offer for now -- a great crowd! -- my beautiful (in and out) and intelligent and cool friends, great company and the pleasure of introducing everyone to everyone else. Please, please, please be there.

More about Brian Tenorio at http://portfolio.briantenorio.com

From the CATATLYST Blog: Designs that Displace Desire

2009-09-21T23:53:00.000-04:00

from CATALYST | Strategic Design Review
http://catalystsdr.wordpress.com/2009/06/04/designs-that-displace-desire/

Designs that Displace Desire

June 4, 2009

By Guest Blogger Brian Tenorio

John Maeda, in his book The Laws of Simplicity (The MIT Press, 2006), said design could take on one of three strategies: shrink, hide, or embody. While this may be significant these days as we churn out simpler, smaller, and more task-oriented devices and products, we are still creating new things. The new generation iPod meant to replace the older generations will do exactly that, replace the older units – still more stuff.

The Designs that Displace Desire (DDD) forum is a platform for discussing design solutions that encourage less consumption and emphasize the lasting value of existing items. Designs that Displace Desire is definitely not about poorly designed products that make you not want to buy. DDD is actually effective design that promotes thought, careful reflection, and a satisfaction or happiness in discovering new value in currently owned products. It can be a new use for an item that presents itself in a time-determined manner: for example, jeans that just look better after you’ve had them so long that they are worn out, eventually becoming irreplaceable. In fact, thinking about it, that may be one of the best examples of DDD.

So are we tasked here to think of how to design nothing or to stop designing? Not really. The goal is to create designs or experiences that stop us from constantly wanting other things.

In summation, since design can drive desire and consumption, it also has the ability to provide long-term satisfaction. The idea is not really about doing more with less, but doing more with what we’ve already got. Also while this call-for-comments may seem to be propaganda for anti-consumerism, it is primarily a call for excellence in design. Designs that determine satisfaction and contentment are about focusing on what we have and what we have acquired and not what we are denying ourselves.

What is total quality management? What is worse-is-better? What is value-creation? What is recycling? How will the economy be affected if non-consumption becomes popular (as it is not yet the case)? Why buy? Why not notbuy?

Please leave comments and thoughts about DESIGNS DISPLACING DESIRE here or e-mail them to: info@briantenorio.com. From your comments we shall produce a more substantial article that discusses designs that stop at nothing.

Tehran-born, Filipino-American BRIAN TENORIO is a New York-based designer, multi-awarded in print and graphic design, business and entrepreneurship, and recently in accessories design (his label was included in the 2008 book 50 Must Buys in Manila). A former correspondent of Benetton’s COLORS Magazine, Tenorio finished the Managing the Arts Program at the Asian Institute of Management. One of Manila’s most influential and widely-publicized creatives, Brian Tenorio is currently with the Design Management Program of Pratt Institute. Visit his blog, Only Superlatives, athttp://briantenorio.blogspot.com.

Brian Tenorio : reDESIGN the Philippines

2009-09-11T05:07:00.001-04:00

September 9, 2009

Farewell Piece, circa 08-08-08

2009-09-09T01:02:00.000-04:00

Farewell Piece, circa 08-08-08

BRIAN TENORIO: FAREWELL, MANILA
Filipino-American Designer Brian Tenorio
Takes-off for New York
in Marikina-made Designer Boots

Shoe label Tenorio Manila’s DREAMS Collection is Brian Tenorio’s parting anthology as he leaves for his sabbatical in New York this fall of 2008. The following text was written by Brian Tenorio, the Filipino designer label's Design Principal.

The foundation of all dreams is hope. Hope could then be the theme of my 2007 to 2008. It has been a while since I’ve released a statement as myself and not as the design principal of my label. You see, these two perspectives, while specially intertwined, have very different directions. Let me then write in the first person and share some learning I have from my beginnings in this industry, my short time in shoe design, and some insight on what is next. This is a “fashion show in print” in ways, as I do not attempt to showcase what is ready to wear, or what is hip. The goal of this text (and incidentally my Dreams Collection) is to inform and alert, remember, inspire, agitate, enliven, and hopefully widen the confines of what we think is real and necessary, to celebrate what is Filipino and Filipinized, and what we think is us and ours.

Creating My Mold (or Revelations as I was Beginning)

While writing this text, I am surrounded by prototypes of styles for my next set – a shoe made up of leathers from eight animal species, a shoe decked with Swarovski crystals, a pair adorned with jade, pearls, or leather straps inlaid with onyx.

What was essential when I started my work as a shoe designer was creating something from nothing. I meant to not simply produce “my version of” but to create pieces that were essentially me, footwear that spoke Filipino but sympathized with the musings and stories from the rest of the world. It was easy. Understand your environment, and produce something from it without leaving. Stay.

The result were shoe styles that could never be thought of as take-offs or “inspired from” from other foreign labels. These pieces were Filipino because a Filipino made them. A guava tree will bear guava fruits, and never apples. (And certainly not apples that look like guavas!) Hence, the molds were formed from silhouettes I dreamt of, roughened up and smoothened by challenges in production and kind words from family and friends, or people I met in the process.

The next stage in beginning things is understanding your own needs, wants, and desires. There is a difference between these three. Needs are details that will allow a designer to survive. Wants, when gotten, complete our undertakings, and allow us to do another cycle of work. Desires, when fulfilled, perfect our message and uplift the craft. Money is a need, exhibition is a want, and self-evolution is a desire. These are examples of each.

Kidskin Lining (and Other Realizations)

Work with What is Available
What is available is what can be imagined. I used to feel very sad thinking that we have very limited access to technology and materials from this country. Then I studied carefully what we have already. Since we have a limited selection of leather, I improved on my form, silhouettes, patterns, and cuts. With my mold makers, I engineered my own silhouette and contoured the slopes myself by hand. With the same kind of perforations on my shoes, I formed new shapes and figures, and created meaning and readings from them. Make what is necessary and beautiful, available.

Do Not Embellish the Exterior, Instead, Illuminate on the Essence
Younger designers will have the tendency to add or accessorize in order to highlight the value of their subjects. But really, what does not add, only subtracts and what they mean to bring out can actually already be there, lost in the layers of interpretation in colors, textures, and fabric. What young designers must work for is to illuminate the essence of their pieces. What are they about? What about these creations will improve the world, or at least, enrich an individual? What truth does it communicate? Where is the love?

You Exhale the Same Stuff You Breathe In
One should give more credit and value to his or her surroundings, for one's environment will be the basis of his ideas, dreams, and directions. A question that took me a long time to figure out was what made my styles Filipino (specially considering that I was not even born in this country—was born in Tehran, Iran—and also was on dual citizenship, Filipino and American). The answer revealed itself to me once during a talk I gave at the Asian Institute of Management. If you breathe it in, you tend to breathe the same thing out. We should then make this environment, this society, these islands, a very beautiful experience, a wonderful happy story, and most importantly a haven of love and learning for our children. We should make staying worth it, or leaving as a chance to spread the glories of Filipiniana.

Third World Blitz
(As I write this, I am listening to Five Years by the 90's Filipino band, Sugar Hiccup.) The concept of the “rest of the world” introduced to most of our generation in Benetton's campaigns in the early 90s, is back not only because the trend pendulum's tendency is to swing back, but also because we are part of the rest of the world. Apparently, while we look at what's happening in the world's fashion capitals, the creatives from these regions are also looking at us. And although we have been used to reading endearing blogs written by Filipinos about what’s hot in New York, Paris, or Tokyo, I have this theory that we can be the best only at being ourselves. We are the authority when it comes to being Filipino. The next step is to be better at how we are, and I am sure people will notice (as they have already in the last few years and the next ones, I hope).

The Silhouettes of the Future (Conversely, what dreams are made of)
The future of Philippine shoe design, I realized, may not be found in the already set-up industries in Marikina and in other regions in the Philippines. Philippine shoe design (well at least those that will come to be) now also exists in a new sector of industry—our shoe designers. Since the earlier days of Tenorio Manila in 2004, shoe design now is a recognized career option for a lot of our younger design students. Also, there are now more “out there” shoe designers with their own labels.

I feel that the future of Philippine Shoe Design should have its foundation secured onto these three different concepts:

Ecology: Love Your Environment

Tenorio Manila allows flaws in its leather, realizing that the world’s natural resources are limited and that the supply should be, as much as possible, shared equitably. Therefore, any animal, whether maimed, stricken, or nurtured with love, possesses a similar essence with any other creature. Leather from any origin deserves the same respect and integrity when finally laid onto any pair. A scar or a bite, or any similar flaw, are only markings of the creature’s story. These marks do not affect the strength and durability of the leather. This realization now outlines Tenorio Manila’s understanding of what makes a particular material good, and another, better.

Ethnology: Love Local to Go Global

I think that the world is already saturated with mixed-up ideas and a mélange of substance from everywhere, so that anything that is sincere, in pure-form, or is historically-intact turns out to be more valuable.

We then must embrace our culture and history and try to grow within them. We used to be the best shoemakers in the continent and we can be that again. The change can happen starting with the consumers by increasing the demand for Philippine-made shoes. On the other hand, improvement can happen if Filipino designers and manufacturers strive to produce better products.

Phenomenology: Go Personal to Love Global

To believe in human achievement through small personal victories is a truth I've learned (maybe again as an adult this time, in the last few years). If you pay attention very well to how you think and how you act, you will realize that within you are the same patterns of want, desire, and hunger that are present when commodities and goods are traded on a larger global level.

The Golden Age of Philippine-made designer shoes is not about quantity but quality and design. Our local manufacturers and industries should maybe welcome the designer. Shoe design means actually making wearable pairs and not just drafting fantastic illustrations. And to make real pairs, one must have the raw materials, equipment, machinery and skilled craftsmen. These components while readily found and available in our existing companies are not necessarily accessible to designers. When I was starting, the hardest part was to figure out who could make my shoes for me. And when I found some shoemakers and companies, the next obstacles was finding a way to get them to want to make for me. The third challenge involves re-training a set of craftsmen to create high-end shoes again. Decades and decades of making cheap pairs aimed to be competitive with cheaper imports from all over Asia has made it more difficult for these artisans to make very good shoes again.

The golden age of Philippine-made shoes is not about quantity but quality and design. The future of the Philippine shoe design industry is not only borne out of volumes of leather, or put together in man-hours in factories, or is written out in policies by government, but is first formed by the dreams and imagination of the hardworking creative.

World Filipiniana: the new definition of global Filipino design

2009-08-26T16:36:00.003-04:00

by Brian Tenorio New York, 2009

I was shopping once in Sydney for a nice coat for my sister. After several hours of going through different stores, I saw this Asian female with a nice top. I asked her where she got her nice jacket. She said, “Oh, I got this in Bayo, but it’s a store in the Philippines, you know?” In fact, yes, I do know. Since then, my travails have been more of shopping for experiences and food trips rather than shopping for clothes. The clothes I buy or have made in Manila.

So what is Filipino Design? What is World-Filipiniana?

Believe me, this will be the most important detail to know if you are a designer outside of the Philippines, temporarily or otherwise. Before being identified by your own name, you will be thought of as Filipino. That, I think, is a good thing.

Let us define Filipiniana first. Salvacion Arlante and Rodolfo Tarlit’s report, The State-of-the-Art of Filipiniana Collections in the Philippines, outlines a comprehensive definition: “Books and non-book materials about the Philippines, produced in or outside the Philippines, by Filipinos or non-Filipinos, in any of the Philippine languages, or in a foreign language.” Ateneo de Manila professor and sociologist, Dr. Fernando Zialcita, provides a more succinct and workable definition: “things from the Philippines (politics, environment, literature, art films, etc.) or to things that define the Philippines as such.” The Tinikling, San Miguel Beer Pale Pilsen, butterfly-sleeves, etc., these products are easy to identify as Filipiniana.

World-Filipiniana, on the other hand, is that area in space where products are Filipino either by origin, design, or execution with qualities that take on the global aesthetic. That “global aesthetic” feature is really what makes World Filipiniana different from just Filipiniana. You can’t exactly pinpoint where these products are from but upon further inspection or maybe a deeper reading, you will realize the Filipino components and qualities that are present in their make, materials, style, themes, or references. The music of The Out of Body Special (featured by Time Magazine), Vogue Magazine favorite Minaudieres by Celestina, Bert del Rosario’s Karaoke–these are much, much more difficult to identify as Filipino if you are not from the Philippins. In fact, even for most Filipinos everywhere else, these tickets are difficult to make out as ours – is it because they are not made out of capiz, or are not as aromatic as adobo, or that they lack that certain rhythmic percussive beat? They may not readily seem familiar but Filipino design is embodied in these products. That is World Filipiniana: from Philippine-design but of a global aesthetic.

Harnessing these and identifying these products as World Filipiniana creates more value for Philippine design. More value can eventually translate to profits or opportunities.

World Filipiniana as a creative asset

World Filipiniana adds an extra dimension to this definition by emphasizing sustainability through profit. How can more of excellent things be made if there is no demand? Sustainability means that there is enough demand for and profit in it so that the product can perpetuate itself into the future. Anchoring the definition of World Filipiniana to value and sustainability only means that it is a creative asset (or a tool for driving profits). Recognition, honor, and the love of country are cool motivations as well, but a product or design must be profitable of value in order for it to be made, propagated, and distributed. That must be realized by more Filipino creatives and designers in the Philippines and from all over.

I quote Von Totanes (filipinolibrarian.blogspot.com) when he asks: “Why is it that more Filipinos than foreigners are Googling 'Philippines,' while more non-Thais, relatively speaking, are searching for ‘Thailand’? Could it be that only Filipinos want to find out about the Philippines?” Is there a demand for things Filipino? If Googling countries is likened to consumers shopping for brands, then we would have to agree with the Design Management Institute (DMI.org) article that says “…brands are no longer just products. People can be brands, companies can be brands—even countries can be brands” (Corporate Brand and Packaging Design written by Jack Vogler, 2002). Objects from around the world can be identified as World Filipiniana–that is our brand and we must use that to our advantage.

Identify-Update-Participate

Firstly, the Filipino creative must correctly identify as many things as possible as World Filipiniana. These or of the Philippines, we must own them.

Second, we must re-acquaint ourselves with Philippine design history while updating on our knowledge of trends, methods, and sources. This is one of the main reasons why an updated definition is important. “World Filipiniana” creates a new perspective and a new dimension to practices and products, systematically adding more value.

Third, we should learn from cultures around the world. Really, the global traffic of products and ideas are about supply and demand –when there is less demand than supply, when there is limited space for recognition and consciousness, things become more competitive. Best beaches, friendliest, happiest, etc—these superlatives we can claim for ourselves and we should! We would also create more value for our country while we are at it.

Fourth, we must participate in the global dialogue of design as Filipinos. We should be devoted to the proliferation of the Filipino product. It may be one of the few things in this world that can unite our nation.

And lastly, expand and develop Philippine design. A Filipiniana-inspired gown is not only about using indigenous fabrics and tribal patterns, but may also use subtler references. The Filipiniana is integrated into the essence of the design—the meaning is enriched, and with that, the piece may even be more wearable in a New York afterparty, Paris soirée, or Tokyo tryst!

Pride + Practice = Progress

A chat with Boston-based Filipino-American artist and designer, Bren Bataclan (bataclan.com) has resulted in more ideas about nation building through education on Filipino aesthetics. “Aesthetic” is a strong word as it is not only a description, but also an influence, a motivation, a sensibility, and core feature from which all things created flow. Bataclan asserts that the Filipino aesthetic “could be the next big thing” as it has been in several industries, here and there, from time to time. He goes on by saying that pride is intrinsic to the success of Philippine design. I will add to that and say that pride plus practice equal progress for our culture and economy.

I gave a talk once at the Asian Institute of Management. Seeing that some of my designs did not seem to have direct references to Philippine culture, one of the participants asked me what made my designs Filipino. It made me think why she thought that it should have been one of my goals. From hindsight, I think my answer then was very honest, and can be considered practicable knowledge for other Filipino designers. If you breathe in Filipino, you tend to exhale Filipino as well. World Filipiniana—whether predetermined or otherwise— is our contribution to this universe. It is ours, and in so many ways, it is us.

Iranian-born, Filipino-American BRIAN TENORIO is a New York-based designer, multi-awarded in print and graphic design, business and entrepreneurship, and recently in accessories design (his label was included in the 2008 book 50 Must Buys in Manila). As a multi-disciplinary creative, Tenorio is launching a new designer line of sustainably made caskets, Lux Mortem, and two designer coloring books this 2009. Tenorio finished from the Ateneo de Manila University and the Managing the Arts Program of the Asian Institute of Management. He is currently with the Design Management Program of Pratt Institute in New York and a member of the Design Management Institute. Post comments on his blog, Only Superlatives, at http://blog.briantenorio.com.

luxmortem

2009-08-20T15:20:00.001-04:00

A lot of the world happens in our heads.

2009-07-27T02:10:00.000-04:00

A lot of the world happens in our heads.

As a designer/creative in the Philippines, name something (anything) that you wish would happen or be available in our country.

2009-07-16T12:24:00.000-04:00

Brian Tenorio SURVEY: As a designer/creative in the Philippines, name something (anything) that you wish would happen or be available in our country. Maybe something that would help you or empower you to improve on your skills/craft/work.

9 hours ago · Comment · Like

Ivi Francisco at 2:46am July 16

hmm, a design school affiliated with parsons or something? and the instructors have to be imported from NY. maybe you could start something? :-)

Brian Tenorio at 2:54am July 16

sigh according to the global language monitor, Manila is not a fashion capital eh. sigh -- the fashion destinations are: Asia and Oceania: Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Melbourne, Bangkok

Ivi Francisco at 2:56am July 16

totally not! the best way to learn is still to study abroad. too bad for us...

Ian Bautista at 2:57am July 16

Good printing presses :D

Ivi Francisco at 2:59am July 16

more funding for artists to study abroad or do internships with int'l design firms. but they have to come back and use their skills in the phils.

Tracy Dizon at 4:04am July 16

improved technology with the indigenous fabrics to make it more flexible, accessible, useful to contemporary designers.

Cherie Altea Bitanga at 4:30am July 16

a fearless yet sincere sense of individuality and acceptance thereof :)

Brian Tenorio at 12:11pm July 16

Cherie Bitanga, one day I shall have the same amount of panache to use thereof in a sentence like you do ;)

Daryl Maat at 10:56pm July 15

textile factory...

Ian Paolo Punzalan Dosado at 11:13pm July 15

hollywood in manila..

Chiara Castaneda at 11:16pm July 15

funding

Jason Drilon at 11:22pm July 15

Clients decide that the true 'regional' hub is The Philippines and not Singapore or Thailand.

Joseph Lim Jr. at 11:27pm July 15

why are western countries choosing singapore or thailand as their hub rather than the Phils?

Brian Tenorio at 11:33pm July 15

That is researchable online, Joe, but without thinking so much -- I think it's the efficiency with how their government and business systems work. Eg. the Philippines MAY JUST ACTUALLY re-elect a president it took out from power last 2001. Sigh. Or worse, have the same 'president' again without voting her into that position (by then, it would have happened, 'not once, but twice' -- thrice pa siguro).

Brian Tenorio at 11:45pm July 15

Oh I wouldn't be the expert to know these political things for sure. www.quezon.ph is a very good read, Joe. :)

Carlo Castelo Clemente at 11:52pm July 15

a market!
we have good writers but unfortunately, we are not a country of readers. we have good visual artists but not a lot can afford to invest in paintings. you grow a good market base and the art scene will pretty much run itself.

Ming Ong at 12:01am July 16

1. a "Foundry" where i can do metal casting for sculptures in the US there are Foundries whose main business is to assist small artists, its their form of business... ...hu hu as in wala here in the philippines...established sculptors have small studious but are costly to maintain...2. An IKEA building , aww buti pa nga sa japan meron :( if i ... Read More

Marbee Shing Go at 12:03am July 16

a better transportation system to/from the provinces. a working and efficient train/ railway perhaps? so getting to/from the provinces, a rich and viable source of creativity- from people to raw materials, won`t be a pain in the neck (and butt)

Cholo Ayuyao at 12:04am July 16

funding and ample support from the government
and as a provincial based designer:
"people should be aware that manila is not the whole philippines"

Rommel Joson at 12:24am July 16

funding and government support.
the cost of doing business in other asian countries is relatively predictable and stable. we are not the only asian country with the kickback/lagay system. the only difference is (i heard from a speaker on good governance), the amount given in the lagay system in other asian countries is "set" and doesn't vary as much. whereas here, it depends on who's brokering a deal.

Kat Palasi at 12:46am July 16

a design lab..for any ideas..maybe be a forest lodge,a high rise venue,any place that inspires....or allows one to create...

Brian Tenorio at 12:48am July 16

Wala ba tayo non, Kat? Ohmy, i think even Ateneo does not have one... hmmmm

Brian Tenorio at 12:49am July 16

Naku, if/when we get rich one day, I'll donate a design lab: Tenorio Design Lab -- TDL. Hmmm parang sakit.

Olive Enriquez at 2:08am July 16

Packaging materials!

Mathilda Sula Sun at 10:49am July 16

a ready supply of class A hardware and accessories; wider variety of leather (genuine or man-made) to allow one to draw the line between high-end and mass-based

Brian Tenorio at 12:20pm July 16

Mathilda that is fixing up several industries at once. hhaha but that is a good idea nevertheless.

I'd rather be understood as how I am received rather than heard of.

2009-06-16T23:12:00.001-04:00

Only Superlatives

BRIAN TENORIO: My Top 10 Favs from the Philippine Fashion Week 2010

My grad school diploma -- FINALLY!!! Thanks, everyone, for the greetings!

Extra value through design

by Brian Tenorio

specimens

NEW YORK STATE OF MIND: BRIAN TENORIO & EMI JORGE ON THEIR COMING EXHIBIT - StyleBible.ph | VIDEO | DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT

Brian Tenorio and Emi Jorge in New York

Coercing a flower to bloom

Brian Tenorio : My philosophy is STRATEGY. There is a time for things to happen. We can coerce blooming petal by petal if we are the ones who designed the flower.

Entrepreneur.com.ph | Your partner in Business, Money Matters, Franchising, Sales and Marketing

Casket vs. Clutch

High Profile feature

Inspiration vs. Imitation

Door Poem

Winter Haiku

Two Hs, one "Oh"Elements precipitate.Distance makes for snow.

One Night Only -- Shoe fitting by Brian Tenorio at Greenbelt 5

SUPERLATIVE: The Philippines' Most Expensive Designer Coffee: KAPE MUSANG (Php 360/cup)

BRIAN TENORIO for FILIGRENASIA

The Biggest Parol Display on Fifth Avenue ever!!! Dec 5 2009 at 556 Fifth Avenue

Stars of Hope on Fifth

Philippine Parols on Fifth Avenue

Brian Tenorio shoes on Fifth Avenue -- May 2010 New York

The Lux Mortem Postcard

Lux Mortem Designer Caskets inspired from gems (video preview)

Does this look like a casket to you?

Happy David and Brian Tenorio's DESIGNER FUNDRAISER -- OCT10 NYC

From the CATATLYST Blog: Designs that Displace Desire

Designs that Displace Desire

June 4, 2009

Brian Tenorio : reDESIGN the Philippines

Farewell Piece, circa 08-08-08

World Filipiniana: the new definition of global Filipino design

luxmortem

A lot of the world happens in our heads.

As a designer/creative in the Philippines, name something (anything) that you wish would happen or be available in our country.

Brian Tenorio SURVEY: As a designer/creative in the Philippines, name something (anything) that you wish would happen or be available in our country. Maybe something that would help you or empower you to improve on your skills/craft/work.

I'd rather be understood as how I am received rather than heard of.

Two Hs, one "Oh"
Elements precipitate.
Distance makes for snow.