HBA Manila Design Office is bustling as its teams work to meet the targets they have set for their client partners to open new doors to freshly transformed spaces. A part of the international hospitality design firm HBA, known worldwide for designs that localize even the most sophisticated spaces, the Manila Design Office could very well run in its own twist of #lovelocal campaign with the six projects they are set to finish in the last quarter of this year.
Citadines Bacolod
HBA Manila Design Office created the hotel interiors of Citadines Bacolod, feature the unique flavor and spirit of Negros in this international 200-unit serviced apartments and facilities, which include a ballroom, meeting rooms, swimming pool, gym, and restaurant. Because Citadines Bacolod is located in a dynamic commercial and lifestyle hub in the swiftly developing city, the design team ensured that the rich Negros heritage would not be drowned out in all the 21st-century trappings around it.
As explained by HBA Partner and HBA Manila Design Office Principal Norman Agleron, the team’s work was Inspired by the quote, ‘a smile can hide the deepest emotion– fear, sadness, heartbreak–but it also shows one other thing, strength.’
“The interior design evokes a contemporary and distinct identity inspired by the different forms and patterns derived from culture and heritage found in Negros. This is executed with rhythmic play of layers, forms, and clean lines that exude an elegant flair that is soothing and uncomplicated.”
Radisson Red
After this project, HBA Manila Design Office will be closing the year with five completed projects. Topping the list is Radisson Red in Cebu City. “Travelers from all around the world come to the Queen City of the South for its white-sandy beaches, spectacular diving, and lush tropical surroundings. The city of Cebu is the Queen of this story. The hotel’s interiors will evoke all the Queen’s unique attributes to create spaces that are modern, vibrant, and chic. Cebu defines the hotel’s identity by showcasing local artist works, infusing its heritage through fabric, texture, and graphics,” Agleron said.
Waterfront Manila
Also scheduled for completion by December are their designs for the architectural façade and the casino and hotel interiors of Filipino-owned Waterfront Manila. For the architectural façades, the design group is featuring the Bakunawa, the moon-eating dragon from Philippine mythology, and the Rising Dragon of the east, a mythical benevolent creature that symbolizes the fierce pursuit of prosperity and progress, and also of overcoming adversity.
The hotel interiors are inspired by a ‘Journey through Manila.’ There is no one more endlessly enamored by Manila than Nick Joaquin. In his lifetime, his literary works and creative endeavors were driven by his love of the historic city. The new design of Waterfront Manila, from its exterior to its interior, its building envelope, details, materials, and furniture style will evoke his passion, bringing life to his stories, prose and poems about his city, making The Waterfront Hotel the Heart of Manila.”
This will be most evident in the main lobby, which was designed with Flores de Mayo as inspiration–the unique and elegant pieces produced by talented local artists, from jewelry, clothing, sculptures, to name a few. Also distinctively showcasing old Manila is the flow space, channeling La Plaza de Manila, located beside the Walled City, and adorned with the lovely and colorful vegetation of the tropics. And lastly, the interiors of Dee’s Café seeks to express the beauty and freshness of the Nilad flower, which once grew abundantly in mangroves along Manila Bay and the Pasig River. The team executes the design through simplicity, sophistication, and texture, in a contemporary approach, using a warmer palette to show the richness and opulence of nature’s elements while adding some drama & character to this space.
Holiday Inn Manila Galleria & Crowne Plaza
Two HBA Manila Design Office projects will help refresh long-time favorite spaces in Ortigas Center for both leisure and business—the Holiday Inn Manila Galleria and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. The former promises to transport visitors to a villa in the Jasmine garden, a place to celebrate and to relax, with artful touches influenced by villas and gardens, in modern amenities.
The strength of the new interior design concept for Crowne Plaza lies in creating a refined urban oasis within the hotel, which stands in one of the busiest areas of the business and lifestyle district. The idea of unraveling evokes peeling off or removing the existing old layers to uncover beautiful, timeless design features, such as ribbed white panels, marble, and brass.
“With bright white walls, ample free space, adequate lighting, and minimal visual distractions, the gallery feel of the environment will gracefully enhance Crowne Plaza’s art collection. As guests step into these bare yet elegant spaces, their attention will be diverted from the outside chaos, to allow them to rest their senses and rapidly unwind,” Agleron said.
Aeon Towers Davao
Helping bring the year to a close for HBA Manila Design Office is their work on the interiors of Aeon Towers Hotel in Davao. Davao has a wonderful history that adds to its impressive attraction. Rich festivals and rituals and festivals to this day highlight the colorful past and culture of the people.
From all these, the design group’s concept pays homage to the legendary warrior Apong of the story behind the magnificent Mt. Apo that defines Davao, and his daughter Sari, known for her ethereal beauty. Elements of cultural intrigue and visual ingenuity are featured in interesting finishes on tone-on-tone layering, patterns with stimulating movements, and unique locally made furniture pieces.