The Enderun Tent came alive on May 19 as Enderun Colleges’ College of Architecture and Design (CAD) held its much-anticipated CAD Fiesta 2025. With this year’s theme, “Behind the Scenes: The Art of Space & Storytelling,” the event offered a captivating exploration into how design influences the way we experience stories through architecture, interiors, and visual media.
The annual CAD Fiesta is a cornerstone event for the Enderun design community, and this year proved to be one of its most compelling yet. The celebration brought together students, faculty, design professionals, and guests for a day of immersive exhibits, inspiring talks, and collaborative showcases that reflected the innovation and creativity within the college.
Architect Nikki Escalona-Tayag, Dean of the College of Architecture and Design at Enderun Colleges, moderated the symposium, guiding a thought-provoking dialogue among the distinguished guest speakers. Each brought their own unique perspective to the rich conversation exploring the intersection of space, design, and storytelling.
IDr. Cyndi Beltran, Principal Designer of Moss Design House and the current National Vice President of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers, offered a glimpse into her recent collaboration with Architect Tayag on the revitalization of the Centro de Turismo in Intramuros. Reflecting on the project, Beltran emphasized the importance of crafting immersive, emotionally resonant spaces. “People who went inside were like walking into different chapters as the story unfolds. And we wanted it to be multi-sensory,” she shared. “At the end of the day, we wanted people to feel a certain emotion. People remember spaces because of the emotions they felt.”
Director Mark Meily, an award-winning filmmaker known for his work across film, digital media, and experience design, shared a compelling example of how storytelling can transform spaces. He spoke about his 2008 film Baler, which won Best Picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival. Before the film’s release, many Filipinos were unfamiliar with the town’s location. “Because of the story of the film, Baler became known and has been recognized as a tourist destination,” Meily explained. “It somehow transformed the lives of the residents of Baler as well. It’s an example of how telling one story can change even the perspective of fellow Filipinos before the story was told.”
Kenneth Cobonpue, a world-renowned industrial designer celebrated for transforming natural materials into sculptural, contemporary pieces that blur the line between art and function, has redefined modern Asian design on the global stage. With his iconic designs featured in Hollywood films like John Wick and Ocean’s Thirteen, Cobonpue has gained international acclaim. When asked about the balance between form and function in design, Cobonpue shares, “I’m always asked about what’s important for me in product design – form or function? The classic answer is both, right? But to me as a designer, it’s not about function. Your primary responsibility to the world is form. And then the function comes with it. Because if a chair doesn’t call me or attract me, I wouldn’t sit in it to see if it’s comfortable. So I tell them, never hide behind your function. Make it as beautiful as possible.”
Adding a visionary perspective to the program was Architect Felino “Jun” Palafox, one of the country’s most respected architects and urban planners. Architect Palafox has shaped major developments across the Philippines and abroad, and in his talk, he shared a bold vision for the country as a first-world economy by 2050 and beyond. More than just design, his message challenged the audience to reflect on their role in creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready Philippines.
Interactive installations and student-led presentations highlighted how design goes beyond aesthetics, functioning as a powerful tool for emotional impact and narrative expression. The event also served as a platform for dialogue and mentorship, allowing students to connect with industry practitioners and gain valuable insights into the real-world applications of their craft.
The event was made possible through the generous support of major sponsors BluPrint, L’Oréal-Garnier, Barrington Carpets and Definitive Audio Video Solutions, whose shared commitment to design, creativity, and innovation helped elevate the experience for all attendees.
CAD Fiesta 2025 was more than a celebration – it was a vivid reminder of design’s potential to shape not just spaces, but stories. The success of this year’s event reaffirmed Enderun’s commitment to cultivating future-ready creatives and fostering an environment where bold ideas and meaningful design can flourish.
