But apart from the sheer number of exhibitors that draws the crowds in, the Worldbex for a number of years have initiated several programs that have become quite crowd pleasers themselves such as the Worldbex seminar, which is now on its 14th year, and the Architects’ and Interior Designers’ Gallery, participated in by top local architects and designers.

This year, together with the Council of Interior Design Educators, brings an exhibit of interior design vignettes from practicing designers who are also themselves members of the academe. Eight modules for the eight participating schools provided visual flair and delight from various tableaus and vignettes. The eight schools were: Mapua Institute of Technology, the University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, University of the East, Philippine School of Interior Design, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, College of Saint Benilde and Eulogio Amang Rodrigues Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST).

Drunk on Design were in on the action as it unfolded from construction to the opening as your DOD editors were part of the exhibit themselves.  We captured a few shots of the design modules, ours included, and they showcase a whole range of styles and spaces to inspire that will hopefully keep you inspired and definitely drunk on design!

Drunk on Design and Mapua professors Pauline Cuevas-Bato and Twenty Muñoz's Balinese-inspired vignette

UST's Tonette Bunag and Wilan Dayrit showcases a sports-inspired living room space

CSB takes inspiration from modern art for their vignette

A chic and sophisticated dining room space by Jie Pambid of the Philippine School of Interior Design

A refreshingly cool palette for this studio mock-up by the cool people from the University of the Philippines

An installation at Plaza Singapura as part of Design-Larger-Than-Life (from SingaPlural Facebook page)

Four of the 30 Chairs Shown as part of the fair

Design*SCAPE, 48-Hours Challenge, Design-Larger-Than-Life and 30 Chairs Lifestories were all happening in the city while the familiar activities of D’ Space, Platform and Furniture Design Award were held at the Singapore Expo.

Design*Scape

Hospitality Asia 2012 is one of the co-located shows.

Sunbrella participated in Hospitality Show

The towering marker of Admira Pte Ltd's booth (Form+Function). The booth won second runner up in the Best Stand Award, Hospitality Show

Sakura prints and hanging lamps reminiscent of slit bamboo

An almost whimsical mural done by Alfred Galvez

Red Orange Roll

A destinantion dining place that is only a few months old as of this writing, Ramen Cool is a place we’d recommend to get your creative juices flowing and have a great dining experience, too. The interior is a fresh combination of yellow and grays with loads of quintessential japanese elements like the sakura and geishas, cleverly put together to make a different kind of Japanese. You can’t complain about the menu, either. Dining for two: we’d recommend you share a Salmon Miso Ramen, the Red Orange Roll (and another order of Spicy Alaskan Duo if you are particularly hungry)  and the Choc Nut Cool Ice Cream Dessert. For drinks, you can enjoy complimentary hot tea or if you like cold drinks, have any of the flavored freshly brewed teas. You can’t complain about the prices, too!

Ramen Cool is located at 25 East Kapitolyo Drive corner West Kapitolyo Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig, Philippines.  It is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm. You can call them at +63 (2) 636-0972.

The United Buddy Bears  “promote living together in peace and harmony on their global tour. Around 140 Buddy Bears (each 2 m tall) represent as many countries recognized by the United Nations.”

Since its first exhibition in Berlin (2002),  the bears have traveled and each time, were admired by millions. We were fortunate to encounter the colorful, life-sized bears when they were in in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia early this year. Their next destination? New Delhi, India. Get updates here.

We found the Buddy Bear Philippines!

Not known to many, though, there is an ongoing struggle to protect Palawan.

We already signed the online petition for the No to Mining in Palawan signature campaign. We hope you do, too. We need a few millions more!

One of the student entries. Image from the Vertical Cities website

Launched in January last year, the Vertical Cities Asia International Design Competition is organised by the National University of Singapore (NUS) School of Design and Environment (SDE), and is sponsored by the World Future Foundation (WFF). The first of a five, the challenge was designing one square kilometer of land in Chengdou, China, for 100,000 people, taking into account factors such as density, liveability and sustainability. The competition is participated by a handful of universities from Asia, Europe and the United States. The first prize went to the team from ETH Zurich,  followed by the entry from Delft University of Technology and Tongji University as second and third, respectively.

For more information on the competition, visit their website. The exhibition is found on the first storey of the URA Centre. For information on how to get there, see here.

Image from Space Encounters Facebook Page

If you like hanging out at Subspace Coffee and you’ve been wanting to have some of their furniture in your own space, now is the perfect time to finally get them. Space Encounters is on sale until the end of February.

So hurry!

Space Encounters is at Unit B Mezzanine,Padilla Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr., Ortigas Center. It is open from  11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Monday to Friday) and  11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. You can call (+632) 910-8031 for more information.

10. Resorts World Manila

Image from a brochure

Location: Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay City
Perfect for: people who like games of chance, acrobatic shows, or just a peek into “what’s new in the Metro”
The low-down: Located across NAIA Terminal 3, and marketed as the “first integrated tourist destination” in Metro Manila, Resorts World Manila is a pretty swanky place. It offers a myriad of shopping, dining and entertainment options that we can best label as “a little piece of Vegas.”
Entertainment: besides having the country’s biggest and most luxurious casino with three floors of table games and slot machines, you can also try the Ultra 1 cinema that has fully-reclining Lazy Boy seats, unlimited popcorn and drinks delivered by personal butlers upon request; there are acrobatic and musical shows at Bar 360 and Prosperity Court and tons of photo-taking opportunities.
Shopping: Newport Mall, the four-level shopping is home to an array of high-fashion boutiques.
Touring Tips: It is best to come at night. The lights are essential to the entire “little Vegas” feel.

9. SM Mall of Asia

Location: Bay City, Pasay City
The low-down: If you have been itching to show your favourite cousin or aunt just how huge malls in the Philippines are compared to any in the land of the really Big Macs, the SM Mall of Asia is the best way to do it. The largest mall in the country and the third largest in the world based on gross leasable space, how can your guest not agree that “malling” is the national pastime here?
Entertainment: Keep kids amused at the Science Discovery Center and the teens busy at the Skating Rink or at the Bowling Center. Perhaps catch a movie at Imax Theater before heading to Ebun for lunch or dinner?
Shopping: Did we say it is the third largest shopping mall in the world? J We suggest that you visit the Kultura outlet here. Located at the Main Mall’s second level, this 1,160-square-meter store has an updated look with minimalist interiors, subtle lighting, and sleek display shelves showcasing exquisitely crafted items, all made in the Philippines!
Touring Tips: Packed on weekends but which mall isn’t? If you get lost, don’t be shy to ask any of the guards on duty.

8. Rajah Sulayman Park and the Hobbit House

Location: Malate, Manila
Perfect for: a laid-back pair or a middle-aged group
The low-down: Rajah Sulayman Park is a plaza infront of Malate Church that was named after the last king of Manila. Located across Manila Bay, along Roxas Boulevard, it features a beautiful fountain and a monument of Sulayman. It is the perfect spot for after-sunset cocktails (should you spend it on the Baywalk) and dinner at Aristocrat, a restaurant well-regarded when it comes to Filipino cuisine. For a good night out, head to the Hobbit House on MH del Pilar in Ermita for some San Miguel beers. Opened in 1977 by Jim Turner, an American and JRR Tolkien fan, the place is run by little people and is an institution in the local music scene.
Shopping: Get a mug at Hobbits House for P350! It’s a souvenir and when put on your table, a conversation piece (it’s not everywhere you find a Hobbit House).
Touring Tip: The fountain of Rajah Sulayman, and the rest of the park, is nicely lit at night so be sure to bring a camera and mini-tripod for fantastic photos. For Hobbit House, you can call 521-76-04 to check who of the Pinoy rock legends are performing, and if you are a fan, make sure to have them sign a record you have.

7. Manila Ocean Park

Photo by Jose Angelo Rey X

Location: Behind the Quirino Grand Stand, Manila City
Perfect for: families with kids in tow; sangbarkadahan
The low-down: Home to the largest underwater viewing tunnel at its 25-meter long Oceanarium, this is the Philippine’s premier marine-themed park and will surely delight balikbayans of all ages. Marvel at the diversity of underwater inhabitants in six sections of the Oceanarium, showcasing the water flow from a fresh water source to the open ocean, demonstrating interconnectedness between land and sea. Come in groups and enjoy discounts and promos that you can check out on their website.
Entertainment: besides gawking at the sea creatures, you can also watch a musical show, experience a fish spa and go for a swim, among others.
Shopping: There is a small mall inside for some gift and souvenir shopping.
Touring Tips: Learn how to take good photos without auto flash as it is prohibited inside. The tunnel is a lovely place for taking lots of pictures and the Jelly Fish are beautiful to capture on video.

6. Intramuros

This travel blog photo’s source is TravelPod page: Intramuros: Manila’s Invincible Walled City

Location: Manila City
Perfect for: those who appreciate history and heritage places; photography enthusiasts;  people who can only spend a day in Manila and is looking for an alternative to the malls; first time balikbayans who left the Philippines long before they could take history lessons
The low-down: A place surrounded by moats and thick, high walls, the name “intramuros” that means “within the walls” in Latin is apt. Completed in 1606, it served as the center of political, military and religious power of the Spaniards during the time that the Philippines was a colony of Spain. In fact, during that time, Intramuros itself was considered Manila. At end of World War II, much of Intramuros was destroyed but thanks to efforts of the Intramuros Administration, the walls were restored in 1979, with the addition of fine dining options and shopping fitted to its medieval European theme.
Entertainment: Book a trip with Carlos Celdran and you and your guests will never be bored. Insightful and fun, his “If these walls could talk! Tour of Intramuros” takes you around this site where the city all began. You can check the schedules of the trips for the month on www.celdrantours.blogspot.com. You can also send him an email at celdrantours@hotmail.com.
Shopping: “La Monja Loca” (The Crazy Nun), is the gift store of Walk This Way tours.  It is set within a courtyard next to San Agustin Church and sells Filipino objects of art, tourist maps and souvenirs. Touring tips: Wear comfortable shoes and be sure to keep yourself well-hydrated.

5. Quiapo and Binondo

Image from chinatownology.com

Location: Quiapo Church Area and Chinatown, Manila City
Perfect for: food trippers; urban adventurers; budget-shoppers; soon-to-be wedded couples
The low-down: Impress yourself, your family and friends with your own DIY trip of the crazy and vibrant streets of Manila City.Take the LRT to Carriedo Station.  Walk towards the Quiapo Church and Plaza Miranda in all its quirkiness. You can also do some shopping (or a lot). Find your way to back to Carriedo LRT Station and continue to Manila China Town, the oldest China Town in the world outside of the Chinese territory. Cramped, colorful and exciting, the best way to enjoy this part of the metro is through a food tour capped by a visit to the old Binondo Church. You can get your own food street map made by the Chinatown gurus, Ivan Man Dy and Anson Yu.
Shopping: Hordes of Philippine-made handicrafts from north to south under the bridge of Quiapo, cheaper genuine branded cameras and accessories as compared to the malls at R. Hidalgo St., clothes, toys and novelty items at tiangge malls and on the street markets and relatively inexpensive genuine jewelry (read: engagement and wedding rings) at the entrance of Ongpin Street are up for grabs.
Touring tips: Bring just enough cash with you and keep your valuables attended. When carrying a backpack, place it in front of you. Wear comfortable shoes that will not get icky if in case it rains. That said, bring an umbrella, too.

4. Ayala Center

Location: Brgy. San Lorenzo, Makati City
Perfect for: shopaholics; Sunday shoppers
The low-down: When it comes to variety in shopping and dining design, Ayala Center Makati, as a matter of opinion, trumps all the other shopping areas accessible via the MRT system (read: convenient). Glorietta, SM Makati, Rustan’s Makati, Park Square, The Landmark, The Link, and Greenbelts 1 to 5 all call Ayala Center home. On a serious note, amidst these commercial establishments is a museum (the Ayala Museum that showcases exhibits on Philippine history), a lush community park (Greenbelt Park) and a chapel (the Sto. Nino de Paz Community Chapel) which shows you what every pinoy probably wants in his ideal place to settle in—a modern mix of culture, business, and comforts while holding on to faith.
Shopping: From the most luxurious brands to bazaar style stalls, you will find them here. So you kind of need to make a list and check it twice.
Touring tips: Credit cards are accepted in the shopping malls and most of the restaurants so no need to take lumps of cash.

* Extra tip: Find your way to LRI Plaza on Reposo St. and explore the furniture stores and art galleries there. The DOD favorites are The Room Upstairs and Heima. Cross over to The Collective on Malugay St. for Makati’s version of Cubao Expo–a melting pot of novelty stores, hole-in-the-wall food finds and fashion boutiques for the non-conformist dressers.

3. Club Mwah

Image from the Club Mwah Facebook Page

Location: 652 Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City
Phone: 532-2826, 535-7943
The low-down: Club Mwah first opened its doors six or so years ago. And since then, it has been the most recommended drag extravaganza. A musical act (that changes every three months), the performance that is part Las Vegas and part Broadway, is a classy epitome of gayness and talent. You also do not have to take just our word for it. Club Mwah is the only accredited Tourism Entertainment Club in the country that offers good clean fun with opulent first-rate entertainment. It has been recognized for its high-level of artistry with awards such as The Most Entertaining Club in Asia and Global Excellence Award, both given by The Asia Pacific Award Council. In fact, it is dubbed as “Asia Pacific’s Most Outstanding Entertainment Club.” If you haven’t seen it, you should and while at it, bring a balikbayan with you. It’s gay, glamorous and worth your while.
Shopping: Souvenir shirts are available.
Open: Thursdays-Saturdays. Call to reserve.
Touring Tip: Dress appropriately. Smart casual is best (read: no rubber slippers, sando and shorts). Show days are Thursdays to Saturdays, at 8pm. It is advised to call to reserve your seats.

2. Cubao X

Location: former Marikina Shoe Expo, Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City
Perfect for: artists; lomographers; vintage hunters; non-conformists
The low-down: Arguably the oldest hub for artists and like-minded people in Metro Manila now, Cubao X has an interesting mix of art, furniture, film, food and vintage finds. New shops, galleries and boutiques have opened up here that lend the compound a fresh vibe with an artsy spirit. A wide variety of hobbies and passions are catered to in this destination: avid graphic novel fans have Sputnik, film enthusiasts go to Mogwai, Heima for lomo and photography enthusiast (they also sell classic furniture with a twist), and Bellini’s for Italian food, to name a few.
Shopping: Besides the art and novelty shops, you still have stores that sell stylish and durable Marikina-made shoes (which are usually with discounts than when bought from a major mall).
Touring Tips: Come as you are! It’s a haven for artists.

1. University of the Philippines Diliman

Photo by Fred Docdocil

Location: An institution in Quezon City whose main entry is found at the tip of University Avenue intersecting Commonwealth Avenue
Perfect for: Also called as the Diliman Republic and usually described as a “microcosm of the Philippines,” we think it is perfect for anyone with an open-mind about these titles
The low-down: The flagship campus of the University of the Philippines system, this campus is said to be envisioned as the “Harvard of the Philippines.” This aside, the UP Diliman campus is chockfull of venues and activities that will entertain guests. From the UP Oblation, to the academic oval, to the street food sold in carts in designated places around the campus, to Chocolate Kiss Café at the Bahay ng Alumni, to its own jeepney routes, the Ikot and the Toki, it is easy to spend an entire day inside.
Shopping: Stop at the UP Shopping Center or simply SC to people in UP and look for Stall #35, Diliman Republic/Handog Gift Shop where you can get UP t-shirts and jackets.
Touring Tips: Bring a UP student or alumnus with you as there is nothing like an “iskolar ng bayan” showing you around. Sundays are carless oval days so there are a lot of people who go to UP for picnics and games. Try the isaw (skewered pork and chicken intestines) and fish balls here. If your guest has never taken a jeepney ride, this is probably the best time to introduce the mode of transport as the routes are not on the mostly jammed streets of Metro Manila. A trivia: the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice is the work of five Philippine National Artists: Leandro Locsin (Architecture), Arturo Luz (Painting), Vicente Manansala (Painting), Ang Kiukok (Painting), and Napoleon Abueva (Sculpture).

P.S. Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us! <3

You have probably seen their items in the malls but Punch Drunk Panda has an online store. Have a go for some last minute Valentine’s shopping!

Okay, so we missed a whole month of posting. Again. Sorry! But then again, we were one of the few who first announced the color of the year for 2012, remember? (*we are such lousy bloggers)

To make up for it, we’re going to keep you posted about all the shows happening this March around Asia.We are happy to let you know we have been invited to go to the Hospitality Asia 2012 Show in Singapore. Yipee!

To learn more about the show and for travel arrangements, please visit www.thehospitalityshow.com.sg.

The next show on our list is our very own Manila Now/Manila Fame/Cebu Next 2012.

To pre-registration is now open here.

We have also received our invitation for the annual Guangzhou Outdoor & Leisure Fair from March 18 – 21, at the China Import and Export Fair Complex. For more information on the show, visit the website.

P.S. DOD’s very own Pauline and Twenty will be designing a booth for WORLDBEX from March 14-18, 2012 at the Worl Trade Center, Metro Manila. Watch out for it!