Nation building through tourism, design and new media

NATION BUILDERS. Representatives from media, tourism and design industries discuss how each sector can do their part in nation building. Photo by Linh Do/Gawad Kalinga

BULACAN, Philippines The notion of nation building is scary," interior designer Cynthia Almario told participants at the Gawad Kalingas Social Business Summit 2014 on October 2.

How can tourism, design and online media help build a nation? Interior designers Cynthia and Ivy Almario; Rappler CEO Maria Ressa; and Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Bong Bengzon shared their thoughts on how to do it during a panel discussion.

Social design

Cynthia and sister Ivy, also an interior designer, own Atelier Almario. Their portfolio includes many luxury hotels and homes around the Philippines and abroad including the Astoria in Boracay and Movenpick Hotel in Cebu.

Their edge? Our design solutions are always innovative and fresh, Cynthia said.

Without hesitation, the sisters said they agreed to design for GKonomics which, according to the GKonomics website, "facilitates the social entrepreneurs partnership by forming strategic partnerships between the entrepreneur and GKs communities.

Ivy explained, Were very conscious in highlighting Filipino talent."

Cynthia said, Our model: Existing skills plus good design and production expertise equals value creation. Because of this model, fund generation is in waves instead of trickles.

Ivy also echoed the summit's underlying theme. Collaboration is key, everything is Bayanihan," she said.

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Nation building through tourism, design and new media