By Florence Pia G. Yu
Published: Weekend, Sun Star Daily
Cebu City, Philippines
April 3, 2004
Page 5
Is it hard to be a young interior designer, and a woman at that, in a business predominantly male? Not really, she answers with a smile.
"For me, gender has never been an issue. It shouldn't be a hindrance. I would say this is a man's job, but that's really up to the person to make it happen," she says.
"The designing part is easy, but it's the construction part that's somewhat difficult. Most of the people I deal with are men, it's kind of difficult, especially since I'm still young, and maybe that intimidates them. But I talk to them, I don't boss them around." Talk about mutual respect..
The 24-year-old has become a name in the interior designing industry, although she wouldn't say why clients are clamoring for her brand of design.
Interior designing, she says, can get overwhelming because every minute detail is considered---the color of the paint, the seating arrangement, lighting effects, furniture, drapery and accessories. But planning puts everything in place.
Her latest project, the Meddah Spa at Crossroads, Banilad, aided her fast climb to the top. Admirers of her work say it is an ingenious hybrid of the natural and futuristic look--with greens, wood, glass and fiberglass.
Born in January and named after Sto. Ni�o, Ni�a (Spanish for little girl), strikes one as simplistic and unaffected. "I sleep together with my mom, and I share my office with my architect aunt," she says matter-of-factly. It just feels comforting, she says.
She is fascinated with kids, and normally finds time to be with nephews and nieces. "I find their enthusiasm and energy infectious."
She had been exposed to art as a kid; her architect aunt as her inspiration. "I used to do school bulletin board designs." Later, she tried her hand at designing clothes but found, "It wasn't really my calling. I'm not really a fashionista."
In interior designing and in clothes, she goes for the minimalist look. "It's nice to be simplistic. You don't have to act like everything is on show all the time."
Moody, Ni�a doesn't stick to one design. She uses multiple designs in creating the ambiance. She'd like to do a commercial project next, like a hip restaurant.
But if she were to design a room for herself, it would be minimalist, "clean; less cluttered. I don't like clutter." What's in her room now? "My drafting table, my television, my bed, my side table and then a mirror. That's all," she says.
And if she could design for anyone? "I'd design the bathroom of the next president!" she says, grinning. "It would be the only place he or she can really be alone, so it would be very personal, contemporary, with amenities, and with a touch of Filipino."
She looks up to local architects. She gets her inspiration from reading interior designing and architectural magazines. And sleep. Lots of it. "In fact, I can't live without my bed!" she says, grinning. She goes for a low, Japanese-inspired bed. "It's easy to sleep in. And I don't like heavy carvings. It's too complicated for me."
She begins a typical day by heading straight to the office, check with the secretary she shares with her aunt, meet her draftsmen and pass instructions, before going off to a site visit. "And after that I look for new materials for projects and future projects. I usually go out, laagan man kaayo ko. You have to explore, especially in Cebu where it's kind of difficult to look for materials. And then after that, I party!"
Going on a beach outing relaxes Ni�a. She also loves trying out food. "I do go out with friends. I eat a lot, so I gain a lot," she says, smiling wryly.
"They usually call me bayot!" she laughs, "because I have gay friends. I love gay people, they're full of life, very talented and very interesting."
She prefers quiet places. "Discos don't appeal to me. I've had enough of that. And I prefer soothing music, although I'm not a music person because I can't carry a tune!"
If she could compare herself with anything, she would rather be a Van Gogh painting---"dramatic and with a hidden story."
She is thankful to be a woman of this period. "Women now are more dominant. We're not confined in the home anymore. I wouldn't want to be left at home to cook. I'd rather go out and do what I really want. All women should pursue their dreams."
What's Up On Her Player?
Designing is something Ni�a can do by ear, especially when she gets into the rhythm of the top three CD albums of her choice:
1) Songs in A Minor (Alicia Keys)
2) Butterfly (Mariah Carey)
3) A Walk to Remember soundtrack (Mandy Moore and various artists)