This year, SM Green Finds, through Kultura brings us a beautiful array of Filipino-made products, each sourced with care and intention, making it easy to create an eco-conscious tablescape that embodies gratitude and Filipino artistry. A Thanksgiving with Intention Thanksgiving, traditionally a time of gathering and feasting, is also an invitation to pause and reflect. […]
ENDO Lighting Invites Top Designers to Ignite, Illuminate, and Indulge
The recent collaboration between Endo Lighting—founded in Osaka, Japan—and furniture dealer Hooga culminated in an unforgettable event held at their Uptown Mall showroom, with top architects and designers in attendance. Inspired by the Danish concept of “hygge,” HOOGA captures the essence of coziness, comfort, and the joy found in life’s simple pleasures. In partnership with BluPrint, the evening aimed to showcase innovative lighting solutions and foster connections within the design community.
IGNITE: Sparking Curiosity and Setting the Stage
It was a meticulously planned and executed the event, divided into three distinct segments: Ignite, Illuminate, and Indulge. Each offered a unique experience, building anticipation and engagement among the guests. The newly renovated Hooga showroom provided the perfect venue to showcase the brand’s furniture with Endo’s lighting products.
The evening began with Ignite, designed to pique the curiosity of the attendees and set the tone for the illuminating presentations and interactions that would follow.
“I’m so happy working with Endo. It’s such a beautiful brand. We, as a company, only work with quality brands that we believe in, and Endo is one of the top brands that we have.”
Jam Cua, Creative Director of Hooga and Metallite.
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the ambiance of a space, influencing mood, functionality, and aesthetics. Whether in interior design or artwork displays, the quality and placement of lighting can significantly impact the overall experience. Its thoughtful design not only enhances the beauty of the environment but also contributes to comfort and well-being.
Yusuke Goto, General Manager of Endo Lighting for Thailand and the Philippines, shared that their new products have a small appearance but maintain the beauty of lighting, including beam angles and, most importantly, glare control, which affects comfort.
Goto highlighted their advantage in engineering lighting fixtures to blend seamlessly into spaces, particularly in interior design and artwork displays. “Our lighting fixtures [should complement] the whole architecture,” he shared.
Among the renowned architects in attendance were Ed Calma, Joey Yupangco, Anthony Nazareno, Sonny Sunga, Arnold Austria, Sudar Khadka, and Nikki Tayag, all of whom were familiar with the Endo brand. Ed Calma, in particular, shared his experience of using Endo lighting throughout the Mind Museum, an iconic building he designed, highlighting the brand’s reliability and superior quality.
ILLUMINATE: A Showcase of Lighting Innovation
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Illuminate segment, where Endo Lighting took center stage. Hosted by Nicole Andersson, the presentation was a masterclass in innovative lighting solutions, demonstrating how Endo’s products could enhance the environment and create a new relationship between people and light. It kicked off with a dance performance enhanced by ENDO’s lighting.
After the performance, ENDO showcased its minimalist spotlights, ideal for displaying art in its purest form. A mini exhibit, curated by the esteemed interior stylist Glenn Cuevo, presented carefully selected works by National Artists Arturo Luz and HR Ocampo, as well as contemporary artist Lao Lianben.
“Their works fascinate me with their mastery of their technique and uniqueness of their brushstrokes,” Cuevo explains. “Furthermore I’m drawn to Luz’s love for architectural forms, Ocampo’s iconic and timeless shapes, and Lao’s and bands aesthetics of minimalism, where less is definitely more.
“With the setup that we have done, I can see these works in a different perspective; that is with the Endo specialized lighting solutions. How light can elevate and enhance the details and craftsmanship of each of the paintings were one can experience a different, creating a captivating visual experience for the viewer.”
ENDO Lighting’s MINI50
Endo’s lighting vividly emphasized the dynamic interplay of Ocampo’s abstract shapes and vibrant colors. It highlighted Luz’s meticulously calculated lines and curves, accentuating his precise and elegant compositions. Endo’s high Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 93 brought Lianben’s unique textures and meditative zen aesthetics to life. The precise beam angle of 18 degrees eliminated unnecessary glare and enhanced the visual impact of these masterpieces, presenting them in the best possible light.
These spotlights further demonstrated their versatility. They highlighted the natural beauty and delicate intricacies of Ikebana arrangements on modern side tables, showing how lighting can elevate centerpieces.
Servers then entered to present Kai’s Chef Gilbert Pangilinan’s special dish for the evening: Blue Crab Meat with Uni and Ikura on Ice. Endo’s best-seller, the MINI50 downlight, took center stage. It showcased the brand’s ability to enrich any dining experience, enhancing both the visual and gastronomic journey. The MINI50’s glare-less design, engineered to perfection, bathed each item in a precise narrow beam of 10 degrees, accurately highlighting every detail.
In Sync with Synca
The presentation continued with the showcase of the Synca product line. This advanced range can be programmed according to the owner’s specifications, offering 121 pastel colors. Lights can align with the circadian rhythm. They can mimic clear blue skies at 12000K and following the sun through the afternoon in 3000K. This allows you to seamlessly transition your space from a cozy lounge to a fine dining restaurant with just a tap. As the evening progresses, enjoy a cocktail in 1800K as Synca effortlessly transforms the ambiance with impeccable color fidelity.
Asked about his reaction to the presentation, architect Anthony Nazareno said, “Very pleasant experiences with the ENDO team, especially in residential architecture [and] interiors… We work with clients who have wonderful artwork, wonderful spaces, and they always deliver.”
INDULGE: Networking and Culinary Delights
After the enlightening presentation, it was time for the guests to indulge. ENDO’s sunset-colored lights created a stunning ambiance. Drinks were served to match the lighting, creating a cohesive and memorable experience. This also provided attendees with the opportunity to connect with the Endo and Hooga teams. They could learn more about the brands and network with fellow professionals in a relaxing and engaging environment.
Shown here: Ed Calma, Design Principal of Lor Calma and Partners, Anthony Nazareno, Principal Architect and Designer of Nazareno Architects + Design, and Architect Joey Yupangco.
The event was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired and impressed by the innovative lighting solutions presented by Endo. The partnership with Hooga and the collaboration with BluPrint ensured a showcase of technological prowess. The evening also celebrated creativity and connection within the design community.
Discover more about Endo Lighting and their innovative designs by visiting their website and Instagram, and explore Hooga’s curated furniture collection on their website and Instagram as well.
Photographed by Maru Arguelles.