The career trajectory of JJ Acuña reads like a global odyssey—one that stretches from a quiet Texas suburb to the skylines of Hong Kong and, most recently, Manila. Across each locale, he honed an approach he calls “spatial DNA”. It’s a bespoke methodology that weaves client aspirations, cultural context, and intuitive materiality into environments that […]
B+Abble Returns with a Fresh Take on Design and the Arts
Mark your calendars for January 25, 2025, as the much-anticipated B+Abble 2025 unfolds at The Corner House in San Juan, Metro Manila—a bold example of community-centered design. This marks the 10th year of B+Abble, hosted by the celebrated firm Barchan + Architecture (formerly Buensalido + Architects). The event gathers trailblazers from various creative industries to share their expertise, inspiring the community to think differently and spark meaningful disruptions in their practices.
This year’s theme, “Micro-Locale,” delves into how small, localized interactions can shape deeply personal and immersive experiences. It explores the role of place-specific spaces in driving connection, creativity, and innovation, offering attendees a fresh lens for reimagining their environments.
The program features engaging talks, panel discussions, and live performances from acclaimed local talents.
Ronald Ventura: A Trailblazer in Contemporary Filipino Art
This year’s B+Abble welcomes Ronald Ventura, a globally celebrated Filipino artist renowned for his groundbreaking approach to contemporary art. Ventura’s work masterfully merges contrasting styles, including hyperrealism, graffiti, and surrealism, creating arresting pieces that challenge conventional aesthetics.
Drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as science fiction, Western history, Asian mythology, Catholic iconography, and pop culture, Ventura’s art captures the chaotic essence of modern existence. His paintings often depict layered narratives, blending the sublime and the ordinary into compelling visual stories.
“I treat my creative process like a film director orchestrating a scene,” Ventura shares. “Sometimes it requires adding more light or characters—it’s a cycle of addition and subtraction until it feels right.” His meticulous attention to detail and dynamic storytelling have cemented his reputation as a visionary artist.
Ventura’s thought-provoking works have earned him critical acclaim and a global following, with exhibits in prestigious galleries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. His presence at B+Abble promises to inspire attendees to embrace their creative instincts and push artistic boundaries.
William Ti Jr.: Championing Social Architecture and Community-Building
B+Abble 2025 also features William Ti Jr., a leading voice in Philippine architecture and urban design. As the principal architect and founder of WTA Architecture and Design Studio, Ti has pioneered socially responsible architecture that fosters connection and inclusivity.
Ti’s groundbreaking initiatives include the Anthology Festival, which gathers architects from around the world for conversations on design’s future, and The Book Stop Project, a pop-up library that reimagines public spaces. He is also the mind behind the Emergency Quarantine Facilities, a rapid-response solution during the pandemic, and the ambitious Horizon Manila, a 419-hectare mixed-use development that integrates sustainability and community living.
Beyond his projects, Ti advocates for democratizing architecture through education and open dialogue. He leads WTA Labs, where he collaborates with stakeholders to explore innovative urban planning ideas, and he shares his insights in the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s City of Tomorrow column. As an adjunct professor at Taylor’s University in Malaysia, Ti continues to shape the next generation of architects.
At B+Abble, Ti will delve into the power of architecture to transform lives by addressing pressing social and environmental challenges. His insights promise to inspire designers and architects to rethink the role of built environments in fostering human connection and well-being.
Panel Discussions
This year’s lineup also features a stellar roster of panelists who are shaping the creative landscape across various fields. It includes:
Online Communities: Frances Lim Cabatuando of Home Buddies
Photography: Jar Concengco of Design Will Save the World
Architecture: Amon Cali of Cali Architects
Art: Lilianna Manahan
Design Curation: Gabriel Lichauco and Rita Nazareno of Nazareno/Lichauco
Furniture: Lieza Bituin of South Sea Veneer
Architecture: Aris Go of Ninety Design Studio, Christian Salandanan of Sangay Architects, and Ronnie Yumang of Balika Regenerative Design & Rammed Earth Construction
Moderated by Judith Torres (Kanto) and Charisse Ong (Studio Ong), these industry leaders promise to spark meaningful conversations and inspire attendees to reimagine the possibilities in their respective fields.
Registration Details
Tickets are available at P600 for students (Early Bird: P400) and P800 for professionals (Early Bird: P600). All tickets include admission, coffee, snacks, and exclusive B+Abble merchandise.
Secure your spot now through this link or Barchan + Architecture’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
For inquiries, contact [email protected] or message us on social media. Join us and celebrate the power of design to transform lives and communities!
A growing coalition of heritage conservationists and cultural advocates is calling for the urgent call to declare the Pasig River a National Cultural Treasure (NCT). They cite the river’s irreplaceable historical, cultural, and ecological significance. The move comes amid renewed concerns over the Pasig River Expressway (PAREX), a controversial 19.37 kilometer, 6-lane expressway that critics […]
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For Unveiling Perspectives, Quezon City-based art gallery Kaida Contemporary assembled a group of artists to create different compositions that portray their daily lived experiences. It shows them in a way that illustrates their individuality as artists, with different materials that are important to them and their craft as a whole. “Art has a way of […]
Six years and a global pandemic later, I finally found my way back to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center for this year’s Art Basel Hong Kong — but this time, with my husband, litigation lawyer and business owner, Atty. Fred Young. Founded by gallerists in 1970, Art Basel is the leading global platform […]
Gloss with a Purpose combines the artworks of Filipino photographer Lee Morale and American artist Kia LaBeija. The exhibit highlights the artifice and performance that exists in queer communities—and its importance in the way we define our own identities as a whole. Hannah Jaugan curated Gloss with a Purpose as her senior thesis for AB […]
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