Interior Design students from the University of Northern Philippines – College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) delivered an outstanding performance on the national stage, clinching the Champion and 2nd Runner-Up titles in the OBRA Design Student Competition at the 2026 Philippine International Furniture Show, held March 5–7, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Anchored on the theme “Furniture in Motion: Heritage in Transition,” the competition highlighted the students’ creativity in blending cultural heritage with contemporary furniture design.
Demonstrating remarkable creativity and design innovation, the UNP delegation delivered an outstanding performance in the competition’s design categories. Marielle Mae Ragunjan clinched the Championship title in the Lighting Design category, impressing the judges with her exceptional concept and execution. Meanwhile, Princess Dean Agbulos secured 2nd Runner-Up honors in the Furniture Design category, further highlighting the university’s strength in creative design.
Adding to the university’s strong showing, Simon Aaron Cabansag, Jay Pee Galicia, and Charleann Aubrey Reynon also advanced as finalists, proudly representing UNP and contributing to the delegation’s commendable presence in the competition. Their achievements collectively underscored the talent, creativity, and dedication of UNP’s aspiring designers.
Ragunjan’s champion-winning piece, the Liknayan Lighting Fixture, draws inspiration from the Tindalo flower, symbolizing the beauty and richness of Philippine native flora. The sculptural chandelier features luminous petal-like diffusers supported by branching metallic stems, creating an elegant interplay of light and organic form.
Meanwhile, Agbulos secured the 2nd Runner-Up honor in the Furniture Design category with her entry, “DILAG: A Filipiniana-inspired rattan armchair.” The piece takes its name from the Filipino word for beauty and reimagines the iconic butterfly sleeves of the traditional Filipiniana terno—known for their upright, sculpted form at the shoulders—into a striking contemporary furniture silhouette. Crafted from rattan, bamboo, and woven cane, the armchair celebrates Filipino craftsmanship and heritage, embodying elegance while symbolizing grace, pride, and feminine strength.
The students were guided by Ar. Frederick Hernandez, who encouraged and mentored them in joining the competition. They were accompanied at the event by Idr. Marvin Julius Camacho, Idr. Wilkent Garcia, and Dr. Ashley Martinez, Dean of the UNP College of Fine Arts & Design.
