OFF THE GRID: A Creative Recharge

OFF THE GRID: A Creative Recharge Beyond the Classroom

Hosted by SoFA students Veda Galagnara and Sofie Cristobal, Off the Grid marked a defining moment for the SoFA community. As SoFA Design Institute’s inaugural design week, it brought together professionals, students, and partners in a vibrant three-day celebration. Organized by the Student Life & Alumni Engagement (SLAE) Department under the leadership of Ms. Angelique Castro, this event provided a space for students to pause, reflect, and reignite their creative spark.

Leeroy New shares his creative journey and insights with SoFA students during an inspiring talk.

DAY ONE: TRASH TALK

The first day challenged students to rethink materials, meanings, and messages. Multidisciplinary artist Leeroy New from General Santos shared his experience crafting large-scale public installations from discarded plastic. He was followed by Reese Fernandez, founder of Rags2Riches, who delivered an inspiring message on social entrepreneurship:

“Look at your Cash flow and apply it to your business.” - Reese Fernandez of Rags2Riches

Further insights came from Krete Manila (concrete artisans), EJ Angeles of MOLD Studio (3D printing), and Paula Dimaano of Piesa PH (accessory design), each emphasizing that form follows intention and experimentation shapes identity.

“Don’t forget the basics, they’re the foundation of your design.” Paula Dimaano of Piesa PH

Paula Dimaano of Piesa PH shares wisdom with SoFA students.

Workshops afterward allowed students to explore these values hands-on:

• Plastic manipulation with Leeroy New
• Accessory making with Piesa PH
• Handmade paper crafting with Tienda Wabas
• Cultural talk with Project Lemons on Escolta’s thriving creative community


Handmade paper crafting session with Tienda Wabas inspired creativity and tradition.


SoFA students proudly showcase their creations after an accessory-making session with Piesa PH.

Bobby Carlos shares business tips and beauty industry insights.

DAY TWO: HARD LAUNCH

Day Two kicked off with high energy as students eagerly delved into beauty, branding, and business. Makeup artist and educator Bobby Carlos emphasized the importance of combining talent with business acumen:

“Talent alone isn’t enough-you need business essence. At the end of the day, being talented won’t pay the bills.”

Dan Matutina showcased the creative portfolios of Hydra Design Group and Plus63., noting the significance of preserving each studio's perspective, personality, and culture.

“Retaining perspective, personality and culture in each studio is important.”

Other speakers—including Mary Sy of Designery, PJ Almera, and Carol Karthe of LaDrilyo—offered valuable insights on branding, lifestyle design, and career longevity.

Dan Matutina shared Hydra and Plus63’s work.

“Design is more than aesthetic - it’s storytelling. Soulful design connects deeply with people and creates lasting value, not just visual appeal.” – Carol Karthe

Workshops that day included:

• Mindful Art with Pen and Pause blended painting with calmness
• Wild Wires with Aaron James trained focus and finesse through detailed accessory-making
• Flower Design with Simply Flora PH celebrated balance and form in nature
• Baybayin and heritage signage talk with Lloydiecat explored culture and design


Flower design with Simply Flora PH highlighted balance and natural form.


Baybayin writing and signage talk with Lloydiecat on culture and design.

Guest Speakers | L-R: Daianne (Katha Pilipinas), Kat Reyes (Elementari), Glice (Zapateria).

DAY THREE: ROOT MODE

The final day grounded everything in craft, story, and identity. Highlights included talks from:

• Ave Paras (furniture & lighting design)
• Jerome Lorico (fashion design)
• Kat Reyes of Elementari (art jewelry)
• Mia Claravall-Reyes (tattoo artist)
• Paolo Manalo, SoFA alum (interior design)
• Tippi Ocampo (fashion designer)
• Glice of Zapateria (shoemaking)
• Zarah Juan (bag designer)
• Daianne of Katha Pilipinas (arts management & creative social)
• IDr. Denise Ayado, SoFA Design Institute faculty (interior design)

“Design isn’t just about creating - it’s art and it’s multi-sensory.” – Paolo Manalo

“Fashion is the easiest way to express your thoughts” – Jerome Lorico

“Culture evolves - it’s a way of life” – Zarah Juan
Design Conversations | L-R: Hosts Sofie & Veda with Zarah Juan, Mia Claravall-Reyes, Tippi Ocampo & IDr. Denise Ayado.


Weaving with Art of Yarn

Final workshops let students build with their hands, slow down, and reconnect:

• Botanical sun printing with Manibalang
• Textile printing with Hocus Manila
• Weaving with Art of Yarn
• Rug tufting, with Oh Craft Studio
• Pottery with Pawttery studio and arts 
• Hand Building Pottery with Odang Putik
• Mural painting with Ms. Avin Doodles
• Mug design with Grafic Arte


Mural painting with Ms. Avin Doodles

Botanical Sun Printing with Manibalang.


Hands-On Printmaking with Hocus Manila.


Rug Tufting with Oh Craft! Studio.


Design as Your Identity | Talk with Katha Pilipinas & SoFA Fashion and Interior Design Students

Learning Beyond the Grid

Far more than a break from classes, Off the Grid fostered a bridge between theory and real-world application, between structured learning and playful experimentation. Students left inspired, equipped with new skills, meaningful connections, and a deeper connection to their creative identities

Creative Voices | L–R: Ms. Angelique Castro (Head of SLAE), Reese Fernandez (Founder, Rags2Riches), Leeroy New (Multidisciplinary Artist), Maco Custodio (Fashion Designer & SoFA Faculty)

Inspired by Off the Grid? Now it’s your turn.

Whether your passion lies in fashion or interiors, SoFA Design Institute’s degree programs can help transform your passion into purpose. Learn from industry professionals, work on real projects, and thrive in an environment that values creative exploration—both inside and outside the classroom.

Now accepting applications for:

🎨 BA Fashion Design and Marketing
🏠 BS Interior Design
🛋️ BS Interior Design-Professional

Enroll today!
📲 Contact our Admissions Office:
📧 admissions@sofa.edu.ph
📞 0917 501 8136 / 0917 539 7574

📍 2nd Level, The Proscenium Retail Row at Rockwell, Makati City, Metro Manila