MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Vito Selma’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in nature, skillfully incorporating traditional techniques from his homeland, Cebu. He is a globally recognized furniture designer, celebrated with multiple awards and international recognition, including multiple Outstanding Industrial Design Award, Katha Awards, Magna Awards, and more. Known for his unique style of crafting natural materials into intricate forms, one can see Selma’s imprint with the seamless blend of raw texture and modern aesthetics.
While his works have graced the pages of Elle and Architectural Digest, here in PROTEGERI, Vito’s works traverse a series of innovative approaches with a variety of upcycled pieces, playful yet useful designs showcasing his commitment to sustainable craft. Pieces that are not just easy on the eyes but see to it that a better life can be fashioned for the children and their community.
Borrowing the Latin word which means protection, PROTEGERI will open its two-week exhibit on October 18 at The Gallery in Greenbelt 5, Makati. This special project is an initiative by Ayala Foundation in partnership with OFF! for the benefit of Ayala Foundation communities in El Nido, Palawan and Makati.
Together with renowned artists Leeroy New and Solenn Heussaff, Vito collaborated with communities and children, breathing new life to discarded objects and everyday waste leveraging salvaged wood, trash paper, and a variety of plastics to take the shape of contemporary art. One of the exhibit highlights is the large collaborative piece inspired by art workshops in the El Nido community. Constructed with upcycled OFF! products including spray bottles and sachets, the three artists demonstrate the power of sustainability, transforming their collaboration into a talisman of protection. Other iconic pieces by Vito Selma and Leeroy New incorporate OFF! products in innovative and unexpected ways, seamlessly weaving OFF!’s story of protection in their work.
Protection is a major theme of the exhibit, taking on layered meanings. Through the support of OFF! repellents, young lives are protected from diseases such as dengue and malaria. By repurposing waste products, the exhibit promotes guardianship of Mother Nature and communities. Lastly, the proceeds of the exhibit will support education initiatives for students in Ayala Foundation communities of El Nido and Makati.
This exhibit is a chance to own a piece of beautiful, sustainable art. Bid on your favorite pieces from October 18 to October 28, 2025, on the PROTEGERI auction portal, and help build a brighter future for the children.
