Weaving a story of Filipino resilience

Filipino furniture designer Deya Tsyna emerges as the grand winner of Fashion Aid Philippines and DTI Malikhaing Pinoy’s The Grant

- JOHN ROLAND LEGASPI

Each island of the Philippines has something to offer. Whether it's food, design, or performance, these cultural gems make the country's heritage ever vibrant—and that's all thanks to the Filipino creatives who push them forward. It's an understatement to say that the Philippines is teeming with modern visionaries. The challenge today is finding them and giving them the proper support to help both them and their craft thrive.

That's where The Grant steps in. An initiative led by Fashion Aid Philippines, the platform is designed to discover and elevate Filipino creatives in fashion, accessories, and living through a competition. On Oct. 2, 2025, at the Centro de Turismo Intramuros in Manila City, The Grant's inaugural search came to an end, with the finalists showcasing their works. Out of the 20 competitors, furniture designer Deya Tsyna emerged as the grand champion with a piece that mirrors the heritage of her hometown in Bohol and the story of the Filipino people.

In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Deya looks back on her early beginnings in design, her journey through The Grant, and shares details about her winning piece—the “Dioleta” accent chair.