A Seat at the Table: How Katrina Blanca De Leon Champions Filipino Craftsmanship Through Genteelhome

As a faculty member at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business, I have the privilege of mentoring a diverse and driven group of aspiring entrepreneurs under the Master in Entrepreneurship program.

- Nix L. Lañas REB

This June, our ragtag class took a detour from the usual classroom setup and held an out-of-town session in a truly inspiring venue—La Zarene, a boutique resort in Bacnotan, La Union owned by one of my students, Katrina Blanca De Leon.

Complemented by Rojo Café + Bakery, a Spanish-Filipino fusion restaurant, La Zarene was not only a lesson in hospitality—it offered us a free taste of the comfort and elegance that define Kat's design philosophy. Both spaces were adorned with stunning pieces from Genteelhome, her bespoke furniture brand. We held whole-day classes in the Genteelhome showroom and slept in La Zarene, and those long hours gave us more than comfort—they offered a deep appreciation of the craftsmanship behind every chair, bed, and thoughtfully curated corner.

The interiors were beautiful, the service warm, and the coziness unmistakably Filipino. True to form, a Genteelhome showroom stands proudly near these two establishments—an anchor that ties Kat's La Union creative hubs together.

Kat has always been vocal in class about her love for bespoke design, her commitment to empowering local communities, and her vision of raising the banner of Filipino craftsmanship on the global stage. In this article, I explore the creative processes, values, and leadership that make Katrina Blanca De Leon—and Genteelhome—natural ambassadors for the best of Philippine design.

GENTEELHOME: WHERE FILIPINO CRAFTSMANSHIP FEELS LIKE HOME