ARCHITECT RAMON ANTONIO DESIGNS A TABLE INSPIRED BY THE CARABAO PLOW

My uncle Ramon Antonio is 50 years into his career, an icon in Philippine architecture. He is an icon in our family as well. How can we not admire a man who is so effortlessly stylish, genteel and considerate? He couches his criticism in kindness and he always has something nice to say. It's an attitude of graciousness that's very welcome.

- VICKY VELOSO-BARRERA

Celebrating the collab between Ramon Antonio and Punt of Valencia, Spain -- a lifetime of dedication to architecture and furniture Spain -- are (from left) Philip Laude, Ben Chan, Small Laude, Mons Romulo, Alice Eduardo, Arch. Ramon Antonio, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Richard Gomez and Arch. Miguel Pastor

'My childhood memory of the water buffalo sowing the fields for planting in a beautiful scenery, like an Amorsolo painting, was my inspiration,' says Ramon Antonio.

We would walk around his village, and he would point out heritage trees and plants along the way. He has such youthful vigor and a keen interest in everything around him.

The path to 50 years in architecture is not a straight one and my uncle can be strict as well. When he builds you a beautiful house, he wants you to maintain it with care, and he will show you how. To live in the world of Ramon Antonio is to exist in a world where beauty is always possible and within reach.