Some projects come from research. Others come from passion. Kyla Marie M. Borromeo’s thesis comes from somewhere even deeper—from the heartbeat of family, memory, and hope.
When Kyla chose to build her thesis around promoting tourism for La Castellana, it wasn’t a random pick from a map. It was personal. It was rooted in her grandmother’s hometown, a place rich in culture, flavor, and spirit—but also a place facing real struggles.
In a world where old ideas of masculinity are cracking and new ones are still finding their form, Shan Paul Evangelista steps into the space between—chisel in hand, heart wide open.
His thesis exhibition, Thysia, isn’t just a series of sculptures. It’s an act of confrontation. A conversation between past and future, toughness and tenderness, expectations and authenticity.
“I saw potential in La Castellana to take bigger strides in tourism promotion,” Kyla shares. “Especially because their tourist numbers have been affected by the volcanic activities of Mount Kanlaon.”
Rather than letting that challenge define La Castellana’s story, Kyla set out to rewrite it—to show the world the color, the vibrancy, and the promise that still lives there.
Her campaign, anchored in the lively tagline “Indulge in Wonders,” reimagines La Castellana’s identity through three vivid themes: Culture, Leisure, and Delicacies. It’s not just about sightseeing—it’s about immersing yourself in everything the town has to offer, from its rich traditions to its irresistible local flavors.
Kyla didn’t rely on staged shots or stock footage either. Her materials come from a real place—her own photographs, moments captured by tourists, and snippets from vloggers who’ve experienced La Castellana firsthand. Every visual feels authentic, alive, and welcoming.
“Tourists themselves are important figures in promoting La Castellana,” Kyla explains. “That’s why part of my campaign includes a proposed photo contest on social media and a tourism video that ends with ‘Balik ka ha’—giving La Castellana a voice that personally invites them back.”
That simple phrase, “Balik ka ha,” isn’t just marketing. It’s warmth. It’s sincerity. It’s La Castellana whispering, You belong here.
For Kyla, the dream doesn’t end with a school project. If her strategy were adopted, she hopes to be part of something bigger—a future where La Castellana doesn’t just recover, but shines.
“I want more people to experience its beauty for themselves,” she says. “La Castellana deserves that.”
In a way, Kyla’s work reminds us that tourism is never just about promoting a place. It’s about telling a story. It’s about giving voice to hometowns that matter, to communities that dream, and to places that deserve to be seen—and felt—with wonder.
And through her creativity and heart, Kyla Marie Borromeo has made sure that La Castellana’s voice will be heard.