Chad Gabrielle Tanutan, an alumnus of La Consolacion College Bacolod’s School of Architecture, Fine Arts, and Interior Design (ARFIEN), has made waves in the design world by winning 1st place in the Menβs Shoe Individual Category at the 13th International Footwear Design Competition (IFDC) held on May 29 in Guangzhou, China. Graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Industrial Design, Chad’s innovative design “Ligum Dulom” has garnered international acclaim.
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When asked about the inspiration behind his winning design, Chad explained that “Ligum Dulom” is a Hiligaynon term meaning “surrounded by darkness.” The concept emerged from a six-day blackout he experienced,
symbolizing the search for purpose during dark times. Inspired by a candle, a universal symbol of hope and light in darkness, the shoe reflects the struggle to find strength and overcome personal darkness to discover light.
“Ligum Dulom” embodies traditional and modern Filipino design and craftsmanship. Made primarily of leather from Marikina, known for its shoemaking industry, the shoe features leather lala/weave and Binakol Fabric to highlight Filipino artistry. Reflective fabric piping represents a silver lining in times of darkness, and elements inspired by wingtip shoes signify Filipinos’ resilience. The back of the shoe symbolizes a candle, with a white leather strip as wax, back laces as the wick, and a resin fire emblem representing the Filipinos’ unyielding spirit of passion. “Ligum Dulom” serves as a reminder that even in darkness, the faintest light can shine bright.
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Chad’s creative process began with a sketch, evolving into a 3D model using Gravity Sketch and rendered on KeyShot. This approach allowed him to visualize the shoe’s construction and potential enhancements before bringing it to life. The final product incorporates materials such as leather, Binakol Fabric, reflective fabric piping, and a resin fire emblem.
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Winning 1st place at the 13th IFDC was a surreal experience for Chad. “Even now, it feels unreal,” he shared. The overwhelming happiness and fulfillment stemmed from the intense effort and dedication he poured into creating the shoe. Despite weeks of limited sleep, the journey was worth it. For Chad, winning the competition validated his hard work and dedication, affirming that passion and perseverance lead to success.
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Chad faced significant challenges during the creation of “Ligum Dulom,” particularly commuting daily from Paranaque to Marikina for the first two weeks. However, the design and development process itself was less daunting. Embracing trial and error, remaining open to new ideas, and listening to feedback were crucial to overcoming obstacles. Chad’s passion for his craft made the demanding process enjoyable, never feeling like a challenge.
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Chad credits his education in Industrial Design for shaping his creativity, problem-solving skills, and understanding of user needs. The program inspired him to tell stories through design and make a meaningful impact. Looking ahead, Chad plans to explore various industries in the Philippines and stay updated on new design technologies. He aims to support
small businesses in Negros through his designs, creating new industries and jobs for his fellow Negrenses.
Chad Gabrielle Tanutan’s journey from a La Consolacion College Bacolod graduate to an internationally recognized footwear designer is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and innovative thinking. His story inspires aspiring designers to find light in darkness and pursue their dreams relentlessly.