In Ascott’s Casa Selma Suite, Filipino Craftsmanship Takes Center Stage
Inspired by the artisans and fisherfolk communities of Olango Island, Casa Selma transforms a suite at Ascott Makati into an immersive showcase of contemporary Filipino design and community-led craftsmanship.
Words Randolf Maala-Resueño
Photos courtesy of Ascott Makati
June 19, 2026
More than a luxurious accommodation, the Casa Selma Suite at Ascott Makati offers a portrait of Filipino craftsmanship shaped by community and place.
Created in collaboration with Cebu-based design studio Casa Selma, the themed suite brings the stories of Olango Island to the heart of Makati through handcrafted furniture, woven details, shell-crafted accessories, and objects rooted in local traditions.
Founded by designer Vito Selma and CEO Isabella Selma-Galarza, the brand has long worked alongside the island's fisherfolk and women shell crafters through sustainable livelihood initiatives and the Payaw Project.
“Ascott Makati and Casa Selma have so many similar values in common, like sustainability, community, and of course, our love for everything Filipino. With that, our vision was clear. We wanted to create a suite that is shaped by the hands and stories of the communities of Olango Island. It really gives it more meaning and gives the suite more life,” shared Selma-Galarza.
Throughout the two-bedroom suite, standout pieces such as the Jacinta bench, Alvaro lounge chair, and Sarok floor lamp highlight the ingenuity of Filipino makers and the enduring language of handcraft.
Photographs, shell prints, and artisanal objects further reveal the communities behind each design.
Part of Ascott Makati's ‘Savor the Art of Living’ campaign, the collaboration demonstrates how contemporary design can become a vessel for cultural memory, transforming a temporary stay into an encounter with the artistry, traditions, and stories of Olango Island.
For reservations, fill up the booking form Casa Selma Suite Booking Form or email [email protected] Promo runs until August 13, 2026.
