In celebration of its 70th anniversary, the Filinvest Group unveiled a special collaboration with industrial designer Selena Placino, who crafted a bespoke corporate memento for the company’s partners’ event held on September 17.
Placino designed a set of wooden bookends titled Sandigan—a Filipino term meaning support or pillar—symbolizing strength, unity, and purpose. Inspired by the Ifugao wood sculptures traditionally associated with a good harvest, the piece pays tribute to Filinvest founders Andrew and Mercedes Gotianun, who embody the Group’s legacy as its “visionary” and “tireless implementer.”
Each bookend represents one of these guiding spirits: one depicts a seated figure with closed arms in deep contemplation, representing vision, while the other features open arms, expressing action and perseverance. From the side, both figures form upward-pointing arrows, a nod to Filinvest’s forward-looking mission and continuous growth.
For Filinvest, the collaboration is a reflection of its enduring belief in creativity and innovation. “At Filinvest, we open opportunities for growth and success for people from all walks of life,” said Francis Gotianun, First Senior Vice President of Filinvest Hospitality. “Collaborating with creative minds like Selena reflects the value we place on talent and innovation, both within our organization and in the broader community.”
Placino shared that the project carried deep meaning for her. “Creating bookends felt symbolic, as they hold together the stories Filinvest and its partners have built and collected through the years,” she said.
Established in 1955, the Filinvest Group stands as one of the Philippines’ most diversified conglomerates, with ventures in real estate, banking, power, hospitality, and sugar. The collaboration highlights how Filinvest continues to nurture Filipino talent while honoring the legacy that has shaped seven decades of enabling dreams.
