Manila Middle Ground by Jeth Torres

The Philippines is on the rise, with a growing number of Filipinos embracing creative careers. With this surge of talent, there comes a need for more spaces to cater to the artistic soul of people, allowing it to be nourished and to flourish in. This is where Manila Middle Ground comes into the picture.

Manila Middle Ground is a creative retail and events space run by Valerie Tamayo, John Raymond Bumanglag, and Jeth Torres. It focuses on art and design merchandise—ranging from art prints, stickers, zines, charms, décor, wearables, and specialty craft items, among others—created by local artists, crafters, and brands. The space also serves as a venue for creative workshops, seminars, talks, exhibitions, pop-ups, art markets, and as a friendly hangout spot for creatives.

About the Logo

The brand aims for a logo that is timeless, straightforward, and conveys a sense of togetherness. The logotype is a modified version of Plantin, a serif typeface. Serifs—the lines attached to letters—symbolize open arms and mutual support, reflecting how creatives and the general public come together to celebrate art and design. These serifs and spurs are carefully merged to create a cleaner, more cohesive look, symbolizing the brand’s mission to provide an inclusive space for the creative community.

It is located within Comuna, a creative hub in Makati City, Philippines. Manila Middle Ground bridges the gap between creatives and the general public, serving as the middle ground that fosters a sense of community and collaboration.

From exhibits to talks, Manila Middle Ground serves as an actual middle ground for people—ranging from young creatives to seasoned creative veterans. MMG’s design language is simple, yet elegant, like a picture frame: it’s there as a space to capture one’s attention and highlight the artwork even more. We celebrate MMG’s current position, but also its potential as a pioneer for this designed structure for years to come.

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Brand Identity by Jeth Torres.
Follow him in other places too:
Instagram: @jethtorres

Follow MMG in other places too:
Facebook: Manila Middle Ground
Instagram: Manila Middle Ground