Ayala Malls transforms spaces into canvases with new Canva-powered design challenge

Ayala Malls, the Philippines’ premier lifestyle destination, has partnered with Canva to launch the “Creativity Project,” a year-long nationwide design challenge aimed at empowering Filipino creativity.

Running from September 2025 to August 2026, the initiative transforms Ayala Malls into vibrant canvases for local artistry. Participants can create designs using Canva on in-store Apple devices at Beyond the Box, Digimap, and Power Mac Centre outlets across participating malls. Each month, one winning design per mall will be prominently displayed on Ayala Malls’ hoardings, celebrating Filipino talent and creativity.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Canva to bring the Creativity Project to life,” said Ayala Malls’ head of marketing, Mae Dichupa. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering community and providing enriching experiences. By making design accessible and showcasing the incredible talent of Filipinos, we aim to spark joy and inspire creativity in every corner of our malls.”

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The partnership kicks off with the “Canva Creative Corner” pop-up at One Ayala in Makati City from 22-24 August 2025. The three-day experiential event featured hour-long Design Jam sessions on iPads, inviting attendees - ranging from design enthusiasts to casual mallgoers - to explore Canva’s intuitive platform in a fun, interactive environment.

“Canva’s mission is to empower the world to design, and this partnership with Ayala Malls is a significant step towards making that a reality for Filipinos,” said Maisie Littaua, Canva Philippines country manager. “The Creativity Project will not only provide a platform for emerging and established designers but also demonstrate how easy and enjoyable it is to create stunning visuals with Canva, especially when paired with the seamless experience and creativity capabilities of Apple devices.”

Following the launch, the Creativity Project continues across Power Mac Centre, Beyond the Box, and Digimap outlets nationwide, offering monthly design prompts and ongoing opportunities for participants to have their creations showcased to thousands of mall-goers.

With this initiative, Ayala Malls and Canva aim to transform everyday mall spaces into dynamic art installations, highlighting the boundless creativity and vibrant spirit of Filipino design.

Canva’s user base in the Philippines has surged, with one in five internet users now actively using the platform - the first country globally to reach this milestone. The platform has grown from roughly one in eleven users in 2019, driven by a “truly local” approach that tailors features and subscriptions to Filipino behaviour, such as shorter-duration plans and GCash payment options for those without credit cards.

Community-building has also been pivotal, with Facebook groups for teachers, freelancers, and business owners growing rapidly and word-of-mouth continuing to drive adoption. As of January 2025, the Philippines had 97.5 million internet users, and Canva forms part of its broader expansion in Asia-Pacific markets including China, India, Indonesia, and Japan. Globally, Canva now boasts 225 million monthly active users.

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