

UMA NOTA – MANILA
A groundbreaking Japanese Brazilian restaurant that redefines dining and nightlife in Manila.
The Brief
Tucked beneath the luxurious Shangri-La The Fort in Manila, Uma Nota is a dining experience like no other, blending Brazilian and Japanese cultures in a vibrant and immersive setting. When The Odd Duck design studio approached our sister team, TreeLocate Foliages with their vision for a dramatic floating tree at the heart of the space, we knew this was a challenge worth embracing. They wanted an installation that would defy expectations—a tree that appeared to levitate, creating an unforgettable centrepiece in the restaurant’s towering interior.
The Solution
We thrive on ambitious projects, and this one was no exception. Creating a suspended tree of this scale wasn’t just about aesthetics—it required a balance of technical precision and artistic vision. To bring it to life, the team at TreeLocate Foliages:
- Designed a hidden steel plate within the roots and cleverly concealed tensioned cables within the foliage, making the tree appear effortlessly weightless while remaining structurally sound.
- Selected a combination of Ficus foliage and cherry blossoms to reflect both the free-spirited vibrance of Brazil and the refined minimalism of Japanese design.
- Ensured fire safety was a top priority by using our patented FireSilx inherently fire-retardant foliage, providing peace of mind in an enclosed space.
- Conducted rigorous testing in our Dubai facility before shipping the tree in sections to the Philippines, along with detailed step-by-step assembly instructions and 24/7 remote support to ensure a seamless installation.
The Outcome
The floating tree has become an iconic feature of Uma Nota Manila, spanning 5.5 metres in diameter, it is dramatically lit from below, casting shifting shadows across the curved walls and transforming the space into something truly magical. More than just a stunning focal point, it’s proof of what can happen when creativity meets our teams expertise.
Asmaa Said -Founder and Director of The Odd Duck, shared her thoughts on the project:
“The team at Foliages were instrumental in realising our vision for the Hanging Tree installation, the center piece at Uma Nota Manila. The team were extremely professional and paid great attention to detail to make sure The Odd Duck’s design is executed accurately and beautifully.”
Photography – Dubai Interior Photographer Sergei Nekrasov
For more information about the project, read Asmaa Said’s interview with Kanto