Daniel dela Cruz, born in 1966 in Metro Manila, is a contemporary artist and designer. His artistic journey began with a childhood passion for sculpting, which later evolved into a successful career in product design. Through creativity, discipline, and perseverance, Daniel rose to become the leading product designer at his company, eventually becoming a full partner and its president. His designs, known for their innovative use of diverse materials, gained international acclaim and were distributed under the trademark Daniel dela Cruz © across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
As a trailblazer, Daniel was the first Filipino designer to create ceramic collections for the prestigious Villeroy & Boch in Germany. In 2006, at the age of 39, he transitioned from the world of product design to focus entirely on art, marking the start of a prolific career.
Daniel's first solo exhibition, Kandungan (2007), was a tribute to women and set the tone for his thematic explorations. This was followed by Parangal (2008), honoring Christ, and Himig (2008), a celebration of women through sculpture, both held at the Ayala Museum. His fourth solo exhibit, Passage, also held at the Ayala Museum, further showcased his evolving artistry.
Beyond solo exhibitions, Daniel participated in notable group shows, such as the Forces of Form 3rd Annual Sculpture Review and the 4th Annual Sculpture. His work has earned international recognition, including a Gold Medal at the “Festival of Nativities” in Rome (2008), an event showcasing Nativity designs from five continents.