Born in 1966 in Metro Manila, Daniel de la Cruz had been expected to take up and practice medicine or law. Reluctant to pursue such expectations wholeheartedly, he worked in a gift and décor export company as a product designer creating small gifts and Christmas décor designs. His journey to becoming an artist and sculptor seemed fated. His job proved life changing as he soon found freedom of expression in this new setting. Pursuing his childhood hobby of sculpting, Daniel, due to his creativity, coupled with discipline and perseverance in his work, became the leading product designer in the same company, and ultimately a full partner and its president. He became well known for his designs and his expert use of diverse materials, with his products distributed under the trademark Daniel de la Cruz © in the United States, as well as in Canada and in Europe. He is also the first Filipino designer to develop ceramic collections for the prestigious Villeroy and Boch in Germany. In 2006, at the age of 39, Daniel de la Cruz ventured beyond the world of product design and manufacturing, where he is an unmitigated success, into the world of art. Since then he has been very prolific. It was in August of the following year that he mounted his first solo exhibition, Kandungan, which served as a tribute to women. This was soon followed by Parangal, a tribute to Christ, which was mounted in April 2008 and a third solo exhibit held in September 2008 at the Ayala Museum, entitled Himig, a celebration of women through sculpture. Recently concluded is his 4th solo exhibit in the Philippines entitled Passage, held at the Ayala Museum on In between those exhibitions, Daniel de la Cruz also participated in group shows, such as Forces of Form 3rd Annual Sculpture Review and the 4th Annual Sculpture.

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in 2007 and 2008 respectively, and where this new artist exhibited alongside esteemed Filipino sculptors. Daniel received a Gold medal for the “Festival of Nativities” held in Rome in December of 2008. This yearly exposition held in Rome features Nativity sculptures and designs from 5 continents which compete for the coveted prize.

He has since had more exhibits and has recently concluded a sold-out show in Singapore in 2009.