ARCHITECTSYOU WISHWERE REALCHECK OUR LISTOF THE TOP FICTIONALARCHITECTS INSIDE(see page 19)

ON HERITAGE CONSERVATIONGET TO KNOW ARCH.RENE LUIS MATA (see page 21)

STAR-CHITECTON THE RISEGET TO KNOW ARCH.JASON ROMEO ABUSTAN (see page 20)

UAPSA ACTIONIN A YEAR

CHECK THE CHRONOLOGY

OF THE ACTIVITIES INSIDE(see CENTERFOLD)

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Jannah Clarrise Clarinuapsa up-min

associateeditor

Edilberto Co, Jr.uapsa upd

layouteditor

Ingria Shean Morfeuapsa mit

newseditor

Chelsea Falquerabaouapsa upd

featureeditor

Marie Abigail Pachouapsa upd

editor-in-chief

Vladimir Bon Dunghituapsa upd

graphic designer

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Vanessa Rosariauapsa ust

managing editor

Aldeah Mae Belotindosuapsa up-min

Megan Joyce Cruzuapsa upd

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Jose Antonio Xerez-Burgosuapsa uphsd-c

Emerson Boliboluapsa nwu

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Princess Dianne Villegasuapsa upd

Arch Leiron MarkDe Guzman

adviser

senior contributing editorsNEWS

FEATURE

RODRIGO DUTERTED AVA O C I T Y M AY O R

My warmest greetings to the United Architects of the Philippines – Student Auxiliary as you hold your 21st National Congress.

Your association’s commitment in helping improve the public’s

and members of the UAP and to the people who employ your professional services. This passion for your profession clearly reflects your group’s goal of growing and developing.

nation, our path to progress remains illuminated by citizens carrying the torch of bayanihan in their efforts towards nation building.

I am optimistic your organization will continue to engage in

Mabuhay kayong lahat!

ARCH. TED INOCENCIO, fuapU A P E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O RF O R C O M M I S S I O N O N E D U C A T I O N

Haligi is the Filipino term for post, column or pilaster, a vertical support that makes it possible for any structure to stand that would become Architecture. Truly the word chosen to be the

Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary (UAPSA)-National represents an indispensable part of a structure and if by chance,

the term may signify any foretelling about its future, there is no doubt it could withstand the birthpains of an inaugural issue and

may count more years by being sturdy and how.

of the editorial board and staff of Haligi as you truly deserve esteemed felicitations for having the courage to publish and

the will to succeed. It is not easy and just a walk in the park so to speak when it comes to publication as it entails one to have a big heart and an undaunting spirit to make it happen. Surely

with much aplomb and enthusiasm, how can you ever fail in this worthy endeavor. Congratulations!!!

In behalf of the UAP Commission on Education and the Council of Deans and Heads of Architecture Schools in the Philippines

(CODHASP), I would like to take this opportunity to commend all of you in this undertaking, and may you be steadfast and resolute

at all times.

Mabuhay and Godspeed!

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PAOLO MENDOZA, aias, piasa, uapsaU A P S A N A T I O N A L P R E S I D E N T

Warm greetings from the UAPSA National Board! We welcome and wish all delegates and sponsors to enjoy and to have lasting

memories as we celebrate the UAPSA 21st National Congress.

This year’s theme “Kaleido+Scope: Harmonizing Diverse Cultures,

organization with the different cultures and customs of the communities that surround us. This annual gathering aims to provide both professional and educational experiences to the

delegates by immersing them to new ideas that are not conferred within the school. We truly hope that you make the most of your

participation in this event.

We want to thank everyone for the generous support and trust that you are giving the National Board. We hope to see you again

Agayaman-ak unay! Dacal a salamat! Damo gid salamat! Daghang salamat! Maraming salamat!

May the Great Architect in Heaven guide us in our future endeavours! To God be the Glory! Mabuhay ang UAPSA! VIVA!

ALDWIN TAN, uapsaU A P S A C O M M I S S I O N E RO N C O N G R E S S & A S S E M B L I E S

I am thrilled to welcome you to the beautiful resort of Eden Nature Park and Resort for our 21st UAPSA National Congress with the theme: “Kaleido+scope”, an event that warrants to empower our minds by learning from the past.

Recognizing colors and the vibrance of our history will optimize our knowledge to evoke progressive change to the future of architecture from different islands and diverse cultures.

A festive of hues, a glittering transformation, an immersion of cultures, and an of ignition festivities in the crown jewel of Mindanao.

May this congress add color to our life and enhance our

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UAPSA-PALSU PROVED THAT they really deserve to be called the best chapter by dominating simple

National Architecture Week. This year’s celebration really marked the history of Palawan State Universi-ty’s Architecture department with the theme: “Align-ing with the Global Skyline.” PALSU’s activities are perfectly apt to this year’s concept. This annual cele-bration aims to show the must-haves of architecture through education and enjoyment. UAPSA-PALSU’s newest and annual activities pictured out the true idea of conceptualizing.

The celebration began with a walk of the stu-dents and the architects from the UAP-Palawan Chapter, which portrayed the unity that is circling within the family. Instead of the usual motorcade, they had decided to do the walk as an advocacy to

opened the celebration of the National Architecture Week through Arch. Richard Delera, President of the UAP-Palawan Chapter. The program also cov-

lunch really conquered the excitement and soon-to-be architects. This was followed by a team building activity which created new friendships among the students from every year levels.

different schools in the city to conduct the “Built En-vironment Program” which is a vocational campaign that aimed to keep students aware on what architec-

ture is and encourages them to choose architecture as a career. After the visit, UAPSA-PALSU opened an Architectural Exhibit at the Robinson’s Place Palawan, featuring the works of the architecture students and a collection of designs and proposals of the architects in Palawan which was set as the highlight of the exhibit. The exhibit was prepared to portray the skills of the students and architects all over Palawan. ABS-CBN Palawan even covered the opening program of the exhibit and interviewed Ms. Roxan C. Elejan, UAPSA-PALSU President.

On the 3rd day, architectural competition occurs between the different teams. The competition re-flected how good, talented, creative, and resource-ful the architecture students are. It was followed

-ed by the three (3) guest speakers; Arch. Eduardo F. Bober, Ms. Liezel L. Ujvari, and Arch. Anthony P. Anderson who presented their different views about

architecture. Every speaker had their own way on

how they discussed their own presentations.

On the 4th day, UAPSA-PALSU organized a bas-ketball game between architects from the UAP-Pal-awan Chapter and architecture students from the UAPSA-PALSU and two separate basketball games played between a two male-to-male team and two female-to-female team composed of male and fe-male architecture students from the UAPSA-PALSU. The highlight of this activity, which is the game played between the architects and the architecture

UAPSA-PALSU CELEBRATES NATIONAL ARCHITECTURE WEEK 2013

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BY DOVINA SAGUN

news

students resulted in a win in favor the UAPSA-PALSU with a score of 45-38.

The coronation night of the search for the Ms. UAPSA-PALSU 2013 was held later in the afternoon. Ms. Shernel Timbancaya, the 2nd year represent-

PALSU.

help of kind-hearted sponsors and members of the

gift-giving program for the senior citizens of Ba-rangay Mangingisda, a barangay located 40-kilom-eters from the city proper. The gift-giving program

smile and enjoy what the students have prepared for them, to let them feel that they are not being ne-glected by the society.

Finally, UAPSA-PALSU’s week-long celebration of the National Architecture Week 2013 ended on Cul-

by more than a hundred students a number of archi-tects, instructors, and sponsors for the whole event.

The celebration really made a huge impact and

PALSU; the desire to do much better, the determi-nation to strive more to attain their most important

architecture – to become a successful architect someday. It is one step for the restoration of the UAPSA-PALSU itself, on the scene of socializing with every chapters of the UAPSA all over the nation. •

(pictured above)Members of the UAPSA-PALSU

prepares for a one-sign pose for the camera after they have arranged the human-size UAPSA letters across the College of Engineering, Architecture &

Technology Road to mark thestart of the celebration of the

National Architecture Week 2013.

DESPITE A CANCELLED EVENT and a busy uni-versity calendar, the Isabela State University (ISU) Ilagan City Chapter of the United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary (UAPSA) held its annu-al celebration of the National Architecture Week on December 9 to 13 year 2013.

Scheduled a week after the university-wide Uni-versity Games and Socio-Cultural Competition 2013 and on the same week as the prelim examinations, the chapter’s NAW celebration was originally a three-day event. However, an announcement for an earlier holiday vacation and a reschedule of the ex-ams made it possible for the chapter to have it for a full week.

-light of this year’s celebration but cancelled it after

Run,” it was considered as a chance to introduce the architecture program of the Isabela State University and a way to have the four architecture schools in Cagayan Valley together: University of Saint Louis in Tuguegarao City, University of La Salette in Santiago City, Saint Mary’s University in Bayombong, and ISU in Ilagan City. Delson Pascua, the chapter president, hopes that there’ll be a similar activity in the next

The NAW celebration was launched during the campus flag ceremony. It was followed in the af-ternoon by the batch pictorials and the team-build-ing activity in which chapter members were divided into teams and sent around the campus to perform competitive games and activities.

The freshman and sophomore students compet-ed in monochromatic drawing and still life painting, respectively. A problem for the design competition for the junior and senior students was issued by the UAP Sierra Madre – to design the façade of the chapter headquarters in line with the memorandum of agreement signed between UAP Sierra Madre and UAPSA-ISU during the World Day of Architecture.

On the 11th, the chapter toured around Balay Na Ilagan, an artists’ haven in the city. Balay is the friendship hall of Ilagan City. Mr. Christopher Nuez,

(continued to page 13)

LAST SEPTEMBER 21, 2013 at 7o’clock in the evening was an exciting night for the members and

Student Auxiliary – UST Chapter (UAPSA-UST) as they had their Induction and Acquaintance party en-titled: Ignition which was held at the Ariato fucntion center of the Il Terrazo builiding in Tomas Morato.

UAPSA-UST passed on the baton of responsibility

was also the night of the acquaintance party of the members of UAPSA-UST as they were able to meet

College of Architecture, as well as members the na-tional organization UAPSA-UST Chapter.

The night started off with arrival of the UAP Na-tional Board of Directors, the UAPSA National Board of Directors, architects, parents and guests. After the opening ceremony, the guests were treated to a dinner service and were entertained by singers and performers Janille Sy, and Keith Garcia. As the

of UAPSA-UST F.Y. 2012-2013 were awarded for their achievements and accomplishments during

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treated to a very inspirational speech given by Ar-chitect Lora B. Rivera, the National Executive Vice President of the UAP. This was soon followed by

UAPSA-UST F.Y. 2013-2014.

UST, Architect John Joseph Fernandez the Secretary General of the UAP as well as being the Dean of the College of Architecture of the University of Santo To-

wishing them luck as they now shoulder the re-sponisbility of being important members of this or-ganization. To close this ceremony, the closing re-marks were given by Architect Henry Felix E. Herrera the UAP Manila Atelier Chapter President •

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READY, SET,IGNITION!BY FRANCISCO VILLANUEVA

UAPSA-ISU HOLDS NAW 2013BY JESUS SEBASTIAN JR.

TRAGIC—a word thatthat happened to our country in the past few months; A sharp retaliation from our Mother Nature; A trag-edy that affected numerous lives; an unexpected event that a clear evidence of what the nature could do.

Act of God one of architecture’s greatest enemy that is inevitable, Force majeure as others call it, a natural phenomenon that is out of our control. The historical churches in Bohol and Cebu had been the current victim of nature’s furious strike.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake jolted architecture treasures in the said provinces. Old churches that had been a religious site and tourist attraction for years, structures of colorful tales and heritage was taken down in just a few minutes. Similarly, a devas-tating catastrophe set upon the lives of the Visayan people, last November 2013, a typhoon that left the country dumb-founded on how strong nature re-venge is.

The past events not only had a great impact on our people’s life but it also hit hard on the architec-ture’s great treasures. A number of important struc-tures had been affected; building that plays an im-portant role on the affected cities, and residence that had been clearly swept off. Thus with all the tragedy that had occur different architectural organization had willingly want to help and have the advocacy about the structure affected by natural calamities.

non-government organization of professionals in

providing technical assistance to the urban poor; It was one of the group that supports such historical advocacy.

Last January 08, 2014, a seminar facilitated by UAPSA-MIT in supervision of college dean, Arch. Gloria B. Teodoro was held at the AR-ID-BE depart-ment, it was entitled, “Historic Preservation for Dis-aster Risk Reduction” with Arch. Faith Verona, a fac-ulty in UP Diliman and the program director for the research and publications of Tao-Pilipinasn; Arch. Angel Sales, that have a diploma in archaeology from the archaeological studies program of UP Dili-

man and Arch. Roz Li, a former professor in School of Planning and Architecture, Columbia University and the School of Architecture, University of Tenes-see, as the speaker of the said event.

Three architects with the same advocacy to help in historic preservation and currently, to support the af-fected people and architecture of the tragedy. Attend-ed by architecture students, the seminar expressed a need to learn more about heritage conservation as it relates to community development and urban poor issues. It focuses on how buildings being structural-ly prepared for a disaster would help on preserving it.

The speak focuses on historic preservation, the -

proach in reconstruction and replication, and the major challenges in conservation. They point out the intangible heritage that old structures has, that we architecture students should be aware of the

we play an important role of keeping the ancestry of architecture, with all the progress and technol-ogy development, preserving historical structures seem to lose interest from our practicing profes-sionals. For that reason, the organization promotes preservation and restoration of such structure that

such treasure is losing the identity of the history. What the world would be without historic struc-tures that let us commemorate the good tales of the past and the beauty of our origins. They advo-cate a heart for the old, a mind for the past, a hand ready to help and be part of the great advocacy.

‘Historic Preservation for Disaster Risk Reduc-tion’, if only all architects would have the knowledge to protect such jewel, then we may lessen the risk of losing all the churches and other important struc-tures, or we may be able to revive and bring its glory back.

Historical structure traces the changes in archi-tecture; it is a visual story-teller of how great archi-tecture was and will be. As they say, “If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you are.” •

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HISTORIC PRESERVATION FORDISASTER RISK PREVENTIONBY INGRIA MORFE

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ANOTHER LEGACY HAS BEEN made when the

August 07, 2013. The ‘Online Quiz Challenge’ was in-spired by different quiz bees that had been conduct-ed on the chapter’s former years. This event aims to give new information and enrich their knowledge on various topics related to building construction and architecture in a new and modern approach. Con-ducted at 07:00pm every Saturday, it serves as an active interconnection exclusively between the of-

The mechanics of the game:

set of question will be given by the ‘Quiz Masters’ per week. Akin to the conventional quiz bee, the OQC comprises of questions that corresponds to a speci-

given amount of time but this time it is done online!

The ‘UAPSA-TUP Arki Tribune’, is an exclusive Facebook group where the competition would take place, a UAPSA-TUP admin will post a theme and

question will be posted by the quiz master and the members would be given 15 minutes to answer,

-en points privately. Same rule is applied until all questions has been posted. The tally of points and names of the winners will be posted after the entire game. Every week, the members have the chance to accumulate points and win prizes prepared by the chapter.

Aside from the prizes, the winners or the “Online Quiz Wizards” were also given recognition during the awarding ceremony of the annual TUP Architec-ture Week 2013. The winners per month received a

which vincludes the quarter and the Green issue. Continuing to share knowledge to other students, the UAPSA-TUP’s Online Quiz challenge is now on its second half •

UAPSA-TUPCHAPTER’SONLINE QUIZCHALLENGEBY JESUS ESTEBAN JR.

Mr. Bernie D. Bayla of BSA-1C (top) and Ms. Denise Tuason of BSA-2A (above) awarded as UAPSA OQC Wizardsduring the awarding ceremoniesof TUP Architecture Week 2013together with UAPSA-TUP ChapterPresident, Ms. Gelli P. Ricoand Chapter Internal AffairsDirector, Mr. Emil Dave A. Odicta.

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InductionCeremony of Incoming

UAPSA LCCB Officers

S.Y. 2013-2014

EARLY IN THE ACADEMIC year, most UAPSA chap-ters conduct their Induction Ceremony to usher in

-bers. For UAPSA-LCCB, it was held on August 31, 2013 at the L’Fisher Hotel with the theme Cirque Nouveau. The students arrived with creative attires, hairstyles and accessories to represent the vibrant nature of a circus, excited with the event which also served as acquaintance party for all members, old and new.

A “star-studded” event, so to speak, the UAPSA-LCCB Induction Ceremony was one of the biggest events of the lone chapter in Negros Occidental. It was attended by a lot of UAP District C2 personali-ties: Arch. Alfonso Gamboa, Vice President for Area C; Arch. Ariel Tatoy, District Director for District C2; Arch. Roy Pablico, President of UAP-Bacolod; Arch. Felipe Jocson, President of UAP Mt. Kanlaon; Arch. Nilo de Oca, Secretary for District C2. The guest speaker for this occasion was Arch. Jessie Miranda, Principal Partner and Senior Designer of InteriCAD Philippines.

The induction and oath-taking of the new set

UAPSA-LCCB incoming President, Berlin John Tolen--

za, the UAPSA National President himself, and as-sisted by Stephen Lagaras, UAPSA District Director

for C2. The induction also incorporated a warm wel-come of its 156 new members and, together with the existing members, comprised an attendance of about 500 persons.

Other than the speech given by Arch. Jessie

of the ceremony included the turnover of the Key of Responsibility by Lucky Jan Aguillon, outgoing UAPSA-LCCB President, to Berlin John Tolentino. The incoming president then delivered his inaugural address where he reiterated the objectives of UAPSA which is to project the value and the importance of the role of the Architecture student in nation build-ing and public service, and emphasized that he can only be effective as the head of the organization if the members extend cooperation and involvement.

The event also showcased the other artistic tal-ents of the students as bands performed through-out dinner. A pageant capped the evening, where Mr. and Ms. UAPSA was chosen from among 10 con-testants.

Many activities of the organization ensued in the following months, including Exhibition of plate works, Zombie Run, ArchKids, WDA Mural Painting Activity, Community Service Activities, Symposium and others, but the UAPSA-LCCB Induction Ceremo-ny for this academic year was truly memorable. •

UAPSA-LCCB CIRQUE NOUVEAUBY MARK DELFIN

CONFAB 4.0Last August 3, UAPSA, in partnership with UAP-Que-

CONFAB 4.O: Lecture Series and Thesis Consultation, at the UAP National Headquarters.

The event began with the oath-taking of the UAPSA National Board of Directors who were then inducted by Arch. Ted Vllamor G. Inocencio, UAP Executive Director of the Commission on Education.

The morning session involved a series of talks on med-ical facilities by Arch. Marlon Reyes and on airport design by Arch. Willie Chua. On the second half of Confab 4.0, architects of the UAP Quezon City chapter gave free the-sis consultations to the graduating architecture students.

Confab 4.0 drew a total of 1033 attendees from all over the country, surpassing the 800 registrants of the previous year’s Confab--an annual event of UAPSA and UAP-Quezon City chapter which aims to provide addition-al help to architecture students who are currently working on their thesis.

QUADRIPARTITE 2013

chapters nationwide convene to take part in Quadripartite 2013 held last August 24-26. Quadripartite is an annual three-day event of UAPSA wherein members from all over the country gather in the metropolis to participate in four (4) sub-events: UAPSA National Induction, Acquaintance Party, National Leadership Development Program, and Grand Chapter Presidents’ Assembly.

This year’s Quadripartite began with a formal dinner on the night of August 24 at the Aberdeen Court, Great

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Arch. Lora B. Rivera, UAP National Executive Vice Presi-dent. The acquaintance party immediately followed after the induction.

On August 25, UAPSA members showcased their teamwork and leadership skills in the National Leadership Development Program at the La Mesa Ecopark. Finally, on

to the National Board during the Grand Chapter Presi-dent’s Assembly, held at Teatro Arkitekto, UAP National Headquarters.

WORLD DAY OF ARCHITECTUREOn October 7, in celebration of the World Day of Ar-

chitecture, the United Architects of the Philippines held a LEGO competition and a fashion show at Market! Market! Activity Center with the help of UAPSA members who vol-unteered to be part of the event’s organizing committees.

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) bagged -

tute of Technology (MIT) and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Calamba (UPHSD) placed second and third, respectively. On the other hand, Buelan Bolisay of Far Eastern University (FEU) was crowned as Ms. World Day Architecture. Diane Leyco of the University of Santo To-

Angelica Simbulan of Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University (DHVTSU) earned the second runner-up title. Jerome Quinto Yao, also from UST, was hailed De-signer of the Year.

AREA ASSEMBLIESArea B Assembly

Last October 19-21, chapters in Southern Luzon con-vened in Club Balai, Isabel in Talisay, Batangas for the Area B Assembly.

With this year’s theme: “BIGIKS: Creating Impact and Showcasing Talent through Synergic Linkages,” 106 UAPSA members had the opportunity to increase their knowledge in architecture by attending the three-day event which consists of seminars, competitions, teambuilding activities, a fellowship night and a business meeting.

Mass in the Club Balai Church. The seminar proper fol-lowed shortly after the mass. There were three guest

Anderson, a member of the UAP and the current chairper-son of the UAPSA Palawan State University chapter, who shared his knowledge in constructing and making a sim-

Following Arch. Anderson was Arch. Fred Gutierrez, who inspired the delegates with his stories of persever-ance before becoming a successful architect. Lastly, Arch. Leiron Mark S. De Guzman, current Vice President

A Y E A R I N R E V I E W :UAPSA NATIONAL by

MARIEABIGAILPACHO

The United Architects of the Philippines-Stu-dent Auxiliary (UAPSA) is the prime and du-ly-recognized student organization of the Unit-ed Architects of the Philippines. For almost 24 years of its existence, UAPSA has committed to gearing its members from all over the nation towards camaraderie, professionalism, and self-less service. With the theme, “Revolutionizing Service. Edifying Professionalism. Diversifying Culture,” UAPSA has conducted the following events for the first half of the fiscal year:

for Programs and Planning of the UAP Quezon City Chap-ter and UAPSA Chairperson, lectured on RA 10587, an act regulating the practice of environmental planning.

On the second day, architectural competitions were conducted in the morning and were followed by the teambuilding activities in the afternoon. On the night of Oct. 20, candidates for Mr. and Ms. Area B flaunted their creative and formal wear during the Fellowship Night.

The Area B Assembly concluded with a business meeting presided by UAPSA National President Paolo M. Mendoza. UAPSA Commissioner on Internal Affairs Ra-chel Anne T. Castro discussed the proposed revisions on the UAPSA bylaws which would, upon reaching quorum,

Area C Assembly

UAPSA chapters of the Visayas region gathered to-gether for a three-day Area C Assembly at the Boracay Holiday Resort on Oct. 23-25.

The theme for this year’s assembly was “DETOUR: A Trip towards Architectural Diversity.” The event be-gan with a Eucharistic mass, which was followed by the

-gates gathered during the honor dinner as they watched the candidates for Mr. and Ms. Area C walk in their formal attires.

On the second day, students participate under differ-ent categories for the Arki-Olympiad, a series of architec-tural competitions. After the competitions, the seminar proper followed. Arch. Nathaniel Duenas enlightened the students with his knowledge in architecture by sharing his experiences in the profession and giving them smart tips. On the last day of the assembly, a business meeting was also held by Mendoza and Castro.

Area A Assembly

Area A conducted their area assembly on Nov. 8-10 at the Thunderbird Resorts, Poro Point La Union.

the Area Assembly began with a Eucharistic mass at St. William’s Church which was followed by the semi-nar proper. On the night of Nov. 8, delegates and guest speakers gathered during the Honor Dinner.

On the second day, architectural competitions were conducted in the morning, followed by the teambuilding activities in the afternoon. Candidates for the Mr. and Ms. Area A pageant showcased their talents and wit dur-ing the Fellowship Night.

Delegates of the assembly spent the last day of the area assembly touring around La Union before leaving

CDO AND DAVAO HERITAGE TOURThe cancellation of the Area D Assembly last October

due to security issues in Mindanao inspired the UAPSA Area D Council to conduct District-wide activities.

Last November 16 and 17, 2013, UAPSA Area D con-ducted an Area-wide activity called Heritage Tours in its two Districts: District D2 & D3 (Cagayan de Oro City) and District D1 (Davao City) respectively. The Heritage Tours was done in celebration of the 24th Year Founding An-niversary of UAPSA. UAPSA Area D Heritage Tours was a two-day seminar event conducted in UAPSA Chapters Cagayan de Oro College – PHINMA Education Network, Cagayan de Oro City and Ateneo De Davao University, Davao City.

The seminars were focused on Heritage Architec-ture. Two seminars in CDO and Davao were conducted namely “Arkitekturang Filipino, Meron Ba?” by Arch. Rino Domingo Fernandez, UAP of UST and NCCA and “Les-sons in Sustainability from our Heritage Structures” by Arch. Miguel C. Guerrero III, fuap, apec, assoc. aia. In Davao, there were two additional speakers namely Archi-tects Harold Delima, UAP and Dave Yangyang, UAP who

of young businessmen and architects. They have tackled on strategies of overcoming stress and challenges dur-

open forums were conducted to facilitate questions and expound the ideas in the talks given by the speakers.

Approximately 120 delegates from District D2 and D3 attended the event in Cagayan de Oro City. Pres-ent Chapters were Mindanao University of Science and Technology, Cagayan de Oro College – PHINMA Educa-tion Network, Lyceum of Iligan Foundation, Iligan City and Saint Joseph Institute of Technology, Butuan City. Architect-instructors from COC-PEN were also present and Arch. Jemma Sarol- Semaña, UAP of NCCA and for-mer UAP VP for Area D also graced the event. District D1 with around 60 delegates have complete chapter par-ticipation. Davao City Chapters University of Mindanao, University of the Philippines-Mindanao, Ateneo de Davao University and Notre Dame of Dadiangas University from General Santos City participated in the event. 8 out of 11 UAPSA Chapters of Mindanao participated in this Ar-ea-wide Event.

Holcim Philippines was the major sponsor. Ms. Gil-lian Cortez of Holcim conducted a presentation entitled “Next Generation”, a global Holcim-sponsored compe-tition open to students, architects and professionals. Competition kits were provided for the delegates.•

UAPSA NATIONAL 2013-2014

ILOILO—WITH THE THEME “Sunshine Reggae”,

Acquaintance Party was held at the beach with the

-pared team-building and strategic planning exercis-es wherein participants had learned how to attract and encourage other members to actively partici-pate in the activities prepared for them.

Furthermore, the quadripartite held in Manila was attended by six members while members of the chapter also participated in the USA Student Organization General Assembly where an Induction Ceremony was held. Attendees include UAPSA Na-tional president, Ms. Paola Mendoza, VP for Area C, Ms. Angel Ganzon and Area C2 District Director Mr. Stephen Lagaras. The following day, a tree-planting activity was conducted in the Maasin watershed as over 60 members volunteered in climbing up muddy roads and crossed rivers—a memorable experience which not only highlighted the knowledge acquired from the visit but also served as a sign of the organ-

-ing.

Fourth,an exhibit, composed of Miniatures, Visual Technique plates, Building Design and Best Theses of students, and a doodle art competition, wherein the different sections of each year level were required to doodle the A-R-C-H-I-T-E-C-T-U-R-E letters, was held in celebration of World Architecture Day which received positive remarks from different departmental colleges.•

UAPSA-USA:THEJOURNEYSO FARBY KRISTIN OLALO

(continued from page 07)the tour guide, encouraged the chap-ter members to submit works of art to the Balay management for evalua-tion and, if chosen, have an opportu-nity to join the artist pool, to exhibit, to sell, and to participate in workshops and seminars here and abroad.

The week was capped by what members say as the “much-awaited event of the week”: the Architecture Ball held at the A-Venue Hall. Com-pared with last year’s ball, members dressed in their best semi-formal garb were treated to video shows of the different year levels, a fash-ion show, and an accomplishment report. The winners and runners-up in the different competitions were awarded prizes. •

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DAVAO CITY—SEPTEMBER 21, 2013 marked yet another milestone as Invest Mindanow, together with UAPSA and UAPGA chapters from District D-1, brought about Archidrift: Architects Driving for Tran-sition, a conference for both seasoned architects and students of architecture in Mindanao to engage them in profession enrichment for all the highlights involved throughout a career in Architecture.

The event was a series of talks with topics from different aspects of the architecture profession and

Evolution” by speaker Arch. Sharmane Coquilla, served as a guide which tackles how an architec-ture student, an architecture graduate or a newly li-censed architect should decide about which steps to take as they encounter different steps in their career while Financial Blueprinting for Gen Y, the second part given by Arch. Harold Jay de Lima, focused on

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of time where an architect can grow his profession,

Third, although considered a later addition to the program, Arch. Maria Concepcion S. Dy proved to be a fun and awe-inspiring one as she talked about the “Architect’s Reality: Is your license really enough?”. “It is a dream come true for me particularly, to be able to mentor and share our experience to the younger generation.”, she stated.

Capping off the conference was keynote speak-er Arch. Miguel Guerrero III’s talk where he shared how architects should package themselves and get in touch with their market and how the market, in return, enriches them. In totality, although varied in terms of the areas of architecture discussed, the dif-ferent sessions all served to highlight the immense potential of architecture as an avenue for growth not only for the architects and students of architecture, both in a professional and personal sense, but also for the society they belong to—all the while present-ed in a catchy, simple and enjoyable way. •

CAGAYAN DE ORO—Cagayan de Oro College- Phin-ma (COC- Phinma) paid a visit to MUST to par-ticipate in a basketball game initiated by MUST’s UAPSA chapter held at the university’s gym morn-ing of December 21 for the celebration of the Archi-tecture Days.

COC-Archi, with a team of 14, dominated the 1st quarter of the game with a four point lead. Howev-er, only a few points shy, the latter lost such domi-nation within the next three quarters but continued to show much determination to have the upper hand as the game neared its end. MUST-Archi even-tually turned the tables against the opposing team and won the game, 57-52. Their most valuable asset Othman Tamano knocked in 19 points while

both Villarojo and Caliso got 13 points.

On the other hand, COC-Phinma stunned the MUST-Archi team, 30-10, in the women’s basketball game thus wrapping up the games with a win each per school. “The game was nice and MUST and

of COC chapter stated in Cebuano after the game was concluded.

The friendship game between MUST and the neighboring school COC-Phinma was a big step towards achieving the university’s goal to socialize and unite with other organizations and institutions. The said activity is hoped to be continued and repeated in the upcoming events as a key to estab-lish good interrelationships.•

INVEST MINDANOW PRESENTS ARCHIDRIFTBY KRISTIN OLALO

MUST-ARCHI INVITES COC IN ABASKETBALL FRIENDSHIP GAMEBY CHRISTINE BAANG

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H A L I G I . n e w s

15editorialBeing an architect seems as easy as having a crush

on that girl sitting near the entrance of a café, sipping her cup of cappuccino, or that guy you sat beside with in a jeepney yesterday. You look at them and, somehow, you just like them. But being an architect is nothing close to that. It is everything that comes after when you decide to pursue that person.

The world can be viewed through relationships. Back in our grade school days, science taught us that relationships such us mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism exist among biological organisims. In math, we always encounter the infamous relationship of x and y. Lastly, we have the kinds of social relations; we can either be family, friends, classmates, etc.

Being an architect is like being in a relationship. Ar-chitecture becomes your beloved whom you have to do

should not just like it. You have to love it.

Loving the profession also has its ups and downs parallel with human relationships. Sometimes, we fear. We are scared to take risks in expressing our weird ideas just like how we fear to show what we feel for our loved ones. Unknown to us, the exciting things that strengthen our connections are just lying one step behind that fear. At times, we also feel uninspired to design, and we get tired – even coming to a point when we ask ourselves why we are even wasting time for such things when we can just be someone else and live a carefree life.

The problem with us is we tend to forget. Being an architect is to be continuously faithful with our chosen path of endeavor. It is marrying the profession and loving

drafting, and model-making without expecting anything in return.

Being an architect is loving architecture anyway – de-spite of it and no matter what.•

LOVE AND ARCHITECTUREBY CHELSEA FALQUERABAO

Based on the study conducted by the Asian Develop-ment Bank (ADB), the Philippines is a country of good planners and great thinkers, a country whose people are eager for development. But despite these characteris-tics, why are we still in the third world category, trailing behind the shadows of our Asian neighbors?

ADB listed several constraints to Philippine develop-ment and these include infrastructure inadequacy, inef-

government’s infrastructure projects are not enough to

and to boost economic progress.

During catastrophes, houses, bridges, and roads are destroyed due to substandard materials and poor de-sign. Our airports and sea ports are tagged the worst

country’s lack of skyways. The capacity of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT), which could

-portional to the number of passengers per day. While the population of private vehicles is increasing, the number

-modate all vehicles.

These aforementioned major constraints are mainly the concerns of architecture and the construction indus-try. We Filipinos are great planners, but during applica-

execute our ideas. We also lack anticipation. Some of us plan for something that may address current issues, but forget to consider the future implications.

We should respect each other’s role in the construc-tion industry, and not to assume the part of another as if we know everything. No man is a monopoly of knowl-edge. Two heads are still better than one.

Presently, the effect of climate change is troubling our infrastructures; it’s now time for us to advocate sus-tainability and green architecture. The trend in design is changing over the passage of time, and today, we are all looking for resiliency – structures, roads, and bridges that can withstand any catastrophic circumstance. This is not impossible if we decide to integrate sustainability and noble ideas into our design.

Our imagination and sensitivity can go very far. We can create a better Philippines if we have the courage to do so. We will reach the end of the “matuwid na daan” if we have the proper discipline and knowledge to address all issues along the way. We can’t move on if we put all the blame to the bureaucracy. It’s up for us to play our own role or shut the door of opportunities. It’s up to us Filipinos to pursue these plans or let them slip in those blueprints. It’s up to us to take the paradigm shift.

And the act should be done now!•

DWELLING MOSTLY ON BLUEPRINTSBY EMERSON BOLIBOL

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In the exquisitely ethereal sphere of architecture, myr-iad creative imagination frolic and immeasurable ideas and sketches iridescently turn into reality. But what if one does not possess the skill of drawing – an architect’s means of communication and display of twinkles of in-genuity? Is becoming an architect just chasing rainbow?

Many believe that the realm of architecture is inhab-ited by those who are endued with ravishing creativity and the prowess of creating artistic pictures and dia-grams. After all, architecture has to be of the most su-preme quality of art. It is a legacy and a corroboration of the society’s opalescent culture and traditions. It is the mirror of time. Thus, it’s inevitable to engender countless stereotypes pertaining to those who desire to take up architecture course in college. The most popular being: aspirants should have commendable drawing skills.

Drawing is an integral and irrevocable part of archi-tecture. It is the skill that enables architects to convey their imagination’s grandeur. It is the skill that express-es one’s thought and self. Architects sketch their visions and from blithesome pen and ink doodles, a concept aris-es – the starting point of artistic creations. Also, drawing and architecture are like rain and flowers. The raindrops of drawing cultivate the blossoms of architecture.

drawing, math, language, creativity, and hard work. Thus, becoming an architect does not merely rely on drawing skills alone. If one can’t draw, it isn’t doomsday yet. There is always an option for learning.

Dreams will always be hemmed in the shackles of mi-rage when not incorporated with action. If one genuinely aspires to be an architect, the lack of drawing skills can-

-ing compared to sincere unflagging pursuit of dreams. So what does it take to become an architect aside from drawing skills? It is creativity, boundless imagination, perseverance, ability to imagine space and ability to un-derstand people that matters.

Drawing and architecture may be inseparable; so are goals and oneself. Desire carries the man halfway. Add it with unfeigned effort and unending quest for knowledge, triumph is bound to come to light. Drawing skills alone

architect. Passion will. So if one lacks drawing skills but exhibits true love for architecture, don’t worry. Enrolling in architecture course is not purely chasing rainbows. It is an exciting trek towards dreams. According to Maeve Greyson, “No one has the power to shatter your dreams unless you give it to them”. That’s why, soar high archi-tects and architects at heart! •

Have you ever been so busy with your plates that you’ve been missing out with your friends? Your T-Square has been your constant companion, your pens have be-come your emotional support, and your drafting table is your shoulder to cry on? Some might agree on this but that is an understatement.

It’s a given that, as architecture students, we spend a lot of time and attention in doing projects and architec-tural plates that we often tend to distant ourselves from

pens and papers, doing the calculations and measure-ments that make us quite the anti-social type. But can we not spend a portion of our day making friends and interacting with the outside environment without caus-ing too much procrastination on our outcome-based studies? We must admit that this has become one of the problems we are facing as students of this career. The answer to that problem is time management.

Dividing your time is not really that easy since things can be quite unpredictable most of the time, but having your mind set for responsibility and self-discipline, things will become smooth sailing. You may think that forgoing some aspects of you social life will help you out in ac-

life would somehow become stagnant and monotonous like robots doing repeated tasks.

According to a discussion in Archinet, the socializa-tion required depends greatly on your aspirations. If you want to just sit in your booth and draw, there probably will be a space for you if you’re any good... and you might be reasonably successful, up to a point. But real success

of both clients and a team. If you don’t offer basic social skills (and don’t want to develop, or are inhibited from de-veloping those skills) your career potential – measured

will be severely limited as you age.

Life does not need to be serious at all times. You need to enjoy the company of other people and life it-self while you are young. You will never know when you will be needing them in the future. You may even draw inspiration and get boosts of ideas and creativity from the people around you. That saves you from information overload, which will only get you drained and exhausted. So, come out of your gloomy boxes now, interact with people and enjoy the brighter side of life. We are also hu-man after all.

“Architecture is about people, so make sure you con-tinue to sharpen your craft by surrounding yourself with a variety of them.” •

ARCHI-SOCIALBY JOSE XEREZ-BURGOS

INSEPERABLEBY (ANONYMOUS)

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“Wow, architect!” is the usual response of people we meet when we introduce ourselves as architecture stu-dents. The stereotype embedded to us seems so over-whelming that it got me thinking why people give such feedback.

The use of characters specializing in architecture in different media is not a new thing. We have Ted Mosby, Howard Hoark, and Doug Roberts to prove that. They are usually portrayed as the handsome, funny, and clev-er coffee-drinkers who spend most of their time looking at blueprints, directing this and doing that. The media popularized the notion of eminence in the profession, even branding it as one of the sexiest professions.

Why is this so? There are various reasons for this, I believe:

Our knowledge is not restricted. The structures that we deal with range from a simple cottage to a busy commercial complex. Also, we do not limit ourselves to just knowing how to draw. We challenge our own cre-ativity to come up with beautiful spaces. We observe how people move, use their surrounding, and react to built spaces. As they say, architects should know some-thing about everything.

We are adventurers. Despite the tons of paperwork

are eager for new experiences. Our work doesn’t stop

the ever-changing spaces around us.

her job is remarkable. No sleepless nights and dead-lines can match our patience and perserverance. We are dedicated.

We leave our mark. We aspire to be recognized through our works--the expression of our service and the impression of our style. We design for the people.

to applying our personal touches to our designs regard-less of how restricting our clients’ preferences are.

We are cool just because we are. The pride of being an architect and the charisma it adds to our personality by saying so is kind of an ego booster. Why not? Being in the profession deemed by the general public as one of the coolest ones really is a ego booster.

The preconception about architecture as a profes-sion may sound like it is overrated but the career is not always a win-win situation in the real world. Architecture in real life is not all about coffee and blueprint and gid-ing orders. All we know is that it is an honor to practice

creating something worthy is something to be proud of. Therefore, architecture is indeed cool! •

There are two possibilities when it comes to an archi-

the architectural landscape and is interested in forms;

horders who kill time by waiting for the ultimate Eureka! moment for the fast approaching deadlines.

A butterfly. A kite. A crab. A studying student. Danc-ing tribe members. Finding that inspiration isn’t always that simple as architecture will always be an aftermath of the interplay between form and function and from

has been instilled to us. However, in between struggles and hints not to plan the inside as a box or shape things like a box, the added pressure to express our individual-ity and unique styles calls for further brainstorming and moments of frustration.

The past had already donated ornate temples and burial mounds while the wars had contributed func-tional structures. So, as budding designers, how do we

the past and manifest nostalgia? Or do we create struc-tures that reflect us, our time and our culture? Do we aim for grandeur and go for monumental structures or do we go small yet touch the lives of the users?

As students, we have designed mini utopias with unlimited funds, solved some of the world’s worst ar-chitecture related problems, used countless green technologies to promote sustainable architecture, and considered numerous inspirations ranging from weird to phenomenal. However, we must remember that ar-chitecture must be kept in perspective. It is not a com-petition for the most number of lines in a façade, the most perfect curves in an elevation, and the best man-icured gardens in a site development plan. Instead, it is a duty to provide a building that caters to the needs of the users.

But, in doing many of the tasks, namely plates, we undertake, it is unavoidable to hope that the outcome would be something beautiful and acceptable and, with time, with the aid of the theories and concepts we have been taught, we begin to gravitate towards a particular style. By making plans again and again, we do not only experience how to design various buildings of varying sizes, we also develop our own personal style — our lit-tle slice of architecture.

Yes, a blank paper will forever be our nightmare as students especially whenever the deadline is fast ap-proaching. But, it could also be a symbol of growth, an opportunity to improve, to not repeat our wrong deci-sions and not simply rely on saying, “My best plate is my next plate.” •

OUT-OF-THE-BOXBY KRISTIN OLALO

ARCHI-PRIDEBY INGRIA MORFE

The Fountainheadauthor: Ayn Rand

the gist: The Fountainhead is a story that follows the journey of a hard-headed student named Howard Roark to his entry to the creativity-driven competition that is the architecture profession.

The Pillars of the Earthauthor: Kenn Follet

the gist: Set in the 12th century, this controversial novel revolves around the struggle of a build-er named Tom in actualizing his dreams of erecting a great Gothic cathedral.

To Kill a Mockingbirdauthor: Harper Lee

the gist: The entire premise of the novel is centered on the is-sues of racism and prejudice. It moves every readers to a wide perspective of proper judgment, a battle between guilty and not, good & evil. Why mockingbird?

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B O O K W O R M S ’ D E L I G H T

MUST-READ NOVELSFOR ARCHITECTURE

STUDENTSNow it’s time to get your hands off those architec-tural magazines and drawing portfolios, dear aspir-ing architects! Here’s our top three recommended novels that will give your stressed out minds (plates, we know) some fresh perspectives.

BY EMERSON BOLIBOL

HOWARD ROARK, The FountainheadThe Foun-

tainhead. Gary Cooper portrayed How-ard Roark, an architect who does not conform to popular architecture of his

time despite the apparent demands of his co-workers for compromise. He is a

classic man of originality. He believes that every building has its own integrity; thus, an architect’s design cannot be altered. It must be absolutely struc-tured as how it is on papers.

BASHA, One More ChanceSharing the views of Roark, Bea Alon-zo’s Basha hails from the blockbuster 2007 local movie, One More Chance. A

-larities in Roark & Basha, where the lat-

ter was disappointed after the pool-sur-rounded gazebo in her design was relocated

during the execution to poolside.

DOUG ROBERTS, The Towering InfernoMoreover, it is not only aesthetics that

are altered whether to satisfy norms or

The Towering Inferno, Architect Doug Roberts, portrayed by Paul Newman, be-

comes a hero after saving the guests from a burning skyscraper which he designed. The cause of the

corners to stay under budget.

ALEX WYLER, The Lake HouseThe Lake House is certainly another must-watch. It features Keanu Reeves as Alex Wyler, an architect who arrives

mailbox from a doctor named Kate Forster. The two then started to write to each other. And what sets their story apart from other typical love stories is that theirs is happening at different time settings.

DAVID MURPHY, Indecent ProposalIn Indecent Proposal, Woody Harrelson stars as David Murphy, an architect who is so driven by his dream real estate project that he and his wife decided to stake their savings at gam-bling but lost. A man handed a proposal of spending a night with Murphy’s wife for a million dollars and here started his dilemma.

TED MOSBY, How I Met Your MotherLast on our list is the hopeless roman-tic architect of How I Met Your Mother, Ted Mosby, played by Josh Radnor. As the title implies, the entire series is a montage of flashbacks told to his children, Penny and Luke, on how he met their mother. The series ran for 9 seasons and thanks to his friends Marshall, Barney, Lily, and Rob-in, HIMYM is never too long to miss.

And that wraps up our brief look over some on-screen architects. They may not exist in the real world but they can be really inspiring. Do not forget to take a look at these movies and series at your spare time.•

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STARCHITECTST O P A R C H I T E C T S F R O M T H E

W O R L D O F F I C T I O N

BY PRINCESS VILLEGASLet’s escape from the stressful reality and meet some of the gor-geous architects from different media!

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of architecture. He is a former member of the UAPSA National Board of Directors and is currently the principal architect of the Abustan Design Studio. He is also part of

and Design Excellence (MADE) Competition – Architec-ture Category. He graduated from the University of San-to Tomas (UST) College of Architecture and pursued his graduate education in the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning.

HALIGI: Why did you choose architecture?

Arch ABUSTAN: I have a godfather, Arch. Phillip Recto, who’s my uncle as well. He used to give me Kinects. It’s like a lego but a different one, a much more complicated type because it allows you to visualize what you want to build. Somehow, he was my inspiration to take archi-tecture. My Mom wanted me to take architecture too because she saw her cousin (an architect) became very

H: Were there times that you thought of giving up or transferring to another course?

JA: No. Never. Architecture is my passion. When I was a kid, we’re not well-off. So I became used to it. I worked when I was in college, during summer. I worked at glass supply shops. I would make glass containers for candies and those containers for food you see in carinderias and I would sleep in the pavement with the other workers there. So, I saw that situation in our society and I thought, “I’m on my way to something better, why would I give up?” Then the ideology of giving up just didn’t come to my mind anymore. I have this different drive that pushes me.

H: How many years have you been practicing your pro-fession?

JA: After graduation, 2008, I worked as an apprentice for a Chinese architect. I wasn’t licensed at that time but I already had many clients because my family was into real estate. It was a big advantage for me because, at a young age, I could already see different houses and projects, and I already had a basic knowledge about the

on it.

To be honest, I have been practicing my profession way back when I was still a student. I would join compe-titions. I joined the NAIA Terminal 3 Landmark Rotundas Nationwide Design Competition. I was part of the top 10 in the “Maligayang Pagdating Category” and I placed second in the Circulo Del Mundo Category.

That competition was open to everyone, even for

non-licensed architects. It really was a great opportunity for me. When there are competitions like that, student architects should grab the opportunity to join because in those instances, you are given the chance to design something out of the ordinary, which is rare in our coun-try compared abroad.

H: Let’s talk about MADE competition. What is it all about? How did you get to know the competition?

JA: Last year, we have already joined the competition but, sadly, we didn’t win. The design problem at that time was to build a house.

So, once a year, Metrobank conducts a competition for the arts in different categories namely painting, sculp-ture, interior design, and architecture. For this year, we competed in the architecture category again. The project given to us was to design an international cruise termi-nal. There isn’t anything like that in our country yet. For example, there is a cruise line coming here, it’s already given that many of its passengers are rich people. Where are you going to let them down? Just let them be an-ywhere? So, Metrobank’s idea to site the project in the Folk Arts Theater is a brilliant idea. That’s the challenge.

H: Your group’s winning design was Agos. What is Agos and how did you come up with it?

JA: I, together with Arch. Caban and Arch. Sadorra have a lot of ideas. One example was the crashing waves in a rock, or anything with connection to water. In everything we have thought, we asked each other, “Will the lay per-son still understand all of this?” So, we brainstormed ideas again. This time, we thought of something that’s easy to understand and, at the same time, something

-port people. So we tried to connect everything. We relat-ed everything from the façade, to our aesthetics, and to every small detail.

wave” or “luntiang agos” but as the competition went on, we often argued about the concept. Even-tually, we decided to just make it “Agos.” Because that single word reflects the entirety of our design.

H: What do you think was the winning factor of your design that stood best among the others and had your group hailed as champions?

JA: I think it was the system. It is a public building so, it’s really important to consider the flow of the people in and out of the structure. Based from the designs of oth-er groups, they were not able to consider where to put the buses when transporting passengers from the pier. So, you really have to think of the smallest details, even those things you wouldn’t have thought would be impor-tant.

H:

JA: Presentation. That would be the hardest part for me.

(continued to next page)

U P - C L O S E & P E R S O N A L W I T HARCH. JASON ABUSTANBY CHELSEA FALQUERABAO

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21 There were at least 10 judges and the panel was com-posed of prominent architects. To name some, there were Arch. Danilo Silvestre and Arch. Paolo Alcarazen. I was really starstrucked. Only one person from the group was allowed to speak during the presentation. That per-son was me and it made me really nervous. On the night before, we planned the things we would do and those that I had to say for the presentation. But then, the next morning, everything was haywired. Our materials weren’t

ones who were supposed to prepare everything. Then when the presentation started, pressure did build up. It was very challenging.

As for my groupmates, they were really a big help through the whole competition. Each had his or her own

missing in each of us. I like to work in groups because there is the sharing of ideas that can lead to amazing

actually, that’s healthy for a group.

H: You were a member of the UAPSA NBD before. How did that help you grow as an architect?

JA: My story with UAPSA started when I became PRO in UAPSA-UST. I would be tasked to go to every room and announce things. By doing so, I was able to overcome my shyness.

Seminars spearheaded by UAPSA helped me to ac-quire new learnings. In November 2006, I was one of the participants that represented the Philippines in the ARCASIA conference in Beijing, China. It was an interna-tional conference participated by different countries like

Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and other Asian coun-tries. That experience gave me an edge among others because I was exposed to buildings different from what we normally see in here. I was also able to learn trends in buildings there and the current improvements in archi-tecture that time. It was a great experience and it was all thanks to UAPSA’s support.

I became the head of the organizing committee, too, of the 11th UAPSA National Congress in Baguio City. I was tasked to handle the delegation of students. This time, it wasn’t really stressful but, in the process, I learned how to manage it. Through this experience, I was enlightened and I was able to prepare myself for the busy life that’s coming ahead for me.

H: How do you think architecture helps in the develop-ment of the country?

JA: There are a lot of ways architecture can help in the development of the country but, right now, I think urban planning is what we really need to focus on. It’s really a

we put anything on it.

H: Any advice for architecture students?

JA: Join more competitions. In that way, you will be trained. And for example you won, that’s an automatic marketing for yourself as an architect. Join lang nang join. Actually, when I was asking for the same question before, that’s what they would always say to me. You just really need to be active in UAPSA or UAP. From there you can be exposed to a lot of architects. And you’ll know what the real world of architecture is. •

Arch. Rene Luis Mata is a graduate of B.S. Architec-ture from the University of the Philippines –Diliman

Conservationists in the country. He took up his Mas-ters in Architectural Restoration and Rehabilitation of Patrimony in the University of Alcala-Henares Madrid, Spain through the Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion Internacional-Phil (AECI) Scholarship. He became

1994 at the Intramuros Administration as well as the curator of the Casa Manila Museum from 1994-1996.

HALIGI: Why did you choose architecture?Arch MATA: It started when I was very young. I used to play with blocks and I used to make buildings with it. I liked history too as a kid so I incorporated the two in making building blocks. I then realized I was doing more than buildings and then I was patterning my works from pyramids, temples, etc. So, I think it was innate for me to choose it.

But, when I entered UP, I actually didn’t start with architecture. I was in Business Administration before. Essentially, it’s because it’s the same with most peo-ple, they don’t like their sons or daughters to take ar-chitecture because there’s no money in anything artis-tic. I was in BA but I don’t like what I was doing there, so I decided once and for all to shift to Architecture. I was already behind one year by the time I got into Ar-chitecture but I still pursued it. And when I was taking the “regular” architecture; I got to know Architectur-al Heritage Conservation. It’s a bit different from the “normal” one.

H: What inspires you to design?RLM: Design is an inherent quality of architecture but in the case of Architectural Heritage Conservation, design comes in when you try to adapt a heritage structure to existing conditions. That means you try to make existing buildings that have historical signif-icance complementary or adaptable to existing con-

O N A R C H I T E C T U R E & H E R I T A G E C O N S E R V A T I O NPOINTS & INSIGHTS FROM ARCH. RENE MATABY CHELSEA FALQUERABAO

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22ditions so it can be reused. There is a big difference between designing a building that you are to put up and designing a building that you need to restore. In

factors that needs to be considered and you have to

The way we do it is we design with heritage in mind and with consideration of the factors that must be re-tained which has something to do with memory and the physical characteristics of the structure. We de-sign in more humanistic terms. We don’t design out of nothing.

H: Were there times that you thought of shifting to an-other course?RLM: There was a time of course when I was in third year. I think it’s typical for a 3rd year Arki student to feel that. Third year is the pivotal point in architec-ture because that’s where a lot of majors are given.

sometimes you just want to shift. It all depends if you really have the passion for it.

H:did you feel after that?RLM:house. In Mindoro, we have a family farm and he asked me to make a house for him there. So, I de-

you really can’t expect to be paid a big amount from your relatives for that.

H: In your years of experience as an architect, what

RLM: I do regular architecture and I also do Architec-tural Heritage Conservation. Both are very distinct branches of architecture. I have two problems. One, just like any architects is the “singil.” Sometimes, you don’t get paid enough. Next is with my clients. You also need to consider what they like and sometimes their ideas are just not appropriate. So you have to bal-ance what is proper and what the client likes. If the cli-ent won’t approve, you have to negotiate, that’s where your skill comes in.

H: What incidents made you love your profession even more?RLM: What happened to me is, at a certain point in time; I worked for a government agency that handled human settlements during the time of Marcos. And what happened here was, I was tasked to work with an attached agency which is the Intramuros Adminis-tration. It was put up to preserve and conserve the old city of Intramuros. During my time there, I was offered

years. I had no plans to join but the secretary of our division told me, “Sige join ka lang ng join.” So I got the scholarship and flew to Germany. I got to really love more what I was doing when I was in Germany be-cause I was exposed to old churches, structures and Europe’s culture. When I got back, I felt the passion to

do the same for the country. I worked in Intramuros again and I loved what I was doing even more! What happened after the next few years was I decided to take my Masters in Architectural Heritage Conserva-tion. I was supposed to take it in Germany but it wasn’t the right time. So, I decided to pursue it in Spain so

what Spanish architecture was in contrast to Philip-pine architecture.

H: Personally, how do you think architecture helps in the development of the country?RLM: In my case, it’s the collective memory and his-torical side of architecture that helps in the develop-ment of the country. It is the product of the times. The buildings that we conserve or the architecture of the past are proofs of how we lived before and a concrete basis of how we should deals with our environment. There are some things you never realized already ex-isted. So, now, you realize the conditions that need to

then, you can start designing the future. You are not starting from zero. There is self-identity already. They say that there is no such thing as Filipino architecture but there is! It is the sum total of all the influences of other architectural concepts and the way we adapted to it and put our own stamp to it.

H: What advice do you have for architecture students?RLM: You must like architecture. You must feel it. Do not go straight forward to the economic side. Most architect students think of the money they will earn

more to architecture than that. Your profession is a service to the community. You can work in housing, architectural conservation, urban design, construction management or you can go into stage design or inte-rior design from it. There are a lot of things you can do with architecture. It is versatile because its nature is both arts and science.

And maybe you’re asking why I chose to stay here in the country. I chose to work here because I realized, “Maghahanap pa ako ng heritage, e dito mismo mar-ami kang magagawa para sa bansa. Hindi ko naman culture yung nasa labas. Nandito yung romansa.”

Arch. Mata became a conservation consultant in several local projects including: the conservation of the Capitol Building & Provincial Library in Vigan City (2012-2013), and the new UPIS building (2012). He is also a member of the United Architects of the Philip-pines- Diliman Chapter, vice-head of the Internation-al Committee for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Philippines for the year 2013, executive board or guru council of the Heritage Conservation Society in 2013 and vice-head of the NCCA Committee on Monuments and Sites for this year. Currently, he is Assistant Pro-fessor 5 in the UP Diliman College of Architecture, and the head of the History, Theory, Criticism Studio Labo-ratory of the college. •