Design - Construction Magazine (July To September 2018)

ELECTRIC FENCE
IS YOUR BEST
DEFENSE
The proliferation of non-lethal, monitored,
electric security fences in our towns and cities
is indicative of the confidence that public has in
this form of perimeter security.
Would you allow this to happen in your home

and risk your family and property?
AUSTRALIA
CCTV, ALARM and

SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
The Big
Cover Story
Five
For the 5th Anniversary of D+C magazine, we are
presenting five of the Philippines’s own game
changers. Much like the aforementioned icons, these
five are changing what the craft means and what it
22
takes to be a modern Filipino architect. Each have
their own unique style, philosophy, and viewpoint.
But what they all have in common is a desire that has
shaped their core. It could be a desire to reevaluate,
to refine, or to reinvent. These five are the royal flush
of this country’s best and brightest, and trust me,
they are going all in.
Jack of
Hearts
Arch. Daniel Yu and Visionarch’s
Life-Centric Architecture
32 42
Ace of Kings
Spades Of Clover
Breaking Ground with
WTA and Arch. William Ti’s The Creative Duo Behind BUDJI
Social Architecture + ROYAL Designs A Green City
52 62
Ace of Queen of
Diamonds Hearts
The Simplicity of Purpose of Beyond the Legacy:
Arch. Edward Co Tan and ECT+A GF & Partners
July - September 2018
74
Trends + Stories
The Wonders of
Glass Embedded
Solar Cells
Sunjoule
80
Trends + Stories
Exuding
the
Manila Vibe
Amelie Hotel
74
Trends + Stories
15 Iconic
Structures Of
The Philppines
80
Design + Construct Well
Best Office
Development
Arthaland’s Cebu Exchange
ADVERTISER'S
INDEX
The
Team
Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
Aldine Aileen O. Aldaba
Advertising Account Manager
Rex B. Molines
Advertising Account Executive
Chris G. Vallejera
Contributing Writers
Estan Cabigas
John Ravino Duanan
Lean Panganiban Duanan
Engr. Emilson C. Gole Cruz
Idr. Peaches de Guzman-Grey
Photographers-at-Large
Estan Cabigas
Circulation
Mark Allen A. Santos
Web Developer
Renan Q. Lingan
Unit D #90 Baler Street,

West Avenue, Quezon City 1105
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may be reproduced without written permission
from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this
magazine is solely of the writer and not neces-
sarily approved by BMC.
D+C Magazine is published quarterly by

Blished Mag Co. (BMC).
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PUBLISHER'S
NOTE
Dear readers,
Not so long ago, I started this publication that gave birth to D+C
magazine. Armed with faith and passion, together with my team, we
responded to the need of the Philippine construction industry.
It takes perseverance and a lot of sleepless nights to be able to

published one issue. But more importantly, it takes team work! And
with that being said, I would like to honor our writers, editors, layout
artists, advertising sales team and circulation staff for their hard work
and dedication.
We thank you, our readers for your continuous patronage. Because

of you, we were able to reach this far and celebrate our 5th year
anniversary.
Happy Anniversary to us! To God be the glory!
Aldine Aileen Aldaba

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
Engr. Emilson C. Gole Cruz Rex B. Molines Chris Vallejera Mark Allen Santos
Contributing Writer (Singapore) Advertising Account Manager Advertising Account Executive Circulation
Allan Santos Lean Panganiban Duanan John Ravino Duanan Idr. Peaches de Guzman-Grey
Contributing Designer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer
made
SOLAR JOE
in
Germany
Changing the Renewable Energy Landscape

in the Philippines
Jochen Staudter, more popularly known as Solar Joe,

has gained a significant following when he started his With worsening climate change, will Philippine typhoons be a problem
Instagram account (@solarjoe.ph) as a place to educate for solar energy systems and its roof-mounted solar panels?
and advocate for solar energy in the Philippines. Here he Our German solar systems are made of the highest quality and are typhoon-
talks about how his passion for solar energy started and its proof in accordance with the Philippine wind code. Extensive warranties and
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from the sun into electricity. Few years later, I started working in the industry, First, educating the end-customer and influencers like architects, developers,
founded a solar company and actively advocated for solar and renewable energy. construction companies and the like, about how effective and reliable the tech-
Fast forward to moving here to the Philippines, a tropical country where nology is. If influencers push the green technology, politics will follow more what
sun is a lot stronger, I educate Filipinos about the benefits of solar while making can lead to attractive incentives for end-customers. Second, it is about making
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ny PHILERGY German Solar. comparable to cars.
Why should the Philippines start a serious shift to renewable energies?

First, it’s always in everyone’s interests, whether it’s a home or a business, to save
money. We have one of the highest and fastest increasing electricity rates in Asia
and solar can reduce electricity costs remarkably.
Second, it benefits our environment by producing CO2-neutral energy: Just

15 sqm of solar panels can neutralize yearly CO2 emissions of 5,500 cars that
drive five kilometers every day.
Third, fossil energy sources have to be replaced because they’re expensive,

finite and dirty. Solar and other renewable energies are inevitable to make our en-
ergy less expensive, to reduce dependencies from other countries, and to make
our energy cleaner.
Is it not expensive to purchase a solar system? How do I start with installing a solar
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words images
16 Engr. Emilson C. Gole Cruz Grunerde Integrated Enterprises
GRUNERDE
ECOSOLUTIONS
A Paradigm
Shift asd In the recent years, you hear everyone riding on the “ Green Bandwagon”.Well, we
should. At the pace that we have, not to mention the calamities we experienced, we have
to admit that over the years, we will begin to run out of certain natural resources that are
needed in order for us to survive. Thus, we have to find ways to keep the Earth sustainable.
Now, we should consider the goals of green building.

Of course, one of the main goals is to make the earth
more sustainable, but it really does go deeper than
that. When you decide to go green, your goal will be
to actually help to sustain the environment without
disrupting the natural habitats around it. When you
start a building project, you can actually make an
impact in the environment that will be much like a
butterfly effect. Even the smallest changes that you
can make will help to promote a better planet earth,
and a better place for us all to live.
The growing concern over climate change and

other environmental issues has paved the way for
business and companies to embrace and value
the concept of sustainability. Today, developments
that are built in consideration of the environment
are in top of the game as it offers a high quality
of space with cost-efficient features, but also to
emphasize corporate social responsibility towards
the environment.
The State of Green Philippines
The growing awareness and concern about

climate change, plus increasing energy costs,
have paved the way for the adoption of green
building and construction in the Philippines. Green
construction has been encouraged by certification
programs, which rate building and construction
methods, practices, and features according to their
compliance to set standards.
Spotlight
BACOLOD CAPITOL - GREEN WALLS
HYUNDAI CALAMBA - GREEN ROOF

18 Grunerde Integrated Enterprises A Paradigm Shift
These programs include LEED (Leadership

in Energy and Environmental Design), a leading
worldwide certification body, and BERDE (Building for
Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence).BERDE
is a local initiative by the Philippine Green Building
Council, which has been developed in recognition of
the fact that some LEED criteria are not applicable
to the tropical Philippine setting. While the BERDE
rating system mirrors many LEED standards, it also
accounts for the aesthetic and cultural aspects of a
building’s design, in response to the unique ecological
characteristics of the Philippines. The establishment of
this domestic rating system, together with the launch of
the Green Building Code by the Philippine Department
of Public Works and Highways in mid-2015, shows that
the Philippines is, indeed, shifting towards a greener
building and construction industry.
While the Philippines still lags behind its Southeast

Asian neighbors such as Singapore and Thailand,
sustainability is rapidly coming to the fore when
building new developments and retrofitting existing
ones.
The Asset Value of

Sustainable Development
The rapid expansion of the green building industry

globally sets the bar high for the local building and
constructionsector, and should ultimately encourage
developers to keep up with the demand pressure for
livable spaces as a result of increasing urbanization and
the inflow of foreign businesses.
The global market for green buildings grew to $260

billion in 2013. According to World Green Building
Trends 2016, it is estimated that the percentage of firms
anticipating to have over 60 percent of their projects
certified green would grow from 18 percent last year to
37 percent by 2018. For the Philippines, going greener
is essential as it positions itself as a low-cost business
hub.
Green certification is much more than applying

labels that add a positive image to construction
projects. From a business perspective, these
certifications show that the investment has a higher
asset value and is recoverable through reduced
operating costs and higher return on investments. While
energy savings is a direct advantage, it also has other
benefits such as greater company marketability and
increased employee productivity.
MONARCH PARK SUITES - GREEN ROOF
A Fresh Start – Paradigm Shift
Before Grunerde was formed, its green journey started

with a group of technical experts working with trusted
names in landscape designs and implementation. For
15 years of experience, the group was able to establish
a positive reputation on technical expertise on eco-
solution and green technologies.
Since eco solution is just in its infancy at that time,

the group initially involved themselves with simple and
free-coffee table consultancy with friends who trusted
their capabilities. Until one group of architects tapped
PAL INFLIGHT - GREEN WALLS
Spotlight
them for their support on a certain project. On that moment, Grunerde

was formed. Driven by passion on what they do with technical know-
how, they started to grow on their own after 2 years of doing free
consultancy on close friends. Grunerde started providing materials for
Sky gardens and greenwalls systems.
Grunerde believe that being green doesn’t mean that it should be

expensive. Starting from imports, Grunerde developed local capability
to provide eco solution materials. In comparison with their competitors
who charge higher due to products from other countries, Grunerde is
proud to say that they can produce even better materials that are all
locally produced. 80% of Grunerde’s main products are locally made
with recycled materials, preventing it to end up on landfills. Now that is
being sustainable! As a matter of fact, these locally produced products
surpassed standard tests way better than imported products.
Grunerde is fueled everyday to start a green revolution while

widening everyone’s mindset that Filipinos can produce products
and services at par with developed countries with the best possible
cost. With this goal, Grunerde continues to develop in providing its
customers with innovative products and services.
Grunerde Integrated Enterprise
Technologies always had an important part in socio-economic

development and its modernization. A great deal of developing
countries, including the Philippines, are currently undergoing a rapid
urbanization and struggles in keeping up with the intensified housing
and other building demands. One of these struggles is the right choice
of trusted provider of new technologies and expertise.
THE LINEAR MAKATI - GREEN ROOF

Grunerde Integrated Enterprise is a diversified provider of the latest
eco-solution products in engineering, landscape architecture, and
construction industry. With its people with the expertise and with more
than 15 years of experience and exposure in the Eco- Solution Industry,
Grunerde’s technical team offers a comprehensive advisory service
to engineers, architects at design stage, as well as free technical
assistance prior to or during project construction. Grunerde helps their
customers in the best possible way offering products and solutions
that suits best to the requirements.
Grunerde integrates technologies and design and turn them

into optimal process and product solutions based on fundamentals
customer requirements. With a brand promise of exceeding
customer expectations, Grunerde provides high quality products
with competitive cost. Aside from supplying materials, they provide
installation services, as well, providing support from start to end of the
project.
UPTOWN MALL
20 Grunerde Integrated Enterprises A Paradigm Shift
Making Greener Places to Live
Grunerde believes thatecological garden designs VINIA - GREEN ROOF

and management technique must be incorporated
to create and maintain thriving landscapes.Every
landscape challenge must be approached creatively
with practicalsolutions that maximize the effectiveness
of the client’s investment.
Grunerde offers major services like Landscaping,

Green Wall, Green Roof, Rain Water Harvesting and
Pedestal Support.This also includes Adjustable Paver
supports, Grass Pavers, HDPE Liner, Green cells, Eco
spots, Geocells, Rainwater Tank, Geotextile, and
Hypertufa pots. They offer both installation and
maintenance for variety of clients in any income
level. Its objective of rendering services to satisfy
clients’ needs contribute to the preservation and
further enhancement of the environment in areas of
development.The company was able to supply and
install over 50,000sqm of Green Cells for sky gardens for
some major landscaping service providers and leading
developers and contractors.
With this, Grunerde Integrated Enterprise inspire

gardeners and potential gardeners to contribute to
plant biodiversity, provide a haven for wildlife and
human spirit, while doing no harm to the earth while
promoting sustainable garden design construction and
management. D+C
Cover Story
The
Big
Five
Visionarch • WTA • BUDJI + ROYAL • ECT+A • GF & Partners
In the competitive industry of architecture, it ornamentation, and faith into his individualized
can be difficult to find your niche. It’s a bit like works. Frank Gehry with his bold architectural
attempting to reinvent the wheel. As a discipline features and unusual shapes. These are the
that has spanned millennia, each calculation, movers and shakers of architectural history—
each measurement, and almost every theory has brilliant minds who saw clearly the heights their
been applied and appropriated by artisans and imagination can reach. They saw their doodles
professionals of varying skill and knowledge. turn into towering edifices, even cities. They
With a practice perfected in almost every visible don’t play to win—they aim to change the game
way, creative fatigue can easily seep in. To an entirely.
untrained and uninspired mind, architecture may
become rote, run-off-the-mill, and insipid. For the 5th Anniversary of D+C magazine, we
are presenting five of the Philippines’s own
However, once every few decades, this passion game changers. Much like the aforementioned
is reignited by people whose creativity and icons, these five are changing what the craft
intelligence far outpace that malaise. Through means and what it takes to be a modern Filipino
a combination of an impeccable work ethic and architect. Each have their own unique style,
immense talent, they expand the possibilities of philosophy, and viewpoint. But what they all have
architecture beyond its ancient dimensions. We in common is a desire that has shaped their
know of the Zaha Hadid liberating the discipline core. It could be a desire to reevaluate, to refine,
from the confines of simple geometry. We or to reinvent. These five are the royal flush of
have Frank Lloyd Wright pioneering structures this country’s best and brightest, and trust me,
that were in harmony with humanity and their they are going all in.
environment. Antoni Gaudi weaving lyricism,
words images
22 John Ravino Duanan Visionarch
Jack of
Hearts
Arch. Daniel Yu
and Visionarch’s
Life-Centric
Architecture
Cover Story
asd The great orator and all-around political bulldog, Winston Churchill, once
said that, “We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us.” In an industry of
bottom lines and cutting corners, sometimes the purpose of the end product
becomes lost. There is more to architecture than just looking for a space and
building something there. A good architect will always have the end user in mind.
How will the inhabitants move between rooms? What sights will their eyes first
see? Will they have everything they need within reach? As urbanites, we live our
entire lives within buildings. We arrive in a hospital. We study in schools and
universities. We work in offices and agencies. We marry in churches and mosques.
We have families in homes. Buildings shape people’s lives, and the architect
receives the responsibility of ensuring those structures are suited for the job.
24 Jack of Hearts Arch. Daniel Yu and Visionarch’s Life-Centric Architecture
Arca South Mixed-use Development
on this page and the previous spread

The work-life balance is easily integrated with mid-rise offices and hotel spaces
stacked on top of an Ayala Mall. Arca South’s lifestyle destinations mirror’s the
estate’s value proposition – to service the needs of the savvy modern urbanite.
Cover Story
To prove the truth behind their philosophy, Arch. Yu recounted an end-user

survey they were able to conduct on one of their residential projects. They
were able to talk to the unit-buyers and askedquestions like, “What made
you decide to purchase the unit?” The possible answers were numerous and
varied, “Was it the design? The reputation of the developer? Is this solely an
investment or was this a product in your price range?” However, Visionarch
discovered through that 64% of the end-users based their purchases on
seeing at the unit as an improved life condition. For them, having a nicer
place to live was a personal milestone—a level up in their station in life.
Essentially, it’s the promise of a better life. “People buy because they want
to improve their lives,” Arch. Yu explains. Developers understand this. Just
look at residential promotional posters and you can see how a “better life”
is marketed: you see smiling people drinking coffee in their dining rooms,
families enjoying themselves on long walks under tree shade, friends
enjoying game night in the glow of living room lights.These are shared human
experiences and they all translate to improving the condition of life.
Visionarch appreciates the significance of communicating this dream.

Most architects try their hardest to convey the message of a better life in
ways consumers can understand. Arch. Yu speculates,“Perhaps architects
will speak of that message in terms of function: the design will be practical
and logical. Or maybe through the abstractions: the building will be beautiful.”
However, the industry-specific jargon doesn’t always fly straight to the point.
“Function is important. Looks are important. But they aren’t everything.” Arch.
Yu gives the example of Hong Kong condominiums. HK condos purport to
give you everything you need to survive in a compact space, but does it give
you a complete “life experience”? Visionarch’s life-centric design principle
seeks to incorporate different aspects of a person’s life so that its users won’t
merely survive, but actually live.
Arch. Yu uses the example of a common smartphone to explain his point,

“A cellphone is marketed for its speed and capability, and its many different
functions. But if you look at your phone, what’s important to you are what it
allows you to do. It contributes to your spirituality via a Bible app, it furthers
your education via self-help apps, it maintains your connections with social
media. This is the reason why when your phone is taken from you, a huge
part of your life disappears.” Spiritual (Bible), educational (self-help). Take
away your phone and a huge part of your life disappears.” Visionarch aims
to complete people’s lives through their architecture.Will my physical health
be well cared for or looked? Will my family be safe and secure from harm
or uncertainty? Do I have enough time to relax and pursue my hobbies
and predilections? Health and wellness, family, rest and recreation, social
community, good environment—these are on the minds Visionarch’s
architects as they propose, design, and build their projects.
Theory is nothing without practice. And Visionarch flexes their philosophy

Visionarch believes that architecture exists to add value to a project. Not with time-honed skill and poise. Arch. Yu gives several specific examples
just the value of a larger square footage or a statelier living space. Intrinsic of their “life-centric architecture” at work. Along with tire swings and white
value: the value of little things that make life enjoyable and exciting. The value picket fences, the simple garden is an almost permanent fixture in the vision
of walking to a park during your lunch break.The value of plopping onto a of a dream home. However, living in the city presents a complex challenge
couch on a Friday night.The value of good neighbors who share their dinners for aspirant gardeners. Fact 1: gardens take up space—they need to. Roots
when they make too much.The value of a better life. can sometimes run deep and wide. Fact 2: gardens are pricey. They just
don’t make a lot of financial sense when you’re building a condominium, for
Visionarch owes this empathy to their design philosophy: life-centric instance. Expensive and expansive. However, gardens also offer relaxation to
architecture. Architectural discourse has always revolved around form and both gardeners and admirers, and the added greenery can present physical
function, and while those two aspects are indeed important, Visionarch and and psychological benefits. Visionarch decided that the pros far outweighed
CEO Architect Daniel Terence Yu believes that “buildings have an implicit the cons and formulated a clever solution: tripicalor “pocket” gardens.
promise to people.” And that promise is, “Life will be better.” This assignment Instead of individual gardens or plantboxes per unit, Visionarch designed a
of value gives buildings and the people who move in them a purpose. To build large central garden three floors high, nestled in the center of six adjacent
a building is to create an aspiration. A good architect’s job exists beyond units. The cost of upkeep will then be divided among the six unit owners. The
linking form and function—he has to enrich life and identify solutions to end user gets a larger space to utilize, a chance to collaborate with neighbors
strengthen the bonds between structures and its users. and admire their work, and a miniature oasis s/he can help grow and beautify.
Cover Story
Avida Towers Altura
One of the three residential

clusters in South Park
District, Altura’s design
concept communicates the
tropical identity of the entire
development.
Condominiums are considered the definitive metropolitan space. More and more people have
recalibrated their long term retirement plans to work towards owning a condo unit. However, most
condos have a boxy, confining configuration. They have deep units—units that are nestled in a
narrow configuration where the inhabitants walk through the living room, dining area, and bedroom
one after the other. This configuration creates an illusion of confinement, of being stuck in a hotel
hallway ala-The Shining. Arch. Yu believes that condos should feel more like a house. To address this,
Visionarch promoted a simple shift in the floor plan. Imagine a condo door revealing a unit where
the room stretches to the sides. It’s a wickedly simple solution, but this very literal exercise in lateral
thought is enjoying marked success. “Just tweaking the configuration a bit changes the whole
narrative. People see the difference, and they feel that it’s bigger than it actually is.”
“Life-centric architecture” works beyond residential design solutions. This framework is viable
and significant, to the point that it can be applied in city construction. Clark Green City and the
Pampanga Megalopolis plan are getting a lot of buzz in social media spheres, and a lot of questions
are popping up regarding their urban planning. And the query that keeps popping up is the
timeless, “How are you going to solve traffic?” Visionarch replies with a coy, “Why not eliminate the
roads entirely?” Arch. Yu shares an upcoming commercial district with no visible roads. Instead of
grey lines crisscrossing the aerial view, you see lush parks, manicured tree lines, and pedestrian
walkways. Everything is close enough to simply walk to and the scenery is pretty enough to enjoy
on those trips. But you can’t have a commercial district without cars, you may remark. Visionarch
answers this with Intercept ramps connecting the basements of the clustered structures. Cars at
the bottom. People at the top. Children can play in the parks, workers can enjoy leisurely strolls to
and from different offices, all without the dangers of traffic.
Lastly, there’s the One Ayala. Currently in development, the One Ayala project is a mixed-use,
transit-oriented development sponsored by Ayala Inc. Visionarch’s goal is a grand ideal: to combine
all of Makati’s mass transportation modes into a single, unified system. PUJs, buses, and MRT—all
inside one convenient hub.Private cars, you may have noticed, are absent from the equation. That’s
because the One Ayala aims to minimize reliance on private transportation. (This statement is not
correct there are five basements for private cars, as required by our law) “We want people to rely
more on the mass transit system. Overall, it [minimizing car reliance] will allow our environment to
be more sustainable and will help decongest Makati traffic,” Arch. Yu says. To accomplish this, the
One Ayala project will repackage the commute and make it more accessible to everyone.
Cerca Alabang
A resort themed community

that offers an exclusive and
distinctive living experience
to its residences. “Exlusive,
relaxing, and breath takingly
beautiful, Cerca Alabang
indeed sets the bar high for
vertical home living.
Cover Story
Ayala Malls Feliz
Integrated by design into its neighboring

community, Ayala Malls Feliz is a self-contained,
contemporary retail environment set to become a
popular hub for social interaction.
Cover Story
One Ayala
Recognized at the World Architecture Festival 2017 as one of

the best infrastructure projects, One Ayala's contemporary
and green civic spaces with vibrant world class commercial
and retail destinations, seamlessly linked to transport nodes
will contribute to the vision that will set this development
apart from any other in Manila.
Visionarch has devised different strategies in making this happen.

One strategy is by making the terminal comfortable but resilient
enough to withstand the relentless Makati foot traffic. The One Ayala
projectfeatures a concourse atrium, connecting the bus terminals with
the train stations. This streamlining allows for quick transfers and a
dedicated space to wait out the harsh sun or pouring rain. The project
dreams of a commuter experience where waiting is either eliminated,
vastly minimized, or made comfortable where commuters can just
disembark and head to their destinations. “We’re not going to solve all
the problems, but we hope it helps the daily troubles of the commuter.
For one, it eliminates the ‘each man for himself’ attitude of the common
pedestrian, which gives people a sense of system. That’s what we hope
to achieve—to put some order to the chaos.”
“Life-centric architecture” is the real deal. It’s not a buzzword or jargon

made to entice or confuse. “Life-centric architecture” flows in the veins
of each and every member of Visionarch. It’s a firm that attracts those
with future sight and radical creativity, but at their very core is a heart
beating to make people’s lives richer and more meaningful. They don’t
just take into account how a building will look, but how it will feel. Will
this condo unit feel like home? Will this campus feel like a conducive
learning environment? Will this district feel like someplace workers can
pursue dreams and careers? These architects fully understand their
responsibility: in shaping buildings, they shape people’s lives. And in
shaping lives, Visionarch can shape the world. D+C
words images
32 John Ravino Duanan WTA and Arch. William Ti’s
Ace of
Spades
Breaking Ground
with WTA and
Arch. William
Ti’s Social
Architecture
Cover Story
asd Growing up, Arch. William T. Ti, Jr. never really wanted to be an architect,
not at first. He was just your regular superhero-loving teen, more likely to sketch
comic panels than draft blueprints. So it comes at no surprise that what inspired
him to be an architect was, surprisingly, the comic book character, Spider-Man.
He would follow Peter Parker’s four-color escapades, web-swinging and spider-
stinging all over New York. But the thing with Spider-Man is that his character
is inextricably linked with the city he guards. And so to properly the friendly
neighborhood Spider-Man, Arch. Ti had to draw his friendly neighborhood. Even
back then, narratives have informed Ti’s passion for architecture. For him,
architecture must tell a story. Even when he was a kid, playtimes were less about
skirmishes in desolate alien worlds, and more about slice-of-life narratives inside
their cardboard headquarters.
34 Ace of Spades Breaking Ground with WTA and Arch. William Ti’s Social Architecture
Cover Story
Imperial Era Mansion
on this spread and the previous

In partnership with Shenzhen Tunda International Engineering Design Co., LTD
and WTA Architecture and Design Studio, the Imperial Era Mansion boasts a
residential development inspired by Chinese symbols of power, strength, and
good luck for people. It also features a large communitive courtyard at its center.
And that’s important. Slice-of-life. Life. Maybe it was a

prescient thing, but all of Ti’s early brushes with his future craft
and career has always revolved around its relationship with and
responsibility towards life. And why shouldn’t it? As city-dwellers,
we are cocooned in architecture. According to him, “Everywhere
you go in this city is architecture. Everywhere you sit, everyplace
involved in your life has something to do with architecture. Every
memory you’re going to make, from the crib to wherever you’re
going to end up, will be informed by architecture.” Why then
should architecture be stuck in the realm of measurements
and metrics, form and function? For William Ti, his architecture
breathes and burns. Whenever Ti speaks about architecture, he
gesticulates with his hands. A chop in the air to illustrate an
ultimatum. A light slap on the table to punctuate a list of points.
William Ti’s architecture is alive and has overcharged him that it’s
crackling to get out.
But what is Ti’s architecture? Simply put, Arch. Ti and his

company, the WTA Architecture and Design Studio, believe in
three concepts: Design. Refine. Define. These three verbs are
enablers, spinning tirelessly in the constant cycle of iteration
and improvement. These three words have been immortalized
in WTA’s design philosophy—three humble words propelling
this young and idealistic band of thinkers and doers towards
their lofty goal: social architecture. For WTA, social architecture
is architecture that is relevant and engenders positive social
change. It is architecture that is mindful of its setting and context.
It is architecture with a strong intent and social purpose. It is
architecture that is not just good for the building and the people
who commissioned its construction, but also for the people who
will use it each and every day.
Cover Story
Hongji Residence
The Hongji Residence maximizes its floor area with efficient design planning. One of its
design features is its double skin facade that does not only reduce heat gain within the
building but also give aesthetic value to the facade. The play on horizontal lines give the
building an interactive visual stimulant. The building houses over 555 units, office and
commercial spaces on the lower floors, amenities and a courtyard at its core.
It’s a noble pursuit and one not without its challenges. For the
consumer to be more actively involved in the craft, the craftsmen must
be able to make it interesting. It’s like revealing the secrets of a magic
trick. Most folks are more than content with gawking and gasping
at a glitzed-up assistant being sawed in half. And most magicians
are remiss to share the intricacies of their prestige, fearing that the
public will no longer pay to watch them perform. But there is more
artistry at work than just smoke and mirrors—there are simulations
and misdirections, all done with pitch-perfect precision. Arch. Ti has
resolved to make the often impenetrable jargon and discipline of
architecture and translate those in a more accessible language. “We
all have different ideas, but the mutual responsibility of all architects is
to create awareness. We want to help people realize how architecture
affects them.” In doing so, everybody wins, “We don’t have a very strong
feedback loop in architecture. It takes years for us to realize things.”
Arch Ti. wishes for the engagement and communication between
architects and the end user to be more open, accessible, and intimate.
To ensure this, Arch. Ti and the team of WTA use every strategy at their
disposal—visualization, showcasing—to spread awareness about the
beauty of architectural design.
Cover Story
Outlets at Lipa
Outlets at Lipa explore a different approach to retail developments that presents a

streetscape focusing on user experience. The strategic planning will allow people to enjoy
the integration of commercial spaces with the outdoor landscape.
Arch. Ti and his team has been pushing for the idea of social architecture since
their inception. More than just architects, WTA believes that they are “curators and
proponents of the urban realm.” WTA is in the business of creating places that live
and breathe and are aware of their place and responsibility towards defining the
community. The architects of WTA do this not by identifying the most important
sector in Philippine communities but instead, the most frequented: barangay halls
and chapels. “Firstly, instead of having huge monolithic institutions, maybe we can
create smaller, more localized forms for our daily lives,” Arch. Ti shares, “We have
barangay halls and chapels in every street. These are representative of the largest
institutions in the country: government and the church. Yet, they reach out to the
people and become part of their daily lives. That makes them more relevant.” This
relevance cannot be understated. The barangay hall is the first defense against
domestic troubles, barroom brawls, and various forms of neighborly misconduct—
they’re small misdemeanors, but they can rapidly accumulate and fester if left
unchecked. Similarly, chapels can also smoothen the grit of humanity by having
a space for confession, reaffirmation, and purpose. The barangay hall and the
chapel are small institutions, but their very existence tinges the society they are
immersed in.
A step above the family, the barangay is second By cordoning off areas to only let in a specific
smallest unit of community. As it’s the closest class of people, institutions are hindering those
institution to the people, the barangay is the most who need them the most. “Libraries, hospitals,
visible representative of the government. Voters etcetera. The ones most discouraged to go to those
can tack their hopes and dreams onto a president, places are the underserved. So how can you make
but it’s the kagawads and tanods who help clear architecture barrier-free to the guy selling balut?
up the streets, break up fights, and assist kids in Or create something for street children to hang out
crossing the street. WTA recognizes and upholds in? Street kids didn’t choose to be on the street.
the significance of the barangay, which is why they They’re there because we can’t provide solutions.
are currently involved in the grassroots stages Because they have nowhere else to go.” A more
of master planning in Bataan. In cooperation welcoming industry can enable more welcoming
with the local government, WTA aims to create a spaces. By finding solutions to break down literal
provincial plan where each barangay can highlight barriers, the country can begin bridging the class
certain needs and attain them within a given time divide, and thus empowering a more holistic society.
frame. It’s a grand undertaking, not without its “Architecture is all about context. What might be
unique challenges. For one, how do you create a good for the building, may not be appropriate for
master plan for a place with different barangays those who will use it.”
with different needs and requests? So, Arch. Ti
and his team asked barangay captains and their Arch. Ti is an avid reader. It shows. Surrounding
representatives what they needed, what they his office sanctum are shelves and shelves of
wanted to push as a barangay. A few picked better superhero figures, fantasy novel characters, and
marketplaces. Some wanted to get into various graphic novel statuettes. Around the area, are books
industries. A few more wanted to tighten up their of various genres, disciplines, and titles. He plays it
tourist centers. Courts. Herb gardens. WTA took off by saying he doesn’t read as much as he used to,
these “prototype communities” and developed but his one-book-a-week habit is still impressive in
a menu for each barangay. “The onus is on the this instant transmission data-driven world. It’s not
barangay level, in charge of their own master a surprise that one of WTA’s most lauded projects is
plan,” Arch. Ti shares, “As a result, you build the Book Stop. We’ve covered WTA’s award-winning
neighborhoods with certain strengths. And as a micro-library in the past, but it’s worth revisiting.
whole, you can see growth.” By empowering the Receiving massive traffic due to its strategic
barangay level with results they can enjoy after a location in key pedestrian routes, the Book Stop
couple of years, WTA can encourage a more involved has become quite popular among bookworms and
population. Seeing the humble barangay change for novice readers. While its compact construction
the better can inspire people to see how the city, the takes up little ground space, there is little doubt the
province, and eventually, the country, can progress. Book Stop is a distinct place. Book Stop challenges
the vision of the giant, monolithic library, and
This is how WTA and Arch. Ti hope to practically repackages it for people to find and enjoy, while
define and evolve their social architecture. Not by never straying from the purity of its purpose: to get
making architecture flashier or more exciting, but by more people reading.
bringing those skyscrapers down to a more human
level of appreciation. People understand function. In our conversation, Arch. Ti always returns
People appreciate form. However, the intent of the to the concept of a more accessible architecture.
building is what gives it value. What is this building For WTA, this “social architecture” is their fuel to
for? How will it affect my commute? Will it be their fire. But it’s a calculating kind of fire, as Arch.
beneficial to visit it in the morning? What will I get Ti believes that architecture must come with a
from it? This psychology is the driving force behind rational process. “We want to be thinking architects.
convenience, because convenience, ultimately, is a Architects in charge of good ideas.” Theirs is a
passive form of satisfaction. People can’t help but pursuit with no end in sight, and that’s perfectly
demand satisfaction. Arch. Ti offers the insight of okay. “We have to evolve and engage architecture
why sometimes there are two Starbucks just a few even further. Just because it has four walls and a
blocks away from each other, because you’re not roof shouldn’t be enough for this industry.” Arch. Ti
supposed to cross the street just to get your cup of jests that maybe you can have three walls, or maybe
coffee—it should be part of your route. Architecture even two, but his tone suggests that he’s only partly
should be able to flow with the routines and kidding. Why should the concrete edifices of man
schedules of the people who move through them. stay the same as the world continues to turn? To
enact this change, Arch. Ti urges architects to
Generally speaking, the aim of WTA is to make maintain their passion, ambition, and direction.
social architecture barrier-free in philosophy and Remember, he himself did not want to be an
practice. “Architecture these days is becoming more architect at first. He was not born an architect, nor
specialized and shielded from the layman. Before, did he seek after his own brand of architecture.
we used to build our own houses. The more we Architecture was thrust upon him. It is more than
became detached to that process, the less people his job—it’s his lifestyle. “Architects must want to be
understood.” The very definition of architecture is architects.” Arch. Ti was not an architect. Not at first.
to divide spaces, to separate a patch of the world But now he is, and he really can’t imagine himself
from the public. “We always put up barriers,” Arch. Ti any other way. D+C
muses, “Before you go to a museum, there’s a gate.
After the gate, a door. After the door, a registration
booth. And so on and so forth. But what do barriers
accomplish? They create an elitist atmosphere.”
Cover Story
High Gardens
High Gardens is a mixed use development housing

commercial spaces, offices and residential units.
The development shows connectivity through a
linear visual cue to accentuate entry points that are
designed to be portals leading into the commercials
spaces on the lower floors. A variety in materials are
present to differentiate the offices and residences.
The residences features pockets of open areas
and balconies on specific levels that create open
breathing spaces for the structure. Corners for the
units are chamfered to maximize the view with no
obstructions. While the massive office building is
broken down into smaller areas with its directional
facade and overlapping floor plates.
words images
42 John Ravino Duanan BUDJI + ROYAL
Kings
Of Clover
The Creative Duo
Behind BUDJI +
ROYAL Designs A
Green City
Cover Story
asd For Designer Budji Layug and Architect Royal Pineda, the line between
nature and the built environment is a blurred one. Heading BUDJI + ROYAL
Architecture+Design, one of Asia's leading architectural and design firms, the creative
duo share the same belief that built spaces should feel like natural landscapes, with
modern organic structures that may leave you wondering if you are inside or out.
Architect Royal Pineda is known for creating modern and tropical structures that
truly carry the soul of the evolving Filipino designs, making it tropical and yet a global
architecture. His partner, Designer Budji Layug, is at the forefront of the country’s
forward-thinking design and is known for integrating nature into his work. Their
partnership created a fortified synergy that reinforces and revitalizes the firms’
design dynamism. Their continuous years of strong collaboration have defined and
established the company’s integrity and authentic approach, making it one of the most
prominent proponents of Modern Filipino Design not only in the country, but in Asia.
The firm has also expanded their influence and expertise on a global scale by finishing
projects in major cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Malaysia, Indonesia,
Australia, US, France, Germany, Israel and Thailand.
44 Kings Of Clover The Creative Duo Behind BUDJI + ROYAL Designs A Green City
Stadium Athletic
Cover Story
Aquatic Center
Cover Story
Sacobia Bridge and the

Luzviminda Vision
One with Nature
Call it some sort of enlightenment. Architect

Royal Pineda believes that Man is Nature, and
Nature is Man. This philosophy transcends
the concept of unity by embracing and living
the idea that the two exist as ONE.
He believes that nature, if not hindered,

would not harm. It presents solutions and
logic just waiting to be understood and
discovered. For him, everything in nature
exists to co-exist with man. When conversing
with it [nature], he muses that one should
always be receptive. “You should listen to its
whispers,” he says with a smile. The joy he
exudes in this statement is like that of a child
who takes pleasure in the simplest of things.
Pineda and Layug share the same

philosophy that nature, architecture, and
design should co-exist harmoniously to
bring soul to any built space. The two believe
in a total approach to design, where the
demands of architecture, interior design,
furniture, accessories and landscaping
are brought together to complement one
another and create an integrated whole. “Our
common denominator is a love for nature and
modernity. You can even sum up our working
partnership as a combination of fate and
faith,” Pineda shares.
While the firm’s designs are forward-

looking, their origins are from traditions
deeply rooted in Filipino culture. Pineda and
Layug seems to have high regard for our
ancestors’ skills and artistry. Pineda believes
that in past eras, the bahay kubo is the
epitome of good architecture. “It [the bahay
kubo] was built based on the needs of those
living in it. It has a roof to protect the tenants
from the rain, walls cool enough for summer
days, and a humble size that can be easily
maintained by the woman of the house”. He
further explained that the same ethos should
be the inspiration of architects and designers
today. value to their lives,” Layug added.
Cover Story
NAIA T1 and Proposed Mactan

- Cebu International Airport T1
A Greener Philippines
Budji and Royal has started to thread their own path in nation-
building through LUZVIMINDA – their country vision of weaving
the archipelago together with a network of bridges, roads
and railways and through one of their newest projects—Clark
Green City in Tarlac. Commissioned by the Bases Conversion
Development Authority (BCDA), the creative duo agreed to
become BCDA’s local counterpart in designing and building this
9,450 hectare property, the Philippine Sports City Complex and
Clark International Airport Terminal (CRK).
The big idea is to build a green, modern Philippine city, poised

to be the country’s first true sustainable, smart, and disaster
resilient metropolis. 40 hectares of this developing city comprise
Phase 1, and will house a portion of the National Government
Administrative Center (NGAC) which will include two government
buildings, a world class sports complex (venue for the 30th SEA
Games in December of 2019), and a huge housing facility for our
athletes. The NGAC would make sense: it’ll decongest Metro
Manila and serve as a back up plan for the government in case of
disasters or natural calamities, and to further ease doing business
here and therefore help improve the country’s competitiveness as
an investment destination.
Layug stated that it does not get any more authentic than
utilizing lahar as the concrete for the city. Pineda explains
“Pinatubo’s lahar will be the new fiber of the city. The architecture
will be low maintenance since you won’t need to keep painting
them because the material will be as natural as possible.
Overhangs will also be present because of the tropical climate.”
They will make use of the PTFE, a fiberglass membrane that is

lightweight, durable, weather resistant, and a sustainable building
material for roofing. This material will cover the Aquatic Center
but will let the light in. It’s also reminiscent of capiz windows
in old houses—and sea shells that can be found in most of our
country’s bodies of water. Since the material is translucent, it will
be aglow at night the same way San Fernando’s giant lanterns
light up Pampanga during Christmas season.
Pineda enthuses that “permeability” will be the most

important design function of the city. As their aim is to give
the land back to the people, they will be utilizing open ground
floor plates in all the buildings. The buildings will be lifted so
that people can walk under them. This was the same technique
they used in one of Makati’s premier building, Signa Designers
Residences, which was built on 10-meter-high stilts. “It’s not like The Reef (Mactan) +
the old way where the city had narrow pedestrian lanes,” he Clark Intl Airport
explained.
According to Pineda, they accepted the challenge, as they

want to “make the world see that there is a Modern Filipino
standard that is internationally at par but distinctively ours.”
Layug added that they also seek to bring the standard of
Philippine architecture and design to a global level. Foreign
companies already started investing billions for this project.
Between 2020 and 2022, AlloyMTD will be constructing six more
government buildings, about 6,000 housing units, and retail and
commercial establishments within another 20-ha area. Upon
completion, the new Clark City (NCC) is expected to contribute
a gross output of approximately P1.57 trillion per year to the
national economy.
Indeed, this new, green city is like peering through a window

to the future of the Modern Philippines; and rest assured ladies
and gentlemen, you're going to like the view. D+C
Cover Story
words images
52 John Ravino Duanan ECT+A
Ace of
Diamonds
The Simplicity of
Purpose of Arch.
Edward Co Tan
and ECT+A
NHA Camarin Housing Project
Camarin, Caloocan
Cover Story
asd Ludwig Mies van der Rohe had this to say about beauty, “What finally
is beauty? Certainly nothing that can be calculated or measured. It is always
something imponderable, something that lies between things.” As one of
the pioneers of the Bauhaus and modernist architecture, Mies sought to
establish an emblematic architectural style. A perfect formula that could
define the spirit of Mies’s era. For him, architecture had to be stated with
extreme clarity and simplicity, and through this process of restatement,
the structure can achieve beauty. This philosophy of architectural beauty
changed the world. No longer were the artist and the architect two
diametrically opposed occupations. Through the discipline of architecture
and the whittling away of unneeded things, the architect could achieve to
produce something of beauty. Something that fulfills a purpose and has little
need for embellishments.
54 Ace of Diamonds The Simplicity of Purpose of Arch. Edward Co Tan and ECT+A
Apolaki: Frazer Island Development
Honday Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

A project collaborator with
Ar. Maria Agnes Lambuson
That was in 1922, 96 years ago. Somewhere down the line, this Arch. Tan is an engaging speaker, who frequently uses
modernist philosophy has been diluted and reduced to simply illustrations and examples to drive home his points. One of his
a ‘style’. ‘Stream-lined’ and ‘modern’ became buzzwords thrown more effective examples is his treatise against paint. For him, paint
around during brainstorming. Like all artistic movements, is the pinnacle of the ‘add-on’ attitude. “Paint is superficial, most
modernism has evolved to suit whims and times. What was once a especially if it’s low-quality. Paint the façade of a building and after
condemnation of frivolity has been appropriated to suit that very a few years, the paint chips or fades. What’s the common solution?
purpose. However, Arch. Edward Co Tan and his company, Edward Repainting. Wait another couple of years, and that layer fades as
Co Tan + Architects (ECT+A), have recommitted themselves to well. Rinse and repeat until you have layers upon layers of paint
that seemingly brutalist philosophy. For them, the mindset of compromising the building,” he rallies. In the tropical urban jungle
maximizing every calculation of space can inspire and stimulate of Manila, paint is an easy and temporary solution to a problem
not just the end user, but society as a whole. that requires a longer-lasting answer. To contend with pollution
and fluctuating weather patterns, buildings in the Philippines
A consistent topnotcher in the BCI Asia Top 10 Awards, ECT+A shouldn’t rely on paint to maintain their outward aesthetics.
has made a name for itself as a leader within the architectural Instead, architects should rely on the materials they’ll be using.
and building industry. Through their adherence in their self- “Stone is a homogeneous material, which means it has uniform
penned philosophy, Structure as Architecture, Arch. Tan and his composition.” This uniformity creates stability, and for ECT+A,
associates have established their notable reputation as capable integrity is enough in defining the beauty of the structure.
and efficient urban designers. According to Arch. Tan, ‘structure
as architecture’ is an idea with a multitude of applications.
“Everything surrounding us has structure—from furniture to
building enclosures.” Because of structure’s ubiquity, it is the
architect’s duty to design structures that are efficient and space-
conscious. Arch. Tan is a firm objector of the ‘add-on,’ which he
views as ultimately pointless. “The entirety of the space—from
the constructed elements to the negative space in between—is
B Hotel Quezon City
enough. The body is already beautiful—why add to it?” A true
modernist, Arch. Tan fully understands the innate value of his
Scout Rallos, Brgy. Laging
designs, guaranteeing his clients that he and his team will be
Handa, Quezon City
sensitive to “every millimeter, surface, and detail of [their] project.”
Cover Story
Clean Fuel Gas

Station and Retail
Building
Honday Bay, Puerto

Princesa, Palawan
A project collaborator with
Ar. Maria Agnes Lambuson
Admittedly, this adherence to structure as architecture can

sometimes cause friction between the designer and the client, but
Arch. Tan is adamant in saying that the onus of communicating
these design decisions falls on the architect. “From day 1, you
have to communicate. You have to tell your clients that some of
the things they want might be just add-ons.” He recommends
asking the client what they need from that add-on and having
the transparency to illustrate how that add-on will compromise
certain aspects of the project. “You have the responsibility of
telling them, ‘Since this will be an add-on, this is how it’s going
to look.’” Afterwards, Arch. Tan and his team will suggest more
efficient solutions. “Sometimes, they would want, for instance, a
pillar to have an extra purpose. For me, a bare pillar is enough. I ask
them, ‘What will be structure of the project? What purpose does
it serve?’ If it fulfills an important purpose, it should be enough.”
The syntax of their philosophy is as exacting as its application—
‘structure as architecture.’ Anything essential, stays.
Nacional
Memorial
Gregorio Araneta
Ave., Quezon City
Cover Story
Del Rosario
Law Centre
20th Drive corner

21st Drive, Bonifacio
Global City
A project
collaboration with
Ar. Maria Agnes
Lambuson
An iconic,
picturesque
landmark among
the rising buildings
in BGC.
Nacional Electrification
Administration Office Building
Sto. Rosario, Capas, Tarlac

Another paradigm that ECT+A upholds is Space quality simply refers to the space the
sustainable architecture. The term is making building will take up. How can you work with the
its rounds in the architectural world, as more space? What are its features? How do you retain
and more firms are starting to adopt a more its most noteworthy elements? What are its height,
environmentally-conscious mindset. However, volume, floor area, air pathways, and etcetera?
ECT+A has been championing sustainability Not only do architects need to be aware of every
long before it became the mainstay that it is now. conceivable dimension in the construction, true
For over 12 years, Arch. Tan’s work and projects sustainability also considers the underrepresented
have advocated sustainability. According to him, fourth dimension cost of construction. Here is
sustainable architecture is more than just a mindset where ECT+A’s ‘structure as architecture’ and
or a trend—it is their passion. Arch. Tan believes sustainability intertwine in a helix. “You need
that sustainability can be achieved on any project, to seriously consider that cost and quality can
budget, building type, and location—it is not an be exclusive sometimes. Everyone’s looking for
option; it’s a given. “Sustainable architecture is a cheaper options, but what if it’s not efficiently
foundation of beneficial, timeless design which planned?” There’s a reason why the idiom, ‘You get
transcends culture and trends,” he shares, “It is what you pay for’ exists, and Arch. Tan believes the
smart and conscious design.” industry is guilty of this “value engineering,” which
is “re-engineering something to bring down costs”
According to Arch. Tan, for a building to be truly For example, pillars in the middle of a room is a
sustainable, an architect must be aware of three cheap way of solving bearing load issues, but they
important things: ultimately compromise the space. For Arch. Tan, it is
the architect’s job to formulate alternate solutions
1. Cost of construction to solve those issues. Sustainability requires
sacrifice, but never at the expense of the space
2. Space quality
you’re shaping. Wanakasa
3. Cost of operation
Tagaytay
A project with Ar. Agnes

Lambuson
Cover Story
Lastly, there’s operational costs. Linked with the first two, the Another radical project is the Megawide Headquarters. A
operational costs are the crux of ECT+A’s sustainability equation. 10-story office building in the infrastructure industry, the Megawide
While a building’s construction costs may be driven up by quality HQ stands as a testament to the efficacy of stone and concrete.
materials and sustainable features, one must always remember Dismissed by some commentators as “cold” or “inhuman,” the once
that a building’s value goes beyond the initial price tag. “You need to exemplar of human ingenuity has fallen far from grace. But ECT+A is
spend more, to save more,” Arch. Tan says. With proper sustainable raising up the tried-and-true material to lofty heights. To soften the
features in place, the client will be able to recoup the upfront brutalist patina of the material, Arch. Tan and his team replicated the
spending within a few years. Arch. Tan provides yet another relatable look of natural stone. “We’ve gotten really good at it. For all intents
example to illustrate his point, “Sachets. Shampoo, conditioner, and purposes, concrete is liquid stone. Components of concrete
detergent, etc. Sachets are convenient. They’re cheap and easy to came from natural stone.” It was then a matter of bringing out the
purchase. Every sari-sari store carries them. However, the constant raw beauty of the material to create a prism of glass, steel, and, yes,
top-up of sachets turns out to be more expensive than buying larger concrete, in the heart of Manila.
bulk sizes in the long run. So you think you’re saving, but in reality,
you are not.” All three elements are interrelated: One should weigh Whether directly or indirectly, architecture has the intrinsic
the quality of the space versus the cost of the space and calculate ability to dictate, manipulate, and influence people. This control
the future operational costs. Arch. Tan’s vision of sustainability is lends the discipline a heavy responsibility. Architects, like
future proofing, for his buildings and projects to avoid becoming painters, actors, or sculptors, are tastemakers. However, instead
future liabilities and be used for their assigned purpose for decades of influencing the movies people watch or the clothes they wear,
or even centuries to come. architects shape our very environment. They create schools for
our children to go to school. They construct offices to flourish our
One of Arch. Tan’s favorite projects is the Wanakasa. A private careers. They build the very homes wherein we build our lives. In
residence inspired by Balinese culture, the Wanakasa might not view of that fact, architecture holds the promise of a better life.
be the most symbolic of modernism. However, ECT+A’s design At the end of things, a good life can be beautiful in its own way.
philosophy, ‘structure as architecture’ works beyond concrete and Between the concrete and the rebar, between the blueprint and the
mortar. A villa constructed and completed completely on water, the ink, therein lies that promise. And it’s a promise that Arch. Edward
Wanakasa offered the unique challenge of working with an aquatic Tan and ECT+A will do everything in their power to realize. D+C
element. Instead of draining the pond or building the project beside
it, the Wanakasa used the natural landscape as its own water feature.
The effect is almost magical, as the villa gives the effect of floating
on water.
Nacional Electrification
Administration Office Building
Sto. Rosario, Capas, Tarlac

Cover Story
words images
62 Lean Panganiban GF & Partners
Queen of
Hearts
Beyond the Legacy:
Architect Annette F.
Gaddi-Liganor and
GF & Partners
Cover Story
asd Driving through Forbes Park and Dasmariñas Village today, you can still see many
of the grand houses the late Architect Gabriel Formoso designed for key personalities in
business and society of the ‘60s and ’70s. His projects (many a demesne of the rich and
famous of those eras) can be distinguished by their long, low silhouette, as well as their
sweeping driveways leading to deeply cantilevered canopies and heavy wood portals. These
glimmering facades transport us back to a colorful period of post-war Philippine suburbia,
the nuances of the new lifestyle adapted successfully to the Philippine tropics and Filipino
culture.
In the economy of inspiration, Ar. Gabriel Formoso was the richest. He paid everything
forward when he built GF & Partners. GF & Partners as a firm began with the vision of
institutionalizing and building further on his legacy of successful personal practice, hence
his initials that the company bears up to this day. His firm has put its design mark (Tatak
GF!) on several buildings that have characterized the Philippine cities for decades (or even
centuries) now. Among these are well-known landmark buildings like the Asian Institute
of Management building, the Bank of America–Lepanto building, and the Manila Peninsula
Hotel, as well as major structures in the city such as the Central Bank of the Philippines.
64 Queen of Hearts Beyond the Legacy: GF & Partners
Ar. Gabriel Formoso instilled in his firm the values and ideals
that make it the firm that it is today—a professional and
specialized organization where career advancement for
design practitioners is based on merit, ability, and tested
competence. Even after his death in December 1996, GFP
has remained as one of the biggest and most respected
architectural firms in the Philippines. It is one of only a
handful of architectural firms in the country established
on a personal practice and that has survived and sustained
success even after the death of its founder.
What’s unique about the firm is that its associates are

all homegrown and chosen on the basis of merit and in
recognition for their honesty, dedication, fortitude, strength
of character, design acumen, and compromising standards
for quality of work. Through the years, other associates were
elevated to partner status for manifesting the same virtues.
Architect Annette F. Gaddi-Liganor is heading the new

generation of these architects.
Shangrila at The Fort
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Shangri-la Properties, Inc.
The Shangri-la at the Fort is a panned luxury mixed-use development

that features a 5-star hotel, hotel residence and upscale
condominiums. Measuring approximately 247 meters
in height with 62 storeys and a total gross floor area of 138,700
square meters, it will become one of the tallest skyscrapers in
the Philippines. The podium level is divided into the east ad west
podiums which are connected by a bridge at three different levels.
The Shangri-la at the Fort will have a sports club complete with a
FIBA standard basketball court, squash courts, a covered tennis
court, a lap pool, spa, yoga and pilates studios, sinning studios, and
an open gym. Hotel restaurants and lounges will be located at the
lobby. The Shangrila at the Fort is aiming for LEED Gold Certification.
Cover Story
Imperium at
Capitol Commons
Camino Verde Rd, Pasig

Metro Manila
• 63-storey high rise luxury

residential condominium
- 58 residential floors
- 5 townhouse units
- 383 parking slots
- 224 regular units
- 4 penthouse units
• 3 levels of Podium parking and 5
levels of Basement parking
• Podium level amenity deck
• Target Turn-over December 2019
Queen Of Hearts
Architect Annette can be referred to as one of the most

prolific architects of today. The superlative varies here and
there, but the word—"female"—usually sticks.
Truth be told, the qualifier would not be out of place in

other disciplines (women are taking a lead in various fields
just as much as men do today and did in previous years), but
architecture has a stark and persistent gender gap. Anyway,
the firm doesn’t seem to mind, as excellence and values take
the top floor in their ethos’ building.
Starting at the bottom of the corporate ladder as a

draftswoman in 1982, Architect Annette climbed up high in
1998. She was groomed by the firm’s Managing Partner and
another prominent female architect at that time, Architect
Susan Castillo, as well as Arch. Teodoro Narciso. The former
taught her the rudiments of form and function, while the
latter emphasized to her the importance of delivering
excellent and efficient service.
In her more than 3 decades of practice, she can swear

by these 5 non-negotiables in the architecture industry: a
structure's layout always comes first, form comes second; put
a premium on integrity and honesty in dealing with clients,
colleagues, allied professional service providers (engineers,
project managers), contractors, and suppliers; adhere to and
observance of the ethics of the practice of the profession;
treat heads and subordinates with respect; and pursue a
healthy work/life balance.
It’s no surprise, then, that success followed suit. In

2016, she became the Managing Partner of the firm. Her
managing tip? “Lead by example,” she replied with a smile.
She considers the people the asset of the company, knowing
full well that the firm owes the success to every pair of hands
and head who collaborated to build the sublime edifices
they’ve designed over the years. She’s very hands-on and
details-oriented. Like her esteemed predecessors in this role
and true to the vision of Ar. Gabriel Formoso, she focused on
close collaboration with clients and remains involved in every
phase of the design process. She couldn’t have answered our
interview questions any better.
What fuels you to do what you do?
I grew up with a family of artists. I have an innate love for the

visual arts. My father was an engineer and it was his dream
for me to be an architect and for us to work together in the
real estate construction industry. I strive to fuse scientific
precision and art (as expressed in a structure's design).
Stringent standards set by the university and the firm led me
to study diligently.
What is the most fulfilling or rewarding part of your

work as an architect?
The conviction and belief that I had given each project the
attention and focus it deserves. To see the structure given life
from conceptualization and eventual construction gives me a
sense of fulfilment and having left a legacy for generations to
view and appreciate.
Cover Story
West Superblock
3rd Avenue and 28th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Ayala Land, Inc.
A project will be built on a 9,082 square meter lot within the

WSB development. A mixeduse development to include a
high end residential condominium (The Suites), a grade AA
office Block that would eventually become a new home of
the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) and a “lifestyle” retail
development. It is envisioned to be the “prime address”
within the BGC and a world-class financial center. The retail
component of the development will have an exciting mix of
retail shops and restaurants which cater to the more upscale
and cosmopolitan consumers. Establishments located within
will be set amidst greeneries and water features providing
exhilarating shopping and dining experience. The Residential
tower is a 66-storey high rise, low-density development, with
sophisticated and cosmopolitan environment. The project
has been designed such that its residents will benefit from
its central location. Access will be provided to the Bonifacio
High Street and the Project’s retail component without
compromising its exclusive, upscale appeal.
What are the design qualities of a

perfect building? How do you describe
the overall look and feel a GFP project?
You’ll see a good marriage of form and function

in all of our projects. A structure's layout
always comes first; form comes second. The
needs of the edifice's users are given foremost
attention. Achieving maximum utility without
undue sacrifice of aesthetic beauty makes for
a well designed and built structure. Whether
in the planning stage of a project or during
concept preparation, the firm conscientiously
considers how the users of a structure or
building will be affected by its design. We make
certain that public and private spaces are
adequately segregated, noisy and quiet zones
are satisfactorily kept apart, and service and
guest experiences are separate. It is through
careful planning such as this that GF & Partners
has built a strong reputation in mid-to high-
end development, and a track record that is
burnished with repeat clients and countless
referrals.
What area in your career are you most

proud of?
Though I may have multi-tasked throughout my

career, I am most proud of my achievements as
a wife and mother to three sons. I have placed
my family above all else. It is by the love, support
and understanding of my spouse and sons that
I have been privileged to work at and head the
firm.
How do you keep up with the

architecture industry changes?
The firm collaborates with foreign architectural

firms who are introducing cutting-edge
and current design styles and trends. The
firm makes it a point to review these design
concepts for adequate observance of national
and local building codes/rules and regulations.
Moreover, the firm is given the opportunity to
infuse these international concepts with local
flavor.
On an annual basis, the partners and

senior associates take study trips abroad to
update themselves on the latest design and
construction trends.
Cover Story
Okada Hotel
(Manila Bay Resorts)
Atlantic Drive, Asiaworld City Blvd.,

Parañaque City
Tiger Resort, Leisure and
Entertainment, Inc.
Located in the emerging Parañaque

Entertainment city, Manila bay
Resorts is envisioned by the project
proponent to be one of the best
high-end entertainment complex
resorts in the world. The 49 hectare
development will feature 28,000m
square meters of casino gaming
floor, 2,000 hotel rooms and suites,
a Shopping mall, a myriad of
restaurants that serve various cuisine,
high-end retail shops, a 22,000
square meter water pond featuring
impressive water and light shows,
and a massive glass dome-enclosed
indoor beach club.
Beyond the Legacy
To date, GFP thrives with more than 150

architects and employees, led by four other
partners whose cohesive management
strategy and synergy has built a reputation for
professionalism and effective collaboration with
industry partners and foreign counterparts.
The firm’s projects are wide and varied:

from residential homes, residential and
business condominiums, hospitals, churches,
commercial malls, to recreational facilities.
Moreover, GFP counts among its regular and
valued clients the top real estate developers
and companies in the Philippines, whose world-
class projects stand as a testament to the firm’s
collective talents, expertise, and discerning
aesthetic.
Ar. Formoso’s contributions to the field of

Filipino architecture are two-fold—his legacy
is evident not only in structures with enduring
architectural quality, but also in the spirit
and work of a professional organization that
continues such values and vision. D+C
The Royalton
Capitol Commons, Pasig City

Ortigas & Co. Ltd. Partnership
The exterior balconies of the Royalton take on the

form of a veil lightly wrapping around the tower,
seeming to flutter and flap in the wind, exposing
certain elements of the building. Just as a cape or
cloak of an empress, the buildings veil suggests a
hidden sense of power behind its fragile form. The
folds in the fabric of the veil become balconies for
the units above and canopies and undulating roofs
for the amenities below. A visitor is greeted by light
and airy spaces, high ceilings, and soft palettes of
materials – light colored stone, natural wood and
plenty of light.
Royalton is a 67-storey development. It has a
private driveway, podium and basement parking, a
landscaped garden deck, a lap pool with cabanas, a
club room for private parties, a resident’s lounge,
high-performance fitness facilities and a 100%
emergency power supply for residential units. The
Royalton signals a brand new community within
Capitol Commons. Quiet and peaceful meditation
zones strengthen the concept of private living, while
its proximity to the Riverparc and the existing and
retail entertainment in the Estancia Mall implies a
central node of activity with Capitol Commons.
Cover Story
Olive Place
Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City

Data Land, Inc.
A mixed-use development
of commercial, office and
residential units. It is composed
of Tower 1 (51 floors) and Tower
2 (49 floors) with a gross floor
area of 98,298 square meters.
Amenities include a gymnasium,
sauna, swimming pool, study
hall, social hall, yoga and
meditation rooms, game room
and library.
words images
74 Engr. Emilson C. Gole Cruz Sunjoule
SUNJOULE
The Wonders of
Glass Embedded
Solar Cells
asd Construction materials represent more than
40% of the Project Cost in construction projects.
Therefore, it becomes necessary that the materials
are used more efficiently. Even the selection of
proper material is also a dilemma and need profound
consideration. Innovation in respect of the materials
should be done considering the requirements and
suitability in the project. In general, construction
materials, equipment and building techniques
have become more energy efficient, economical,
environment-friendly, user-friendly
and aesthetically better.
AGC Sunjoule is a building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in which solar

cells are embedded in a laminated safety glass. BIPV are photovoltaic
materials that are used to replace conventional building materials in parts
of the building envelope.
Trends & Stories
One of applications of AGC Sunjoule is using it as glass louvers. Not only it is aesthetically
appealing, it also allows natural light into the building and reduces solar heat gain.
At the same time, this generation has been taking heat strengthened glass, high durability is realized by
action to the call of a greener and better environment. using Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) as the interlayer film.
With this, the material we choose to construct our Solar cells are also designed to have enough distance
buildings should enhance safety, minimize pollution, from glass edge to secure long life.
be friendly to the natural environment and in general,
create a healthy atmosphere. Sunjoule is a custom product with free design and
offer design of solar cell as per request. Client may
Is it possible that we achieve both? Definitely YES! create their space unique by the light and shadow
The building blocks of the future are being developed through grid solar cells. Light can be transmitted
in research labs today. Every now and then, mankind between and around solar cells. The space of solar cells
go for innovations and existing construction materials can range from 6mm to 30mm depending on the design
are re-transformed, increasing its potential to change requirement. Upon request, smaller space and wider
architecture today, tomorrow, and beyond. space can be possible.
Introducing Sunjoule product to the Philippines

is the Morning Sun Aluminum and Glass Contractor.
Sunjoule: Building-Integrated Being in the industry for more than 19 years, Morning
Photovoltaics (BIPV) Sun wants to incorporate innovative products into
their projects more than just the architectural glass,
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are aluminium, and aluminium composite panels that they
photovoltaic materials that are used to replace have been offering the market for years. Having this
conventional building materials in parts of the building new solar product, the company believes that Sunjoule
envelope such as the roof, skylights, or facades. At is a perfect product combining strength of a building
present, BIPV are increasingly being incorporated into material and the power of solar panels.
the construction of buildings as a principal or ancillary
source of electrical power. The advantage of integrated Morning Sun Aluminum and Glass Contractor got
photovoltaics is that the initial cost can be offset by the agreement with AGC to be the sole distributor and
reducing the amount spent on building materials and installer of Sunjoule here in the Philippines. Adhering
labor that would normally be used to construct the part to their core values of providing high performance
of the building that the BIPV modules replace. These products, Morning Sun is also passionate in fulfilling
advantages make BIPV one of the fastest growing their social responsibility of contributing to the society
segments of the photovoltaic industry. with their works while taking into consideration the
health and safety of the community. This is, indeed, a
Sunjoule, a product of AGC Inc., is a BIPV in which milestone for the construction industry in the country
solar cells are embedded in a laminated safety glass. As as Sunjoule is finally here in the Philppines.
it is a laminated safety glass using either tempered or
76 Sunjoule The Wonders of Glass Embedded Solar Cells
AGC Sunjoule can be used in multiple applications. It can be installed horizontally as glass canopy and
skylight, and can be installed vertically as Glass Curtain Wall for building facades, glass railings and fence.
Five Things You Should
Know About SUNJOULE
Multiple Design Possibilities
Sunjoule comes into different design possibilities to choose from. With these
designs, clients and architects have bigger room of ideas to play around and
incorporate Sunjoule as a building material in their projects.
Sunjoule Sudare
Sudare originally means a bamboo blinds which is widely used in
Japan. Resembling design of bamboo blinds, SunJoule Sudare is a
custom BIPV with a solar cell size of 156mm x 77.9mm.
Sunjoule Green
As being “green” is really in demand nowadays, green wall can be
achieved with the use of Sunjoule Green with solar cell size of 156mm
x 156mm. Sunjoule Green offers new color variation which symbolizes
clean and earth-friendly.
Sunjoule See-Through
Sunjoule See-Through provides a clearer vision with the use of an
amorphous silicon type solar module. With the standard size of
1400mm x 1100mm per unit, this is available in double glazing, as well.
Multiple Application Possibilities
Since Sunjoule comes into multiple designs, its applications are impressive,
too. Aside from its usual use as Glass Canopy or Skylight, Sunjoule can also be
installed vertically. Sunjoule is a perfect material to be used as glazing for curtain
wall and building façade. It allows natural light into the building, reduces solar
heat gain, and act as sound insulation, as well. Sunjoule can also be uses as glass
louvers, glass railings and fence.
Reliable
Sunjoule is a product of a well-trusted company, AGC Inc., which makes sure that
Sunjoule went through extreme research and development before materialized.
AGC is a Japanese global glass manufacturing company, headquartered in
Tokyo. It is the largest glass company in the world and one of the core Mitsubishi
companies. Asahi Glass was named one of Thomson Reuters Top 100 Global
Innovators in 2013.
Source of Renewable Energy
Aside from the fact the Sunjoule are aesthetically pleasing, what made it
more impressive is that it is a source of renewable energy. With the solar cells
embedded on the glass, it knocks electrons loose from sunlight’s atoms when it
hit the cells. As the electrons flow through the cell, they generate electricity. Thus,
using Sunjoules is like investing on two things at a time: on a building material,
and on solar power generator. This will drastically reduce electric bills which
definitely makes it a great investment.
Morning Sun Aluminum & Glass Contractor

Eco Friendly Material
3 Manhattan St. Brgy Immaculate Concepcion, Quezon City
410-5846, 705-7162 Using Sunjoule mean using less electricity. This also means less carbon emission
morningsuncorp@gmail.com which is good with our environment. With the use of Sunjoule, you are also helping
in making our Mother Earth become cleaner and greener. D+C
www.morningsuncorp.com
words + images
80 Estan Cabigas
Amelie Hotel
Exuding the
Manila Vibe
Detail of Braska’s wall and décor
asd Malate has always been

known as the bohemian enclave
of Manila with its many artsy
cafes and galleries, bustling
nightlife and irrepressible energy.
The district was the place to
go to socialize and a haven for
artists and musicians. If you
want culture and more, Malate
was the place. But that was way
before the establishments and
happening places have moved to
other quarters of Metro Manila.
The Malate of old has lost its glory
and its star has dimmed. Gritty
and grimy, it has been overrun by
clubs and KTV bars catering to
foreign men coming in to have fun.
In the last few years, a sort

of reawakening has happened in
Malate. Old and new cafes and
restaurants are in the buzz. Brave
souls have opened businesses.
The late Anthony Bourdain even
dined in one of the Japanese
restaurants in the area during his
last visit to the country. There’s
also a thriving and competitive
hotel scene with new entrants
catering to different budgets. And
this is where Amelie Hotel Manila
comes in.
Opened in 2015, Amelie Hotel

Manila is a one of a kind boutique
hotel that has been earning a
loyal following locally and with
its foreign guests with its great
service, value for money and
comfortable rooms. Inspired by
the French film, Amelie, which
was a great hit worldwide, it
is actually named after the
granddaughter of the owner, who
was also named after the main
character of that movie.
Trends & Stories
Spacious rooms with comfortable beds in sleek contemporary design
Design
Although it has a contemporary design, the exterior is modern

and low key, its in the interior that one can really feel the vibe
of Manila. It’s a marriage of the modern and the old. There’s
a seeming familiarity of the accents and touches around the
hotel, details that, according to Anton Barretto, who designed
the interior, was inspired with Manila’s old splendor. Design
elements from Manila’s Golden Age of Architecture, the Art Deco,
were used and even a stylized street map of Manila innovatively
utilized as decors in the room and as wall design at the elevator
area. The hotel’s rather subdued palette of black, red and gray
can be found from the lobby to the rooms and there are elements
too that give the hotel a cohesive look.
The old and the new
Refurbished red ambassador chairs that were common during

the mid-20th century serve as accents in the lobby. Birdcage
seats draws the eye of the visitor ones he enters the property.
The Machuca tiles used at the main lobby also harks back to a
bygone era. Even in the hotel’s in-house restaurant, Braska, the
wall is made from discarded wood from the old house that is
tastefully assembled and exudes rusticity. All these give Amelie
Hotel its charm and character.
Spacious rooms with comfortable beds in sleek contemporary design

82 Amelie Hotel Exuding the Manila Vibe
Birdcage chairs flank a comfortable couch and

Stylized
old style machuca tiles in the flooring at the lobby
street maps
make for an
interesting
wall cladding
at the
elevator area
Food
Jorge Bocobo Street was originally known

as Nebraska during the American colonial
period. The in-house restaurant’s name is
a shortened form, thus Braska. It’s known
for its good food, specializing in Filipino
cuisine, a good marriage of the old reliables
and new ones with a twist. Buffet breakfast
is also served here for hotel guests.
Refurbished
red
Location ambassador
chairs from
yesteryear
Amelie Hotel is where the original house make for
of the owner used to stand along J interesting
accent at the
Bocobo St. It’s central and convenient to
lobby
everything in Malate. Robinsons Place is
just a few minutes’ walk for shopping and
dining. It’s another few minutes’ walk to
Remedios Circle for interesting cafes and
restaurants. The popular Manila Bay sunset
is just a block away while jeepneys, the
LRT and taxis provide easy transport. The
hotel is also a good base for day tours in
Intramuros, the National Museum, Rizal
Park and even Binondo while the nightlife
is just a few steps from here.
Trends & Stories
View of the bar at the inner section of Braska
Braska’s main dining area. Note the wall made from

assembled discarded wood from the old house
84 Amelie Hotel Exuding the Manila Vibe
View of the entire lobby as seen from the main door

Cityscape, at
the rooftop
where the
swimming
pool is
located too
Service and value for money
Although privately owned, the hotel is

managed by Paramount Hotel & Facilities
Cityscape
Management Co. Inc., the ones who run
with cityline
the Microtel and Tryp brands of Wyndham backdrop as
under the Microtel Inns and Suites Inc. viewed from
the lounging
Philippine master franchise. Thus, warm area
and sincere service is assured. The two
room types: Deluxe and Execute, are
spacious and comfortable, good value for
money. D+C
Amelie Hotel Manila

1667 Jorge Bocobo St.
Malate, Manila
https://www.ameliehotelmanila.com
Trends & Stories
Detail of bed Simple yet elegant front desk of the hotel

and stylized
headboard that
runs from base
to ceiling
Stylized Manila
street maps as
room décor
words
88 Engr. Emilson C. Gole Cruz
15 Iconic
Structures Of
The Philppines
asd Renowned scientist Neil de Grasse Tyson once said that culture
is most present in a country’s art and architecture; it’s what makes a
country its own, it’s what sets it aside from others. 1 University of Santo Tomas Main Building
The Philippines has had its share of cultural diversity, having been University of Santo Tomas is the Philippine’s oldest university and the first
exposed to foreign cultures in the past. These foreign powers influenced earthquake resistant building in the country. In 1920, Roque Ruaño was
more than just the lifestyle of the Filipinos, and more so, changed the assigned to draw up plans for the UST Main Building. During the years 1922 and
way Filipinos appreciated beauty, including aesthetics of architecture. 1923, the plans were finally completed and construction began in 1924.
Architecture in the Philippines today is the result of a natural growth
enriched with the absorption of varied influences. As a result, the Phil- The structure is a rectangular building having a dimension of 86 meters long
ippines have become an architectural melting pot of ideas. and 74 meters wide with two interior courtyards or patios. The most significant
feature is the fact that it is actually made up of 40 separate structures
Over the years, Filipino architects and builders have successfully independent from one another with the only opportunity provided by pre-
contributed to the enhancement of the Philippines’ scenery through cast stab flooring. But some locations of the separations are now difficult to
man-made structures that have been part of our rich history or edifices determine exactly because of the numerous cosmetic changes the interior of
that have been built just recently. We have the building which has undergone over the years.
produced some amazing architectural
structures that can be considered The first classes were held on July 2, 1927. Since then, the Main Building
as national gems, not just for their has been the focal point of the campus. It is where all succeeding structures
aesthetics but also for the way revolved. After its opening, the Main Building, specifically the clock tower,
they molded the country into to served as the city's Kilometer Zero until it was replaced by the Rizal Monument
what it is today. in Luneta.
In 2010, a year before the quadricentennial anniversary of the University, the

National Museum of the Philippines declared the Main Building, along with
other important structures in the University, as National Cultural Treasures.
Trends & Stories
2 Manila Cathedral
The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the
Immaculate Conception is the cathedral of Manila and
basilica located in the historic walled city of Intramuros.
The cathedral was originally a parish church in

Manila built by Juan de Vivero, a secular priest, and was
dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
Back then, it was simply made of nipa and bamboo. It
was then under the Archdiocese of Mexico in 1571, until
it became a separate diocese on February 6, 1579 upon
the issuance of the papal bull, Illius Fulti Præsido by
Pope Gregory XIII. The cathedral was damaged and
destroyed several times due to destruction caused by
war, fires, typhoons, and earthquakes. The eighth and
current structure of the cathedral was completed in
1958.
In 2012, the Basilica was closed under the orders of

Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales for another
major repair. The renovation, which was completed
in 2014, upgraded facilities with LED lighting, sound
systems which are digitally operated, and a structural
foundation which are carbon-retrofitted.
Manila Cathedral also holds religious artworks and

sacred relics of popes and saints, and serves as resting
place for the remains of former archbishops in Manila.
3 Tanghalang Pambansa,
Cultural Center of the Philippines
Tanghalang Pambansa is the flagship venue and principal offices
of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Designed by National
Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, its design was based
and expanded upon the unconstructed Philippine-American
Friendship Center. The Tangahalan is a primary example of the
architect's signature style known as the floating volume, a trait can
be seen in structures indigenous to the Philippines such as the
nipa hut. It houses three performing arts venues, one theater for
film screenings, galleries, a museum and the center's library and
archives. Being a work of a National Artist, the brutalist structure
is qualified to be an important cultural landmark as stipulated in
Republic Act No. 10066
Construction began in 1966, with Alfredo Juinio serving as

structural engineer. Originally called the Theater of Performing
Arts, it was completed and inaugurated in 1969. The façade of the
Tanghalang Pambansa is dominated by a two-storey travertine
block suspended 12 meters high by deep concave cantilevers on
three sides. The rest of the structure is clad in concrete, textured
by crushed seashells originally found on the reclamation site.
The building is built on a massive podium, and entry is through a
vehicular ramp in front of the raised lobby and a pedestrian side
entry on its northwest side. In front of the façade and below the
ramp, there is an octagonal reflecting pool with fountains and
underwater lights. On the main lobby, three large Capiz-shell
chandeliers hang from the third floor ceiling, each symbolizing the
three main geographical divisions of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas
and Mindanao. At the orchestra entrance, a brass sculpture, The
Seven Arts by Vicente Manansala welcomes the audience into the
main theater. From the pedestrian entrance, Arturo Luz's Black and
White is displayed as spectators enter the little theater or ascend to
the main lobby through a massive carpeted spiral staircase.
90 15 Iconic Structures of the Philippines
4 Miagao Church
Located in Miagao in Iloilo, the church's over-

all architectural style falls under the Baroque
Romanesque architectural style. Its ochre color
is due to the materials used in constructing the
church: adobe, egg, coral and limestone. The
church's foundation is 6 meters deep and the
massive stone walls at 1.5 meters thick are
intensified through the use of 4 meter thick flying
buttresses as protection to the Moro invader.
The façade of Miagao church consists of an

ornately decorated bas-relief in the middle of
two huge watchtower belfries on each side. The
bas-relief is a mixed influence of Medieval Spanish,
Chinese, Muslim and local traditions and elements,
a unique characteristic of the church façade. A
prominent part of the façade is a coconut tree
depicted as the tree of life where St. Christopher
holds on. St. Christopher is dressed in local and
traditional clothing carrying the Child Jesus on his
back. The rest of the façade features the daily life
of the people of Miagao during that time including
native flora (like papaya, coconut and palm tree) and
fauna.
5 San Sebastian Church
The Basílica Menor de San Sebastián, better known as San

Sebastian Church, is a Roman Catholic minor basilica in
Manila, is an example of the revival of Gothic architecture
in the Philippines, and is the only all-steel church in the
Philippines. It was designated as a National Historical
Landmark in 1973 and as a National Cultural Treasure in 2011.
In 1621, Bernardino Castillo, a generous patron and a

devotee of the 3rd-century Roman martyr Saint Sebastian,
donated the land upon which the church stands. The original
structure, made of wood, burned in 1651 during a Chinese
uprising. Succeeding structures, which were built of brick,
were destroyed by fire and earthquakes in 1859, 1863, and
1880.
In the 1880s, Esteban Martínez, the parish priest of

the ruined church, approached Spanish architect Genaro
Palacios with a plan to build a fire and earthquake-resistant
structure made entirely of steel. Palacios completed a design
that fused Earthquake Baroque with the Neo-Gothic style.
His final design was said to have been inspired by the famed
Gothic Burgos Cathedral in Burgos, Spain.
The prefabricated steel sections that would compose

the church were manufactured in Binche, Belgium. In all, 52
tonnes of prefabricated steel sections were transported in
eight separate shipments from Belgium to the Philippines.
Belgian engineers supervised the assembly of the church,
the first column of which was erected on September 11, 1890.
The walls were filled with mixed sand, gravel, and cement.
The stained glass windows were imported from the Heinrich
Oidtmann Company, a German stained glass firm, while local
artisans assisted in applying the finishing touches.
Trends & Stories
6 National Museum of Fine Arts
Arguably the best example of neoclassical

architecture in the Philippines, the building was
originally designed by Bureau of Public Works
Consulting Architect Ralph Harrington Doane
and Antonio Toledo in 1918. It was built under the
supervision of the construction firm Pedro Siochi
and Company and the building therefore became
known as the Legislative Building. The Second
Regular Session of the 7th Philippine Legislature
was formally opened on the inauguration
of the building on July 16, 1926. In 1935, the
Commonwealth of the Philippines was proclaimed,
and the inauguration of President Manuel L.
Quezon were held outside the building. The
building became known as the National Assembly
Building.
In World War II, Japanese forces in Manila

bombed and destroyed the building in February
1945. It was rebuilt by the U.S. Philippine War
Damage Corporation to the same dimensions but
with less interior and exterior ornamentation in
1949. The building became known as the Congress
Building, and continuously served as home of
the Congress of the Philippines until 1972 with
the declaration of martial law. The building was
then turned over to the National Museum of the
Philippines in 1998.
On September 30, 2010, the National

Historical Commission of the Philippines 7 Manila Metropolitan Theater
declared the building as a "National Historical
Landmark" by virtue of Resolution No. 8, A marker The Manila Metropolitan Theater is a Philippine Art Deco
commemorating the declaration was unveiled on designed by architect Juan M. Arellano and inaugurated on
October 29, 2010. December 10, 1931.
The Metropolitan Theater façade resembles a stage being

framed by a proscenium-like central window of stained glass
which carries the name “Metropolitan” with flora and fauna
motif surrounding the label. This helps bring in light to the
lobby. It was highlighted on both ends by the curving walls with
colorful decorated tiles in resemblance with the batik patterns
from Southeast Asia. There are also moldings of zigzag and
wavy lines that go with the sponged and painted multi-colored
massive walls. The wall that framed the stained glass is a
segmented arch with rows of small finials on the upper edge
of the wall. Located in the entrance are elaborate wrought iron
gates which are patterned into leaf designs and various lines.
Accenting the ground level are Capiz lamps and banana-leaf
formed pillars which go alternately with the theater’s entrances.
Standing at the back is a huge vertical box decorated on the
sides by geometric motifs. The ceiling profile of the auditorium
was reflected in the exterior through stepped vaults.
The main auditorium projects a different character as

compared to the building envelope’s ornamentality. A sequence
of gradually lowered arches made of local wood, enhanced by
panels with colorful motifs. These motifs were a combination
of mangoes, bananas, and foliage painted by the brother of
Juan Arellano, Arcadio. On top of the proscenium are figures
symbolic of Music, Tragedy, Poetry and Comedy. Resembling
bamboo stalks are the tapering lamps of translucent glass
which surround the theater space. The focal point is the
rectangular stage adorned with mango fruits and leaves motif.
8 Manila City Hall
The Manila City Hall is located in the historic center of Ermita, Manila. It is where
the Mayor of Manila holds office and the chambers of the Manila City Council. It
was originally intended to be a part of a national government center envisioned
by Daniel Burnham in the 1930s.
During its heyday, the Manila City Hall was criticized because of monotony,
lack of entrances and the clock tower location. But after years of its continued
existence, the critics praise the design for its original intent. As other people
may view it as a casket when seen from an aerial standpoint, it was intentionally
formed to look like a shield of the Knights Templar which symbolized that the
country is under the influence and protection of the Roman Catholic Church.
The building sits on a trapezoidal shape of the lot in between the Legislative
and Post Office buildings. Due to the monotony of the building envelope, one
cannot distinguish the principal facade from the main entrance properly. The
south entrance has a balcony emphasized by three arches resting on Corinthian
columns while the north rear has the same design treatment with the east and
west sides, but has pediments all throughout and a tall, hexagonal clock tower
capped by a dome.
9 Araneta Coliseum
The Smart Araneta Coliseum, known as The Big Dome,

is an indoor multi-purpose sports arena in the Cubao,
Quezon City. It is one of the largest indoor arenas in
Asia, and it is also one of the largest clear span domes
in the world. The dome measures approximately 108.0
meters making it the largest dome in Asia from its
opening in 1960 until 2001 when it was surpassed by
the Ōita Stadium in Japan with a dome measuring
274.0 meters
The Araneta Coliseum was constructed

from 1957 to late 1959, and designed and built by
Architect Dominador Lacson Lugtu and Engineer
Leonardo Onjunco Lugtu. From 1960 to 1963, the
Coliseum received international recognition and
was recognized as the largest covered coliseum in
the world. Today, it remains one of the largest clear
span domesin the world with a dome diameter of 108
meters] It occupies a total land area of almost 40,000
square metres (430,000 sq ft) and has a floor area of
23,000 square metres (250,000 sq ft).
The coliseum opened on March 16, 1960, with

Gabriel "Flash" Elorde boxing for the World Junior
Lightweight crown against Harold Gomes. Additional
improvements were made in 2012, including the
renovation of the Red Gate entrance and the Green
Gate side facade, and the replacement of Upper Box
level seats, thus increasing its seating capacity.
Trends & Stories
10 Coconut Palace
The Coconut Palace, also known as Tahanang Pilipino is

a government building located in the Cultural Center of
the Philippines Complex in Manila. Designed by Filipino
Architect Francisco Mañosa, it was commissioned in 1978
by former First Lady Imelda Marcos as a government guest
house and offered to Pope John Paul II during the Papal
visit to the Philippines in 1981 but the Pope refused to stay
there because it was too opulent given the level of poverty
in the Philippines.
The Coconut Palace cost 37 million pesos to build and

was partly financed by the coconut levy fund, which was set
up to be used for the welfare of coconut farmers. It is made
of several types of Philippine hardwood, coconut shells, and
a specially engineered coconut lumber. Each of the suites
on the second floor is named after a specific region of the
Philippines and displays some of the handicrafts these
regions produce.
The palace is shaped like an octagon while the roof is

shaped like a traditional Filipino salakot or hat. Some of its
highlights are the 101 coconut-shell chandelier, and the
dining table made of 40,000 tiny pieces of inlaid coconut
shells.
11 San Miguel Building Corporation
Long before green buildings became vogue, the

architect Francisco Mañosa took inspiration
from the country’s indigenous landforms and
geography in designing the headquarters of the
San Miguel Corporation.
Constructed in 1979, the structure is a

reflection of its time. Mañosa’s search for
Filipino architecture tradition anchored on
the philosophy of the bahay kubo, the humble
symbol of the rural Filipino that is culturally and
environmentally sensitive to its setting.
It is said that Mañosa integrated the Banaue

Rice Terraces into the design concept of the
San Miguel Corp. headquarters. With the
use of modern materials such as glass, steel,
and concrete, the structure turned into a
masterpiece that stood on a well-manicured
landscape imagined and executed by National
Artist for Architecture Ildefonso Santos,
considered to be the father of Philippine
landscape architecture.
San Miguel Corp. moved into its new office

building in 1984. The angled office windows
complement the greenery that surrounds the
building. With the windows fixed at an angle, it
helps deflect the glare of the sun just as it tries
to minimize the heat entering the building.
12 Church of Gesu – Ateneo

The Church of the Gesù is located at the Ateneo
de Manila University campus in Quezon City .The
landmark was designed by Jose Pedro Recio and
Carmelo Casas. The edifice’s massive triangular
structure symbolizes the Holy Trinity, as well as
the three-fold mission and vision of the school. Its
shape and design are also meant to suggest the
outstretched arms of the Sacred Heart, and the
traditional Filipino bahay kubo . The site has a total
area of 10,200 square metres and seating capacity
for 1,000 persons. The church is situated on Sacred
Heart Hill, a small hill overlooking Bellarmine Field,
believed to be the highest point in Loyola Heights.
The peak cross and carillon of the church can be
seen from Katipunan Avenue, which borders the
campus to the west.
On September 30, 2001 the cornerstone of the

church was blessed and laid. The church dedication
liturgy for the church was celebrated by Cardinal
Jaime Sin on July 31, 2002 and attended by several
distinguished guests, including former Philippine
President Corazon Aquino.
Inside the Church's western entrance is a

semicircle of stained glass depicting the Stations
of the Cross. At the center of the semicircle is the
church's holy water font. It is placed on a hole on the
floor with rim surrounded by the rays of the Jesuits'
seal. The stoup itself is an upright brown stone, with
a depression on top acting as the basin and the
outlet for the water covered with a clay plate with
the Jesuit seal. The water circulates over the sides
the basin, therefore the water is not stagnant and
does not contain any debris, unlike other water font.
13 Grand Mosque of Cotabato
The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid,

also known as the Grand Mosque of
Cotabato, is the largest mosque in the
Philippines. The mosque is located in
Barangay Kalanganan II in Cotabato
City, and was funded by Sultan Hassanal
Bolkiah of Brunei at a reported cost
of US$48 million. It is also the second
largest mosque in Southeast Asia after
the Istiqlal Mosque of Indonesia.
The Sultan Of Brunei, funded the

construction of this mosque with
his own personal money to help the
emerging Muslim population in the
Southern Philippines.
The mosque was designed by a

Christian Architect Felino Palafox.
Trends & Stories
14 Zuellig Building
The Zuellig Building is an office skyscraper located in the Makati

Central Business District owned by the Zuellig Group and developed
by its real estate arm, Bridgebury Realty Corp. It was the first Platinum
level LEED Core and Shell building in the Philippines upon its
completion in 2013.
The Zuellig Building was designed by international architectural

firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, in cooperation with local
architectural firm W.V. Coscolluela & Associates. Facade design was
done by Meinhardt Hong Kong Pte. Ltd., while Structural, Mechanical
& Electrical, and Fire Protection engineering & design was provided by
Meinhardt Philippines.
The signature curtain wall glazing system employed utilizes a

ceramic frit pattern for its distinctive exterior aesthetic. The dual pane
low-e glazing in conjunction with the fritting ensures minimal solar
gain and energy loss whilst simultaneously flooding 90% of the interior
office space with natural daylight. The integral frit pattern takes
inspiration from local organic motifs while reinforcing the vertical
aspect of the tower. A smart building control system that utilizes
sensor controlled lighting systems in combination with efficient
HVAC systems has helped to reduce the buildings overall energy
consumption by 15% when compared to conventional office towers.
Grey water recycling and rainwater collection are projected to save
nearly 29 million liters of water annually.
15 Philippine Arena
The Philippine Arena is a multipurpose indoor arena at

Ciudad de Victoria, a 140-hectare tourism enterprise zone
in Bocaue and Santa Maria, Bulacan. With a maximum
seating capacity of 55,000, the Philippine Arena is the
world's largest indoor arena. It is one of the centerpieces
of the Iglesia Ni Cristo for their centennial celebration last
July 27, 2014.
In 2011, Korean firm, Hanwha Engineering and

Construction won the contract to manage the
construction of the Philippine Arena. The groundbreaking
ceremony for the Philippine Arena was done in August 17,
2011. The initial design concept of the Philippine arena is
inspired by Narra tree, the mother tree of the Philippines,
and the root of the Banyan tree. The roof was inspired by
that of a Nipa Hut. Populous, a global mega-architecture
firm, designed the arena through their office in Brisbane,
Australia with structure's architectural style of Modernist.
The arena has been master planned to enable at

least 50,000 people to gather inside the building and a
further 50,000 to gather at a ‘live site’ or plaza outside
to share in major events. The seating bowl of the arena
is a one-sided bowl and is partitioned into two parts,
the upper and the lower bowl each with approximately
25,000 seating capacity. The lower bowl is the most used
part of the building and the architectural design allows
for easy separation of the lower bowl from the upper tier,
by curtaining with acoustic and thermal properties. A
retractable seating of 2,000 people capacity is also installed
behind the stage which is used by the choir of the Iglesia ni
Cristo for events of the church. D+C
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Arthaland’s Cebu Exchange Bagged “Best Office Development”
98 In The Recent Property Guru Philipines Property Awards
BEST OFFICE
DEVELOPMENT
Arthaland’s Cebu Exchange Bagged
Best Office Development In The Recent Property
Guru Philipines Property Awards
Cebu Exchange will be a landmark business ecosystem

with its own curated commercial retail spaces providing a
asd As a highlight of that evening however, ArthaLand—through Cebu
diverse selection of conveniences, services, and leisure and
Lavana Land, its joint venture with Hong Kong investment firm ARCH dining options within arm’s reach. (Artist’s Perspective).
Capital Management— also bagged the prestigious award for Best
Office Development (Cebu) for its signature Cebu Exchange project.
Launched in March 2017, Cebu Exchange is ArthaLand’s first office
condominium and its first development outside of Metro Manila.
The Terrace Garden and the Sky Park at Cebu

Exchange will provide spectacular views of
the city as well as provide a lush respite to its
tenants. (Artist’s Perspective).
Leo Po (right), Executive Vice President and Treasurer of

ArthaLand Corporation receives the award for Best Office
Development (Cebu) for Cebu Exchange.
Spacious interiors and thoughtfully-planned layouts, such as those in Cebu

Exchange’s lobby, allow for more natural light to illuminate the building’s halls and
lets air circulate much more efficiently (Artist’s Perspective).
Using environmentally friendly materials, Philippines Property Awards, Cebu Exchange is

Cebu Exchange is masterplanned for optimum poised to become the country’s most iconic Green
sustainability. Among its features are water building; and having been registered with the US
recycling plumbing systems, energy saving air- Green Building Council and having obtained its pre-
conditioning, and both a verdant Terrace Garden certification from LEED (Leadership in Energy and
and a breathtaking Sky Park. Designed with the Environmental Design), Cebu Exchange will also be
productivity, efficiency, and comfort of its future the country’s largest dual certified development.
tenants in mind, these well-appointed features
are among the many that make Cebu Exchange a Indeed, ArthaLand goes beyond investment
remarkable sustainable development deserving of value by delivering a legacy of experiential fulfilment
its awards and commendations. by being focused, approachable, and creative
Inspired by the unique appearance of salt
through leadership in sustainability. With their
crystals, ArthaLand’s Cebu Exchange will
stand as the largest sustainable building in the This landmark development has also already recent awards and commendations, ArthaLand has
Philippines (Artist’s Perspective). been registered with the Philippine Green Building marked a milestone in being a distinctive boutique
Council and is well on track for a BERDE (Building developer that aims to care for, improve, and
for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) conserve the environment. D+C
certification. With the commendations from the

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ELECTRIC FENCE

Would you allow this to happen in your home

CCTV, ALARM and

Aldine Aileen O. Aldaba

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These programs include LEED (Leadership

While the Philippines still lags behind its Southeast

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Technologies always had an important part in socio-economic

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Arca South Mixed-use Development

on this page and the previous spread

To prove the truth behind their philosophy, Arch. Yu recounted an end-user

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