Design + Construction Magazine (October To December 2017)

4
Contents Best of 2017
Visionarch
A Better
Idea
Located in the Philippine Stock Exchange, the offices
of Visionarch’s CEO and President Arch. Daniel
Terence Yu looks like a shrine to the power of names.
A word cloud dominates one wall in the meeting
area—the company mantra “Visionary Architecture”
in the center, radiating adjectives and nouns that
define aspects of their company.
Cover Story 46
words by John Ravino Duanan
Interior Design
Trends 2017
and 2018
Interior design trends are influenced by culture, technology, economy,
and usability. These trends are also inspired by colors, motifs, patterns,
prints, and accessories that go in and out of style.
12 Ideas + Inspiration
words by IDr. Peaches de Guzman-Grey
October - December 2017
What’s inside
VBo Architects + Engineers
A Firm to Look
Out For in
the South of
Metro Manila
Led by young couple Junim and Mary Neil Velasco Bocalid,
ASEP and UAP respectively, is based in Muntinlupa City and
started in 2013.
Spotlight 24
words by Estan Cabigas
8
Contents Best of 2017
High Concept
The origin and
imagination
of Concetto
Modulare
Over the years, Concetto Modulare (Italian for ‘modular
concepts’) has transformed into a high-end, world-
class developer of modular furniture and concept
construction. Boasting of Italian-made tools and German
produced finishes, Concetto Modulare offers a slice of
modern italian design at an accessible price point.
Trends + Stories 1
68
words by John Ravino Duanan + Lean Duanan
An Icon Biophilic City of Philippine

Reimagined: Singapore: Weaving Institute
Insular Life Makati Back Nature into of Civil Engineers:
Building Reopens the Fabric of Metropolis Singapore 2017
74 Trends + 78 Trends + Stories 3 82 Trends + Stories 4
Stories 2 words by Engr. Emilson C. Gole Cruz words by Engr. Emilson C. Gole Cruz
Champions of Nurturing Young Talent: Shell Fleet Card

Growth (IFLA Asia Moldex Realty Offers Fuels and
Pacific Congress Collaborates with More Value-added
Bangkok 2017 College of St. Benilde Services
88 Industry 94 Industry 96 Industry
News 1 News 2 News 3
Contact + Team
Contacts The Team

Visionary Architecture Inc. VBO Architects and Engineers Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
Address PSE Center (Philippine Stock Address Unit-5 2nd Floor TSP Building Aldine Aileen O. Aldaba
Exchange Center), West Tower, KM 30, National Road Tunasan,
Exchange RoadSuite 2305 Muntinlupa City, Philippines 1773 Advertising Account Manager
Ortigas Center, Pasig City Landline 02-833-9851 Rex B. Molines
Website www.visionarch.ph Mobile 0917-835-6841
Landline 02-637-0234 Email info@vboae.com
Advertising Account Executive
Chris G. Vallejera
Concetto Modulare Davies Paints Contributing Writers

Address Unit 206 JBD Plaza, No. 65 Mindanao Address 1387-A Mercedes Ave., Estan Cabigas
Avenue, Brgy. Pagasa, Quezon City San Miguel, Pasig City
John Ravino Duanan
Landline 02-929-7399 Landline 02-641-7101
Lean Panganiban Duanan
02-455-5569 Fax 02-641-2970
02-928-5179 Email info.inquiry@daviespaints.com.ph Engr. Emilson C. Gole Cruz
Idr. Peaches de Guzman-Grey
OEM Systems Group / BAG electronics, Inc. Photographers-at-Large

Envirotuff Radiant Barrier
Estan Cabigas
Website www.smypc.com Address Laguna International Industrial
Landline 02-308-8888 Park (LIIP) Block 5 Lot 7 CNB Street
4024 Mamplasan, Binan, Laguna, Circulation
Landline 02-844-5770 Ext. 234 Mark Allen A. Santos
49-539- 0743 Ext. 234
La Casa Deco Fax 49-539-0740
Web Developer
Address Unit 12C Belvedere Tower, San Miguel
Renan Q. Lingan
Avenue, Ortigas Center Pasig City
Landline 02-983-8885 to 87
Portal East
Website www.lacasadeco.com.ph
Email info@lacasadeco.com Address 805 State Center Bldg.,
333 Juan Luna St., Binondo Manila
Landline 02-242-2821
02-242-2721
Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Fax 02-242-6906
Corporation (Ecosolutions Department) Website www.portaleast.com
Address Ortigas Avenue, Extension, Unit D #90 Baler Street,
Taytay Rizal 1920 West Avenue, Quezon City 1105
Landline 02-635-2260 Trunkline: (632) 416-1380
Techglobal Incoporated
Email ecosolutions@ph.panasonic.com Advertising: (632) 358-0653
Address 506 Ilang Ilang St.,Manila City 1100
Landline 02-997-0972 Fax: (632) 415-7102
02-998-8757 advertise@dandcmagazine.com
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Fax 02-553-8431 dandcmagazine.com
Address A-2 Araneta St. Cor. Gen. Natividad St.
Email sales@techglobal.com.ph
Bgy. Ibayo, Tipas Taguig City
02-883-1477
All rights reserved. No part of this magazine
02-239-5609 San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation
Fax 02-239-9332 may be reproduced without written permis-
Address San Miguel Property Centre Build-
Website www.sealbondchemicals.com sion from the publisher. Opinions expressed
ing, 9th Floor, #7 St. Francis Street,
Email info@sealbondchemicals.com in this magazine is solely of the writer and not
Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Landline 02-308-8901 necessarily approved by BMC.
02-637-6369
Fax 02-637-6368 D+C Magazine is published quarterly by
Glassometry
Website www.smypc.com Blished Mag Co. (BMC).
Website www.glassometry.net
12
Ideas +
Inspiration words
IDr. Peaches de Guzman-Grey
Interior
Design
Trends 2017
and 2018
Interior design trends are
influenced by culture, technology,
economy, and usability. These
trends are also inspired by colors,
motifs, patterns, prints, and
accessories that go in and out of
style. Here is a list of the things that
we love this year and a glimpse of
hot ideas to prepare for in 2018!
next page
Ideas + Inspiration
Highlights
of 2017 • New Neutrals
• Mix of Modern & Traditional
• Multi-functional Furniture
• White on White
• Industrial Look
1
New Neutrals by Benjamin Moore
New
Neutrals
Manchester Balboa Navajo Revere
Tan Mist White Pewter
The popular color scheme is Earthy

--- powdery pink, terracotta, sand
ochre, rust, and olive. These colors Gray Guilford Edgecomb Palladian
Owl Green Gray Blue
are warm, calm, and can mix
very well with the industrial and
Scandinavian looks that are also
very popular this year.
Mannequin Pale Grant Carrington

Cream Oak Beige Beige
14
I+I
2
French inspired living room mixed with modern furniture
Mix of Modern
And Traditional
Adhering to a certain period style becomes more chic
when mixed with modern elements. This makes the
space more intriguing, appealing, and interesting.
Multi-
functional
Furniture
As a space saving technique, the use of proportionate
multi-functional furniture makes small spaces more
efficient. Adjustable coffee tables in the living room can
double as a dining area. Ottomans may also double up
as a coffee table when you add a tray on it.
Ideas + Inspiration
4
Mariposa Project by IDr Peaches Grey
White on
White
The most prominent design trend
of 2017 is using all white interiors –
white walls, white floor, and white
furniture.
Industrial
Look
Sometimes referred to as the “warehouse
look”, going industrial exposes many
building materials that are normally
concealed, such as pipes and conduits.
This trend is also about using raw and
unfinished surfaces like polished concrete
in lieu of other floor finishes.
16
I+I
Forecast
for 2018
• Brass, bronze, and rose gold
• Stone finishes
• Animal hides
• Jeweled tones
• Unpredicted patterns
• Cerused wood
• Bone inlay
• Textured wallpapers
This year will be

focused more
on glamour and
sophistication. A
mix of the luxurious
Victorian era style
with touches of shiny
metal: polished brass,
bronze, and rose gold.
Ideas + Inspiration
Stone finishes,
particularly marble, will
be back in style.
3
Real Australian Cowhide was used in this
chic living room by IDr Peaches Grey
Animal hides
whether real
or faux will be
something to
look forward to
this year.
18
I+I
2018 is about color! Jeweled

tones such as bold and
vibrant emerald, amethyst,
indigo blues on walls; and
rich, saturated colors on rugs
are examples. These looks
create more drama!
Solid colored walls

will be replaced by
fun and unpredicted
patterns: large palm
leaves; over scaled
flowers; and abstract,
geometric patterns.
Ideas + Inspiration
6
Cerused wood by Delta Millworks
We will see a lot of

ceruse wood; lime
wax finishes in black,
greige, and dark gray
on furniture; and wall
accents.
7
Desk with bone inlay
Furniture with
bone inlay makes
statement pieces
that double as
works of art.
20
I+I
8
Solid hardwood that frames this living room
designed by IDr Peaches Grey
Expect ceilings
to be less boring
through installing
textured wallpaper,
embossed ceiling
tiles, wood, bold
paint colors, just to
name a few.
2018 will be a boundary-pushing year for

interior design. But these are trends that
come and go. It is always best to design
and decorate your space according to what
you love. Remember, personalized spaces
are still the trendiest spaces!
Licensed interior designers can always

help you achieve the look that you have
always dreamed of for your space. D+C
Images grabbed from pins by Benjamin Moore/Homebunch, Milexa, and High Fashion
Home on Pinterest.
Credits to thouswell.co/tag/francois-catroux/, latimeblog.com, therugseller.co.uk, freshome.

com, gorgeouscreatures.co, atticmag.com, and westelm.co.uk
24
Spotlight words
Estan Cabigas
images
Estan Cabigas + VBo Architects & Engineers
A Firm to Look Out

For in the South of
Metro Manila
VBo Architects + Engineers
Spotlight
VBo Architects + Engineers is a group of professionals

led by young couple Junim and Mary Neil Velasco Bocalid,
ASEP and UAP respectively, is based in Muntinlupa City and
started in 2013. It’s a complete architecture and engineering
firm that has already tackled some big ticket projects from
well-established developers like Ayala Land in its LiO Tourism
Estate, a fully integrated resort community in El Nido, among
other notable projects. The company name is derived from
the partner’s family names and have designed for different
clients ranging from restaurants, business establishments,
residential as well as hospitality related projects.
story continued
next page
26
Left to right
Loida Barite, Jomarie Ricalde, Brenalyn Navarro, Angelica Saludo, Diane Nicole Celorico, Kim-
berly Cruz, Rafael Khemlani, Mary Arlyn Peralta, Junim Bocalid, Mary Neil Velasco, Mike Francis
Garcia, Rowena Angeline Estepa, Joan Delos Santos, Ernest Joseph Guzman, Michael Angelo
Caringal, Herry Lepit, Justin James Lambino, Steven Odasco
Beginnings The Coast project and other works

The partners started out as highschool sweethearts. Mary Neil Coast is a new 71 room boutique hotel in Boracay’s Station 2’s
took up Architecture in UP Diliman and worked for a while beachfront and it was Mary Neil, who was 25 years old at that
in Leandro V. Locsin and Partners while Junim studied Civil time, took charge of the architectural works. The project came as
Engineering in UPLB and worked at TCGI Engineers then later a recommendation and she was an outsider as most of the project
with SYSQUARED + Associates. people were family members. “It’s so rare that you get to get a big
project like Coast, so we gave it our best. It’s also great that I was
“It was really our dream to have our own firm in the long run. able to work with the Raintree Hospitality Group which now runs
After five years at Leandro V. Locsin and Partners, I took a risk and the hotel.”
established the company,” Mary Neil, who 26 years old at that time,
shared. Right from the start, they were already in collaboration From here, other projects followed like Casa Kalaw and the
with each other. When the demands of the office became greater, proposed Artists’s Village in the LiO Tourism Estate, some other
that was the time that he joined the firm as well. Mary Neil admit resort projects in El Nido, Boracay and Samal, mid-rise office
that it was a big risk but something that they have to do. structures in the south as well as interior fit outs for condominiums
and restaurants.
“If you just do your work properly, if you do your best,
people will definitely recommend you. The best thing that
happened to us is we got projects via word of mouth. Our
colleagues, even our co-architects, especially those who are
working abroad, they recommend us,” she added. From small
projects leading to big ones.
Spotlight
Design aesthetic Running a firm

VBo’s design aesthetic is more on clean lines, more on modern style, Junim and Mary Neil strives to have a not too strict corporate type of
a mantra and design direction that Mary Neil has cultivated under office environment. They prefer a casual, more personal approach with
Leandro V Locsin and Partners with the Architect Ed Ledesma as his their staff. It’s more an informal setup. This explains why, upon entry to
mentor. “When designing, we focus on the experience of people. If your the office, you will see several character figures, from Junim’s collection,
design is good and pleasing to the eye but people can’t relate to it, you and board games occupying the higher shelves. They sometimes play,
failed in the design. Spaces and architecture should make an impression sometimes they eat out, especially when work gets tough. The staff is
on people’s memory and on their experiences.” mostly from the south of Metro Manila as they are from Muntinlupa
City, while the bulk of their projects are here too. They also have people
It is this kind of experience that one can get in the Coast resort working on a project bases and are work from home, especially those
hotel. The structure is simple but done in such a way that it becomes residing in other parts of the metro. Technology thus play a big role by
interesting with the added texture. The perforated wall enables a play of utilizing email and Skype for meetings.
light, shades and shadows that balances the regularity of the form.
Although as a startup firm there were also growing up problems.
“We started out as just the two of us, now we are 18. As a firm, the
Working with clients and working together challenge now is on the business side. It’s not something you learn in
The firm is proud to say that it is design and service oriented. Being architecture school. Compared before working as an employee where
professionals, it’s about following through with commitments even if it’s it was easy and you just focus on your work, now, how do you manage
difficult, collaboration with client is key. “We had difficult clients before. staff in a way that still has that personal touch? So it’s also important
For me, it’s more about educating them. We don’t totally shut down the that we train and mentor them. It’s also good that, as founding partners,
ideas of the client. We listen. What does this client like about the design, we have mentors too who guide us like how to go about business
the aesthetics? We collaborate, we try to improve together. We refine processes and handling staff,” Mary Neil shares.
what the client wants to bring out the best solution for the project. In this
way, we also learn from them. Design is a continuous learning process One thing that Mary Neil and Junim provide their staff are travel
and it’s a matter of how you approach it. We’ll give options, we give incentives. Milestones and achieved targets are celebrated with travel.
the advantages. Hopefully, they understand it and our proposal gets “We treat them abroad like Thailand, Malaysia. Last summer, since we hit
approved.” our goals, we went to a designer hotel in Sorsogon. I think one way to
keep them inspired is to let them experience good design. I want them
Mary Neil advises that it’s better to know from the start if the to feel ownership of their design so that they will be proud of their work.
client is workable, based on interviews. They don’t really say no to a Our approach is holistic. And they are happy and loyal. You should
project, per se, but the rare times that they have to say no is when they always take care of your people.
have a full work load and can’t deliver a full service to the client.
Projects can be either or both architectural and engineering, Future plans

but either way, the two collaborate. The advantage of offering both As the firm celebrates five years April next year, the two still have a
services is that either of them can consult with each other based on their lot of things that they want to achieve. “Individually we’ve been able
experiences and training. “Even outside or even at home, we can’t help to work with different kinds of projects when we were still employed
but discuss about work but there is always equal respect for each other,” but as a firm, we want to get new, bigger and challenging projects, like
says Junim. a high rise. But every year, we are able to achieve our milestones, we
get to level up. It’s like more quality projects than volume. You might
One thing that the duo has noticed and experienced is that there have many similar projects but stagnant in the process. Having different
is a big difference working with corporate and private clients. For kinds of projects is something that will always excites you.” D+C
companies, deadlines are strict, demanding, structured but fast paced
and on schedule. They get to work with experienced contractors too. On
the other hand, private clients can be very personal and intimate. They
get to cultivate relationships.
projects on
next page
28
Spotlight
Project Name
Coast Boracay
“The space is a blank canvas

and the true star is our view
of the sea—a minimalist
approach nestled in the
powdery white sands of
Boracay Beach“
30
Spotlight
Project Name
Casa Kalaw
Named after the endemic Kalaw bird of Palawan, Casa Kalaw is a modern-Filipino inspired bed & breakfast
designed with meticulous attention to detail, offering warmth and comfort through the use of vernacular
materials that complement the most beautiful island in the world. Casa Kalaw is a part of the Lio Tourism
Estate, the first eco-masterplanned development by Ayala Land in El Nido, Palawan.
32
Spotlight
“In VBO Architects + Engineers,

we make our roofs fly”
Project Name Location

Natal Residence Guiguinto, Bulacan
Natal Residence is a modern tropical home highlighted by the use of high glass windows, white walls,
natural wood, and a high-pitched three-meter shed roof.
The design intent was to connect architecture with nature, wherein allocation of spaces aims to have
commonly-used spaces such as the living area, dining area, kitchen, and family area, be connected to the
naturally-warm lanai and the rejuvenating view of the well-landscaped garden.
The simple tropical design and well-thought open planning of spaces maximize the natural lighting and
ventilation, providing a cool, bright—maaliwas—feel to the interior of the home.
34
Spotlight

Kaw Residence Katarungan Village, Minutinlupa City
A modern glass box, Kaw Residence is one of the earlier projects of Vbo Archi-
tects + Engineers. Headed by the principal architect, Mary Neil Velasco Bocalid,
the team was able to provide a modern-minimalist design highly emphasized by
the use of full-height glass walls, dynamic geometry, and a striking contrast of
the monochromatic stone finish. The glass wall together with the artistic play of
lighting, showcases the majestic beauty of the home from inside and out. Indeed,
this home is a personalized showroom designed specifically for the owner.
36
Project Name
Alabin Residence
Location
South Forbes, Laguna
The site is situated in South Forbes,Lagu-

na—a subdivision known for having a variety
of upscale homes adapting the modern
minimalist design of Japanese architecture.
Alabin Residence was strategically
designed to properly manipulate the natural
occurrences of the site. The front facade in
particular, was designed to withstand the
Southern part of the site (hot area), giving it
a massive, floating look through large walls
and small windows. Whereas the opposite
side (Northern part) is largely emphasized
with the use of full height windows, maxi-
mizing the potential of natural lighting and
ventilation.
Left
The neutral color scheme of the residence complements the natural colors of the garden and the warm color of daylight.
Right
Encarnacion Residence. Natural wood, monochromatic stone finish, and a vertical garden—Encarnacion Residence
flaunts tropical design not just through proper ventilation and natural lighting but also through the use of natural earth
tone colors.
Spotlight

Encarnacion Residence Tahanan Village, Paranaque City
One of VBo’s latest finished projects—Encarnacion Residence is a modern

tropical wonder located at Tahanan Village, Paranaque city. From its former Medi-
terranean look, this newly-renovated home has made a complete turn from ground
to second floor resulting to a timeless design that assures quality in workmanship,
efficiency in natural lighting, and absolute contentment. Best part is—It is for Sale!
Who wouldn’t want to be a proud owner of this finely-built home?
38
Spotlight
A unit specially designed for a

Opposite Page
business-minded bachelor, the Working Area ,
president of William Brothers Inc.
himself, Mr. Bryant Cuison. VBo Clockwise from left to right
and William Brothers Inc have Living Area, Toilet and Bath, Kitchen
Counter, Bookshelf
been partners for the longest
time—it is only fitting to provide
our utmost service to one of our
most loyal client.

Cusion Condo Gen. Capinpin, San Antonio, Pasig City
The 28-sqm condominium unit is an industrial inspired bachelor pad. Flaunting the concept through skim
coat finished walls, concrete countertops, and neutral colors—everything was designed according to the
owner’s preferences from top to bottom. Despite the limited space, VBo was able to provide not only a visually
appealing design but also a comfortable and habitable space. It is made sure that everything is seamless—
from design to space allocation.
40
Project Name
Innity Office
Location
Trafalgar plaza, Makati City
By the use of neutral-based palettes on

walls, ceiling and floor—the room serves
as a “blank canvas” throughout the whole
interiors. This is the major solution to attain
a creative office space that is flexible and
adaptable to different furniture choices.
Spotlight
Project Name
Tapa King Office
Location
Pasig City
A design inspired from the company’s color

palette, Tapa King is a modern inspired
interior highlt characterized by the use of
neutral colors contrasted by the color use.
The use of white furniture and accessories
is highly advised to maintain balance to the
interior space—a minimal foreground to a
striking background.
42
Clockwise from top

Suñga Residence, Valdez Residence, Yang-Lim Residence, Vaflor Residence
“In VBo Architects + Engineers,

Maximizing their creativity to the fullest, VBo Architects + Engineers assures uniqueness to every project they
handle by providing a diversity of fresh ideas from modern, tropical, and industrial concepts. Their top priorities –
there is neither big nor small
provide designs that are minimal yet timeless; dynamic yet sustainable; high class yet economical. project. We give our clients the
The “floating effect,” characterized by long cantilevers and roof eaves, is one of the favorite signature accents of
the firm. VBo is also inclined to neutral color schemes, play in geometry and lines resulting to different approaches quality of design and service they
in form and design intent per project.
deserve.”
VBo Architects + Engineers guarantees architectural harmony of the design, structural integrity, and
engineering ingenuity. They are not just designers, they are innovators.
Spotlight
Above
Flores Residence
Left
Pobre Residence
46
words images
John Duanan Estan Cabigas + Visionarch
A Cover Story
BETTER
IDEA
Improved Quality of Living and
The Life-Centric Architecture of Visionarch
Cover Story
What’s in a name? Names are more than

just designations, more than simply a shorthand
for convenience. Names carry power. A power
to influence, to change, and to inspire. For
Visionarch, their name is a guiding power.
It’s a symbol of their principles and ideals—a
keystone to their entire identity. Located in
the Philippine Stock Exchange, the offices of
Visionarch’s CEO and President Arch. Daniel
Terence Yu looks like a shrine to the power of
names. A word cloud dominates one wall in the
meeting area—the company mantra “Visionary
Architecture” in the center, radiating adjectives
and nouns that define aspects of their company.
On the opposite wall, BCI awards celebrate
Visionarch’s success and excellence.
V
48 isionarch is an amalgam of the
words “Visionary Architecture.” If
one is well-versed in the architecture
scene, one immediately notices
that the name isn’t the surname
of the founder or the principal
architect. Their name holds a refreshing lack of
egocentrism. There are two for this, as stated by
President and CEO, Arch. Daniel Terence Yu,
“Naming your company after your principal
architect is a good strategy to get known, but here
[at Visionarch] we’re looking at the longevity
and the multi-generational prospects of our
company.” Arch. Yu isn’t looking at just short-
term prestige, he and his company have their
sights on building a lasting brand.
Secondly, the name Visionarch symbolizes

the construction of their ideals. “Architects must
be forward-thinking. It’s not like clothing or
fashion or technology that change every season.
Architecture is lasting. You have to future-proof
and anticipate how life will be.” Hence, the
word Visionary. It’s a word that connotes both
intelligence and imagination, of wisdom and
originality. A snapshot of Visionarch’s office
culture depicts routine debates on how life can
change and theories of how life can be better.
Visionarch’s name constantly influences

their designs and discussions, orienting their
goals toward the betterment of human life. Their
center stage is a collaborative engagement—the
kind where the singular name of a principal
architect is insufficient to define.
For Visionarch, their ideals are bigger than

themselves. Arch. Yu illustrates the detriment
of the named company where the ‘starchitect’
encapsulates the ideal of the whole firm, “If that
person steps down, you lose your company’s
beacon in people’s eyes.”Visionarch’s name is
a platform to communicate those ideals, and its
very definition suggests that their success was
made possible by the entire company, not just the
principal architects.
Cover Story
CEO & President

of Visionarch,
Arch. Daniel Terence Yu
50
Cover Story
Full description
next page
52
Cover Story
Project Name
Bigkis
Location
Smokey Mountain Tondo
Description
Entry to MADE Metrobank Arts and Design Excellence. The design envisions a redevelopment
of how life can be at 2050. Open space plays an important role in a driverless community. The
development is integrated with a clean energy “mass transport system” and roadways are recov-
ered for planting and open space recreation.
54
Life-Centric
Visionarch’s philosophy of visionary architecture
promotes an awareness that their craft should be
‘life-centric’. Architecture, as a discipline, tends
to concern itself with trends and values of the
age. There is a desire to write a signature on the
skyline, to create a façade that stands out. The
debate between form and function has been
raging for quite a while and many architects tend
to orient their philosophies under either banner.
But Visionarch believes that true architecture
should have an implicit promise to people—that
whatever’s being built will make life better. “I
think that resonates with people more strongly
than just cosmetic look. While beautiful buildings
are highly published in social media and maybe
people take selfies with nice buildings, it’s the
experiential side, of people experiencing the
building, that connects a stronger bond between
the person and the building.” Visionarch
understands that beautiful buildings have their
merits—and looking at their portfolio, their
designs do appeal to the aesthetic sensibilities—
but a well-tailored building does not just aspire
to look good. “How does the building relate
to its present context? How can you get more
people to engage with this building?” Arch. Yu
understands the allure of creating a spectacular
landmark, but for him, a building becomes a
landmark when it becomes part of people’s lives.
He doesn’t see a building as just an edifice—he’s
a man who never forgot that a building is a
place that people inhabit and move through. It
is a venue where an entire spectrum of life takes
place.
Cover Story
Project Name
Arca South
Location
Arca South, formerly FTI Taguig
Description
400,000 sqm composed of
2 Lifestyle Malls, 6 adjoined
Office Buildings and a Hotel
56 One Ayala
One of Visionarch’s projects is the One Ayala. Ayala project seeks to address what makes the
A finalist at the World Architecture Festival, mass transit experience so unappealing. “We’re
the project is a mixed-use, transit-oriented going to have a wonderful bus terminal. Buses
development by Ayala Inc. It aspires to be the right now drop off passengers along EDSA,
transport hub that will combine all of Makati’s and that’s not safe.”Arch. Yu promises the
mass transportation modes into a single, unified One Ayala bus terminal will offer passengers a
system. True to the Visionarch philosophy, the space to comfortably wait inside the concourse
One Ayala identifies present transit difficulties atrium, sparing them from the weather and
while anticipating future challenges. As an Ayala the perils of the highway. The concourse will
Inc.-backed project, Arch. Yu is quite happy of also be connected to the MRT to be similarly
the private entity’s involvement and optimistic enjoyed by train commuters who will no longer
in the project’s execution, “It’s very rare for a line up in droves and suffer through oppressive
private developer to contribute something to the weather. Arch. Yu dreams of a commuter
community that helps the community flourish. experience where waiting is either eliminated,
It’s a nice gesture for nation building.” He likens vastly minimized, or made comfortable where
the involvement to the act of bayanihan, where commuters can just disembark and head to their
members of the community carry each other’s destinations. “We’re not going to solve all the
burden. problems, but we hope it helps the daily troubles
of the commuter. For one, it eliminates the
The objective of the One Ayala is simple and
‘each man for himself’ attitude of the common
elegant in its specificity: to facilitate movement
pedestrian, which gives people a sense of system.
and transport modes in Makati. The One Ayala
That’s what we hope to achieve—to put some
identifies key problems that plague Makati’s
order to the chaos.”
pedestrians and attempts to offer solutions. A
key aspect of the project is its discouragement of
private cars. “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.” To accomplish this, the One
Cover Story
Project Name
One Ayala
Location
Edsa corner Ayala Avenue
Description
Mixed-use development that houses
bus terminal, MRT platform, Hotel,
Office and Shopping Mall. Nominated
for World Architecture Festival - WAF
as best in infrastructure development.
58
Cover Story
Project Name
SM Lanang Premier
Location
J.P. Laurel Ave. Brgy. San Antonio,
Agdao District, Davao City
60
Defining Filipino Architecture

Visionarch uses this incisive view of Filipino
culture to bolster their definition of Filipino
architecture. For Arch. Yu, Filipino architecture
isn’t as clear-cut and well-defined as some
people think. Some people may define Filipino
architecture as using local materials. Heritage
buildings and ethnic structures can be classified
as Philippine architecture, and to some extent,
that’s a partial definition. But Arch. Yu’s answer
looks at things from a developmental point of
view. “Filipino architecture is still in the process
of being defined,” he remarks. Arch. Yu gently
places this responsibility on the shoulders of
Filipino architects. “We have a strong opportunity
now. If you look at different parts of the world,
construction is slow. But the architecture scene
in the Philippines is booming. What we do now
will define Philippine architecture.” While his
answer doesn’t attempt to define Philippine
architecture outright, Arch. Yu’s confidence and
trust in not just his firm, but for all architects in
the Philippines speaks volumes about Visionarch.
Architecture may be a business—an industry that
floats within private and commercial spheres—
but it is, first and foremost, a craft. A craft in
which hundreds upon thousands of men and
women are constantly honing through practice
and discourse.
However, if he had to handle a project

that attempted to define Filipino architecture,
Arch. Yu is clear in the goal he wants to achieve.
“What makes Filipinos unique is their strong
family bond. We are comfortable with being
together, even if we’re not doing anything. A
big part of who we are is celebrating life.” For
him this narrative of community and connection
is integral—and it’s a narrative that holds no
price point. While Arch. Yu and Visionarch are
aware of the economical side of architecture
and development, they believe that “a well-
designed and well thought-out building with
a nice narrative” can generate more value for
the community. He warns against myopia in
building construction, remarking that short-
sighted payoffs will affect community and
tourism. “Historically, architecture tells the story
of the best times in a city. The most beautiful
buildings are those built during the height of the
empire. What we do now lasts over time and will
communicate something to future generations.”
Cover Story
Project Name
Avida Riala
Location
Cebu IT Park
Description
5 tower Avida tower. Provides generous open
spaces and central park with retail. Winner of
Asia Pacific property Award as highly com-
mended mixed-use development.
62
Design Solutions
Aside from their life-centric approach to design,
another one of Visionarch’s ideals is to take a
common project and approach it from a radically
different angle. Arch. Yu gives condominiums
as an example. The pinnacle of metropolis life,
the condo may be seen as an exercise in pattern
repetition and commoditized domesticity.
There’s very little room for experimentation in
the exactness of a condo, but Visionarch viewed
this as a challenge. They developed what Arch.
Yu calls a “multi-corner” unit. “Normally you
go in a condo’s corner unit, and only one room
can occupy the corner and enjoy the often
breathtaking corner views. We’ve designed
rooms in such a way that any room can have
a corner view. Be it a corner or middle unit, a
bedroom or living room.” Visionarch thought
further ahead to accommodate future buildings
erected in the vicinity, and they created rooms
that can still enjoy a panoramic view which will
not be marred by the façade of another building.
One of Visionarch’s keener skills is

supplying enlightening and elegant design
strategies. Like most other companies, Visionarch
makes use of any available technology or new
development during design and construction,
but sometimes simple solutions are more suited
for a project. Most condos 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 on a rail where you
can only move back and forth. To address this,
Visionarch promoted a 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, and people see the difference
and they feel that it’s bigger than it actually is.”
Cover Story
Project Name
Crescent Park Residences
Location
BGC Fort Bonifacio
Description
Exclusive residential units with
wide frontage design.
64
Multi-awardee Future Perfect

An awardee of several BCI awards, Visionarch is no slouch As a man with foresight, Arch. Yu shares his aspirations for
when it comes to esteem and prestige. What does it take for Visionarch in the near and distant futures. “What I want is
a firm to be recognized with not just one but several awards? to share our vision of how things can be in another country.
Arch. Yu supplies two reasons: The ASEAN integration is going to help make that happen.
Filipino architects are very talented and it’s about time that we
Firstly, Visionarch’s approach to project development is
get the opportunity to export our services—not as followers
honest to their company identity—identify value. They look
or support architects, but as lead architects.To be lead architect
at a project and iterate what makes it unique. Afterwards,
and to share your vision.” To accomplish this, Arch. Yu
they formulate design solutions that generate value. Each
commends his team in their dedication to accrue knowledge
design solution is unique to a project. Arch. Yu shares, “Every
and experience. Visionarch’s architects are dealing with huge-
project has a story. It’s not just coming up with an efficient
scale developments, chalking up experience and learning to
floor plans or a nice looking building. We look at things from
bring to other countries, adding value to themselves so they can
a different perspective. How does this project create value for
add value to future projects. When the ASEAN integration ball
the community? For the developer? For the end user? We try to
drops, the Visionarch team will be ready to pick it up.
answer those questions before coming up with a design.”
It’s a very unselfish way of thinking, and this selflessness
Another reason for their prestige is experience in
is definitely evident in Arch. Yu himself. “I’m here and I enjoy
development. As veterans in the construction and architecture
what I do,” he shares,“If I’m remembered for what I do, then
scene, the people at Visionarch understand the process of
that’s great. If I’m remembered for something that I didn’t
building creation from every conceivable level. “We understand
enjoy—I don’t think I function that way. That’s not the type
what the developers are going through. We understand the
of legacy I want to leave. I just want to enjoy what I do and I
business side of development. We have hands-on experience
believe in what I do.” For Arch. Yu and Visionarch, success is
from the conceptual and market studies all the way up to the
not determined by their stunning achievements, prominent
delivery of the project. Even marketing and what people look
awards, or elevated status. Those have never been their end
for.” What Visionarch offers is a kind of professional empathy.
goal, but just interesting by-products in their pursuit of life-
Their experience allows them to identify not only what the
centric architecture. Visionarch is in the business of changing
clients want, but what the clients will need to get what they
lives, and business is good. D+C
want. They understand the possible concerns of the developers,
and they take this understanding in their conversations with
their clients.
Cover Story
Project Name
Xavier Senior High School Building
Location
64 Xavier Street, San Juan
Description
The High School building will house the
senior students. It will house the Class-
rooms, Canteen, Activity Hall, Science
Laboratories, IB rooms and Atrium.
66
Ecosolution
Upgrade your
experience with
V – Hotel Series
Safety, comfort and design these what makes the new
V- Hotel Series distinctive and convenient to use. It is the
first ever electronic switch to introduce multi gang plates
of up to 16 – devices capacity providing neatness and
comfort on the installation and design. It also allows color
variations of all white and black or silver with contoured
slim plate and rough matte finish surface that protects it
from dirt and scratches. D+C
For inquiries about the

product you may send it to
ecosolutions@ph.panasonic.com
• WIM1172-5 (COMBI SOCKET 2/3 pin)

• WIM5011-5 (SP Switch 1Way)
• WIM6118S-5 (8 module plate with LED locator)
68
Trends
+ Stories words
John Ravino Duanan + Lean Duanan
styling
IDr. Peaches de Guzman-Grey
images
Estan Cabigas
High Concept
The origin and imagination
of Concetto Modulare
The local furniture block can be very overwhelming for the new kid. With
giants such as Philux, Ethan Allen, and Kenneth Cobonpue making their
rounds in international and local circles, it may be challenging for an aspiring
furniture craftsman to break into the scene. There’s an inherent preference
for established names, and for a lot of artisans who know their products can
compete, this can cause a lot of frustration. But frustration and dissatisfaction
can go both ways—it can either discourage or inspire. For Ramil Ting, he turned
this negativity into an opportunity.
Ramil is the CEO and President of Concetto Modulare, a

modular furniture store in the heart of Quezon City. Over the years,
Concetto Modulare (Italian for ‘modular concepts’) has transformed
into a high-end, world-class developer of modular furniture and
concept construction. Boasting of Italian-made tools and German-
produced finishes, Concetto Modulare offers a slice of modern italian
design at an accessible price point.
Seven years ago, Ramil decided to build his own house. He and
his wife were presented with various challenges and changes during
construction. He realized that he couldn’t find a supplier that will
do those changes for a specific price point. That is when he started
researching about and exploring the kitchen industry. There’s a reason
for this venture, as specified by Ramil, “The kitchen is the workstation
of the house. You spend most of your time there.” In a kitchen, food is
prepared, but more than that, life is created. Husband and wife team
up to conjure an improvised date night. A mother teaches her son to
make his own merienda. A daughter cooks a batch of pancakes to
serve to her folks on a breakfast tray. It may be a workstation, but the
kitchen is the low-key heart of the family.
High pressure laminates, high gloss acrylic

tempered frosted glass, lighting system,
stainless steel baseboard, and solid surface
are just a few world-class materials available at
Concetto Modulare.
Trends+ Stories
continued
next page
70
“I always believe I’m the best salesperson in the company. Sometimes

you get to meet certain supplies and you introduce yourself. That’s how
you learn from more experienced people.” Ramil is a shrewd operator,
constantly learning and taking in plans and strategies and incorporating
them with a dash of his own creativity. “My long term passion is to first
build a kitchen.”
To demonstrate this passsion, he outlined the four

factors in building a kitchen, highlighting how Concetto
Modulare’s kitchen fulfills and exceeds each requirement:
1. Manpower – Concetto Modulare’s designers and carpenters are

master craftsmen. Using all-original and all-local designs, Concetto
Modulare’s homegrown talent handles the painstaking installation
and construction with speed and precision.
2. Mechanism – Modular kitchens need to be uniquely mobile

and efficiently ergonomic. As such, the engineering of Concetto
Modulare’s pieces are imported from Blum, a world leader in
functional hinges and is based on Austria.
3. Method – The modularity of Concetto’s Modulare’s kitchen pieces

is incredibly easy to understand and even easier to use. Well-designed
and accurately constructed, the modular kitchen elements can be
easily arranged and rearranged.
4. Materials – Concetto Modulare’s pieces are a meeting of nations.

The materials they use are all imported from different countries,
boasting of water- and humidity-proofing with sufficient weight
resistance. The high-gloss finishes are from Germany. The lights,
mechanisms, and materials—right down to the screws—are from Italy.
Ramil oversees all stages of Concetto Modulare’s product

development—from construction to marketing. Because of his thoroughly
hands-on approach, he’s experienced the challenge of being a relatively
small and independent furniture company on all possible fronts. “We’re
battling against the giants, with the bigger players. When we first started
out, we had to battle against the notion that we were a fly-by-night
contractor. But we are here for the big guns—we’re here to compete.”
Despite the setbacks, his confidence is unwavering. With a smile, he’s
turned his troubles into hurdles to overcome. “That’s what my motivation
is—trying to prove them wrong.”
Concetto Modulare offers you a variety of

material and color swatch to choose from
for your kitchen cabinet and countertop.
Trends+ Stories
Using a hinge and lift mechanism imported from Italy, Concetto Modulare-
made kitchen cabinets can open with just a light touch.
Look carefully on the craftsmanship that Concetto Modulare has

to offer. The terminations and joints are seamless thus prevents the
growth of bacteria and gives us a more hygienic kitchen.
continued
next page
72
This white kitchen in high gloss finish is the

most practical and easiest to maintain.
Modular kitchen and modular cabinets are the most

practical type of cabinets. These can be assembled
and re-assembled so you can take it with you when you
change homes.
Trends+ Stories
Customize the storage systems according to your needs. The

best thing about this is that Concetto Modulare makes sure that
all your cabinets are properly illuminated giving you the most
convenient and easiest time when working on your meals.
One thing that sets Concetto Modulare apart is Ramil’s intimate

knowledge of every stage of development. He illustrates on multiple
instances where a big furniture provider’s PR representative and even
their CEO couldn’t comment on certain details about their own designs.
Ramil is the opposite. Indeed, during our tour of their showroom, he
personally demonstrated and commented on the specificities of each
design, exhibiting a refreshing, persistent honesty which a lot of CEOs
tend to lack. “All of the designs for our clients go through me first. I will
comment and make changes before we finalize. If I don’t give it a pass,
it won’t pass as a design.” Ramil is a rare brand of salesman and artist.
Here was a man who truly believed in the quality and craftsmanship
of his own work, and will do whatever it takes to keep the end user
satisfied. “It’s the hard way, but it’s the only way I want to take.”
Concetto Modulare may be a relatively small company compared

to more established players, but the workmanship and quality of their
work more than matches. For a slightly less expensive price point, a
prospective client can enjoy modern and highly flexible furniture pieces.
“What if I can deliver a good design, but very affordable? You’re hitting
two birds with one stone.” Concetto Modulare hits the sweet spot for a
lot of upper-middle to upper-class Filipino budgets. And much like “If
you believe in what I do, we can negotiate.” Ramil’s approach is never
to hard sell. Using showrooms as a platform to show their work, Ramil
is a firm advocate that a good product will sell itself.
Why pick Concetto Modulare? The answer can be a lot of things.

Do you want a high-end, cost-effective supplier of European-quality
furniture and fixtures? Are you looking to support a local brand with
hand-crafted products and speedy delivery? Do you want to support
a company where the CEO resolutely and sincerely understands his
products right down to the conceptual level? Does your aesthetic run
towards the sleek and high-class? If you are, you don’t need this writer
to convince you. Swing by the Concetto Modulare showroom, and see
for yourself. D+C
74
Trends
+ Stories
An Icon Reimagined:
Insular Life Makati
Building Reopens
It was a day for reminiscing
and moving ahead. Cutting the ribbon to signal the reopening of the
building are (from left) Mr. Ayllón, Makati
Mayor Abigail Binay-Campos, Cardinal Tagle, Ms.
The iconic building Aguas, and Ms. de la Cruz.
located at Ayala Ave. corner
Paseo de Roxas was the
subject of that afternoon’s
stories… from how it witnessed
political upheavals and
victories, to how it became one
of the few bastions of culture
and arts with many theater
performances being held in its
theater. Of course, the stories
were all about the Insular Life
Building in Makati, which was
recently blessed and unveiled
after undergoing extensive
renovation.
On August 9, 2017, guests had a glimpse of the new look and features
the building now sports when Insular Life held a blessing and unveiling
rites attended by Guest of Honor Insurance Commissioner Atty. Dennis B.
Funa, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay-Campos, Insular Life Board of Trustees
led by Chairman of the Board Luis C. la Ó, former Chairman and CEO
Vicente R. Ayllon, executives led by Chief Executive Officer Nina D. Aguas
and President and COO Mona Lisa B. de la Cruz, members of the agency
force, brokers, policyholders, corporate clients and media representatives.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle presided over the
blessing rites, assisted by Fr. Larry Tan, SDB and Fr. Cris Robert Cellan, SSP.
In his message, Principal Architect Carmelo T. Casas explained that the

project entailed blending the past with the future. His team gave Insular Life
the reimagined look it needed: a 5-storey carpark adjacent to the building,
an upgrade of all public floors, including its elevators, a new façade at the
back of its building patterned after the front façade, a new water feature
at the drop-off area on the ground floor, and a silver LEED certification
that reflects Insular Life’s utmost commitment to sustainability, while
maintaining the iconic look the Insular Life Building in Makati has always
been known for.
Trends+ Stories
Façade of the Insular Life

Makati Building
continued
next page
76
Top
Ground Floor Lobby
Left
Ballroom
Trends+ Stories
inLife Learning Center
Meanwhile, Ms. Aguas related how today’s Insular Life Makati Insurance Commissioner Atty. Dennis B. Funa congratulated
Building pays tribute to its past with the retention of its original design Insular Life for its unwavering commitment to its mission of insuring
in the building’s façade and the ground floor canopy, for instance, the lives of its fellow Filipinos, as evidenced by its continuous growth.
while ensuring that innovation and modern social interactions will be In 2016, Insular Life posted a consolidated net income of P4.9B, net
its trademark for years to come. The Building is poised to become a worth of P43.9B, and assets of P129B in 2016, earning for the company
hub for business, training, and recruitment with the InLife Learning 172%, 70%, and 22% increase from the previous year, respectively.
Center, which will offer services to policyholders and agents for their
Capping the event was a lights and sounds show in the evening
servicing, training, and career opportunity needs. And while it no
that caught the attention of motorists and pedestrians alike, heralding
longer has its famous theater, which in the past, served as home to the
the reopening of the iconic Insular Life building. D+C
Repertory Philippines, it has a 300-seater luxurious Ballroom which
may be divided into three sound-proofed function rooms for smaller
events on its 12th Floor.
78
Trends
+ Stories words
Engr. Emilson C. Gole Cruz
Biophilic City
of Singapore:
Weaving Back Nature into
the Fabric of Metropolis
As our lives have become increasingly urbanized, our
connection to nature has diminished. Much of today’s built
environment is designed lacking adequate natural light, natural
ventilation, natural materials, vegetation, views, environmental
shapes and forms, and other evolved affinities for the natural
world. We need nature in a deep and fundamental manner, but
we have often designed our cities and suburbs in ways that both
degrade the environment and alienate us from nature.
However, developments in technology and new attitudes to

design are leading to positive change. In recent years, as humans
realize their increasing separation from nature, we have seen
a movement towards biophilic cities – ones that incorporate
nature into urban design. It is a form of green urbanism where
residents see and experience nature in the normal course of
work and play.
Biophilic design takes in the environmental features of the

built environment, which can include colour, water, air, sunlight, Biophilia: The Architecture of Life
plants, animals, natural materials, landscapes and geology. It
Biophilia literally means ‘love for our living systems’. It is a term
also includes natural patterns and processes in the landscape,
popularised by Edward O. Wilson in his book Biophilia in 1984, which
not to mention the historic, cultural, geographic, spiritual, or
he describes as an innate affinity that human beings have with nature. He
ecological features of the place.
stresses that humans coevolved with nature, so they need it in their daily
lives. The biophilic city, therefore, brings landscaping both into and onto
Biophilic Design points the way toward creating healthy
buildings, walls, roads and concrete watercourses to bring nature into every
and productive habitats for modern humans. Its features
element of the built environment.
can reduce stress, enhance creativity and clarity of thought,
improve our well-being and even expedite healing. As the world Biophilic design integrates elements of nature into architecture and
population continues to urbanize, these qualities become ever urban planning projects. It has quantifiable health and well being benefits
more important. that result in financial savings through higher worker productivity and
retention rates, improved student test scores, increased real estate values,
According to Biophilic designer Oliver Heath, Biophilic and faster patient recovery rates. It provides a distinct advantage over
design is more than just bringing the outside in, it’s about making conventional design practices by recognizing the scientific evidence
and strengthening a connection with many aspects of nature. connecting human biology and high performance design.
It’s about natural light, views on nature, plants, natural materials,
textures and patterns.
Trends+ Stories
What Is and Is Not Biophilic Design?
According to Professor Stephen R. Kellert of Yale University in the 3. Biophilic design requires reinforcing and integrating design
School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, if the design doesn’t interventions that connect with the overall setting or space. The
focus on aspects of the natural world that contribute to human health optimal functioning of all organisms depends on immersion within
and productivity in the age-old struggle to be fit and survive, it is not habitats where the various elements comprise a complementary,
biophilic. reinforcing, and interconnected whole. Exposures to nature within
a disconnected space – such as an isolated plant or an out of context
There are distinctive characteristics yield a set of five conditions
picture or a natural material at variance with other dominant spatial
for the effective practice of biophilic design. Each underscores what is
features – is not effective biophilic design.
and is not biophilic design:
4. Biophilic design fosters emotional attachments to settings and places.

By satisfying our inherent inclination to affiliate with nature, biophilic
1. Biophilic design emphasizes human adaptations to the natural
design engenders an emotional attachment to particular spaces and
world that over evolutionary time have proven instrumental in
places. These emotional attachments motivate people’s performance
advancing people’s health, fitness, and wellbeing. Exposures to
and productivity, and prompt us to identify with and sustain the
nature irrelevant to human productivity and survival are not effective
places we inhabit.
instances of biophilic design.
5. Biophilic design fosters positive and sustained interactions and

2. Biophilic design depends on repeated and sustained engagement
relationships among people and the natural environment. Humans are
with nature. An occasional, transient, or isolated experience of nature
a deeply social species whose security and productivity depends on
exerts only superficial and fleeting effects on people, and can even, at
positive interactions within a spatial context. Effective biophilic design
times, be at variance with fostering beneficial outcomes.
fosters connections between people and their environment, enhancing
feelings of relationship, and a sense of membership in a meaningful
community.
continued
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80
Biophilic City of Singapore
Singapore is considered as a world model of a biophilic city as the

government invests in extensive park and green areas. Aside from
being a global financial center of Asia, Singapore is setting a world
model for combining density and nature. It has given priority to
planting trees, and provides support for community gardens and
the installation of green walls and rooftops.
Biophilia isn’t just about aesthetics. Parks and walkways

incorporated into building design can provide calming and
inspiring environments, and can encourage learning, inquisitiveness
and alertness. Having quality landscaping and vegetation in
and around the places where people work and study is a good
investment. Contact with nature has been found to enhance healing
and recovery from illness and major surgical procedures, whether
through direct contact with natural lighting or vegetation.
Since the early days of independence in 1965, Singapore has The motivation behind Singapore’s commitment to greater regional
worked under a vision of creating a ‘garden city’. Many campaigns natural systems is to improve biodiversity, reduce the urban heat island
and slogans have been used to educate the public about the effect and improve the thermal comfort of the outdoors, water management
importance of keeping their city and the environment clean and through reduced storm water surges and help to reduce energy
green. In 1963, as part of the ‘Clean and Green’ campaign, then consumption in buildings.
Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew initiated a tree-planting initiative
with the aim of improving air quality and marketing a ‘garden city’
Streetscape Plans
vision. To demonstrate the significance of this need to be a garden
city model in Asia, Lee Kuan Yew made National Parks (NParks) a Creating a continuous tree canopy above all major roads is the backbone
part of the Ministry of National Development at the heart of the new of the ‘city in a garden’ vision of Singapore. The Streetscape Greenery
city-states political agenda. NParks has since been a major source of Master Plan (SGMP) is concerned with extending the local identity of an
innovation for the biophilic city in Singapore. area in its physical landscape, with the aim of creating a ‘seamless green
mantle’ throughout the island. Over the decades, flowering species have
been introduced to make the streetscape more vibrant. The pervasive green
As the economy has developed, the people of Singapore’s
network of parks, park connectors, tree-lined roads and other natural areas
expectations of a better quality living environment with aesthetically
has made living in the city more pleasant.
pleasing recreational spaces have increased. In addition to this, the
increasing awareness of the need for environmental protection has
resulted in a rethinking of the ‘garden city’ model. This has resulted Gardens by the Bay
in the ‘Singapore Green Plan 2012, beyond clean and green towards
Gardens by the Bay is an iconic garden development around the Marina
environmental sustainability’, which shifts the vision from a ‘garden
Bay Sands which features some extraordinary natural systems built with
city’ to a ‘city in a garden’.
S$1 billion to regenerate a reclaimed foreshore. The ‘Super Trees’ and
display areas are all designed as educational features, which show people
One of its primary components is to conserve nature by how natural systems and cycles work. A national garden and premier
replacing natural areas wherever development has disturbed horticultural attraction for local and international visitors, Gardens by the
it, providing information on indigenous flora and fauna through Bay is a showpiece of horticulture and garden artistry that presents the
biodiversity surveys and creating new parks and Park Connectors. plant kingdom in a whole new way, entertaining while educating visitors
Park Connectors are island-wide network of linear parks and with plants seldom seen in this part of the world, ranging from species in
walking trails that link major parks and other areas. cool, temperate climates to tropical forests and habitats.
Trends+ Stories
The new KTP Hospital features a green roof that has been built to
withstand extra weight and grows vegetables, fruit trees (a total of 140
trees) and spices, which are managed by a local community workforce.
The garden’s produce is sold in the hospital canteen to pay for any
garden costs.
The Green Mark Scheme
BCA (Buildings and Construction Authority) of Singapore launched

the Green Mark Scheme in 2005 as part of an effort to be green on
a building scale. The scheme is intended to direct the construction
industry towards more environmentally friendly developments
and assesses the construction process, structure, materials used and
performance (indoor quality and use of energy) of the building. The
Green Mark Scheme encompasses various building-scale projects
from residential and non-residential buildings, building renovations,
office interiors, new and existing parks, infrastructure, district level
and overseas projects. The Green Mark is increasingly incorporating
biophilic elements into its assessments.
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
The Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) in Singapore is considered to

be one of the most biophilic hospitals in the world. It aspires to be ‘a “Biophilic design is not about greening our buildings or
hospital in a garden’. Studies show that the hospital environment simply increasing their aesthetic appeal through inserting
plays a critical role in the rate of healing of patients. KTPH ensures trees and shrubs. Much more, it is about humanity’s
its patients are surrounded by gardens both inside and outside the
place in nature, and the natural world’s place in human
hospital.
society...”
Overlooking the scenic Yishun Pond, the Khoo Teck Puat

Hospital is designed to be patient-friendly.
Stephen R. Kellert and Judith H. Heerwagen
Fins along the building’s walls are designed to channel the

prevailing north-east winds into the building. Wind tunnel tests Our biology should dictate the design of the physical settings we
conducted at the National University of Singapore found that these inhabit. As human beings, we need to connect with living structures in
fins would enhance the airflow by 20 to 30 percent. Sunshades over the our environment. When nature is coherent with the rest of a structure,
windows protect patients from the direct glare of sunlight. The shades it creates a positive, healing atmosphere. Biophilia shows how our
also redirect light towards the ceiling to enhance the brightness of the evolutionary heritage makes us experience buildings deep within, and
wards and save energy. Large fans in public areas are powered by not as intellectualized concept.
solar panels on the roof. The air-conditioning system draws supply air
from its internal courtyards, where the air is cooler, thus reducing the
It is important to realize that biophilic design is more than just a new
cooling loads.
way to make people more efficient by applying an innovative technical
tool. The successful application of biophilic design fundamentally
The landscaping included creating a medicinal garden and depends on adopting a new consciousness toward nature, recognizing
fragrance garden, along with water features. Birds and butterflies how much our physical and mental wellbeing continues to rely on the
began returning to the site. After three years of landscaping, they had quality of our connections to the world beyond ourselves of which we
successfully encouraged the return of 102 different butterfly species. still remain a part. D+C
82
Trends
+ Stories words
Engr. Emilson C. Gole Cruz
image
William M. T.
Philippine Institute
of Civil Engineers:
Singapore 2017
Utilizing Technological Advancements for Smart
Construction towards Sustainable Development
Clockwise from top-left

• Mr Eric Leong discussing Interlocking Pipe
Piles for Retaining Wall Construction
• Dr. Albert Causo of Nanyang Technological
University Singapore discussing Robotics in
Construction
• Mr. Donald Willian Folkoff of Singapore
Environmental Consultancy and Solutions
Pte Ltd disussing Internet of Things (IOT) for
Environmental Inspection
• Mr. Calvin Chung of Jurong Town Corporation
(JTC) discussing the Reclamation of Finger
One, Tuas View Extension, Singapore Project
• Hon. Mersole J. Mellejor, First Secretary and
Consul of the Embassy of the Philippines, on
his Opening Remarks during the Fellowship
Night
• Hon. Mersole J. Mellejor, First Secretary and
Consul of the Embassy of the Philippines and
the symbolic Dragon Dance
• Dr. Peter Ureta, Member of the PRB Civil
Engineering CPD Council, monitoring the PICE
6th ITC.
• Engr. Christopher M. Vitug, President of PICE
– Singapore Chapter, host of the PICE 6th ITC,
welcomes the delegates to the Lion City of
Singapore
Trends+ Stories
As the Philippines pave its way towards economic development, with infrastructures and civil
engineering projects gearing up, numerous challenges are expected to be faced. The Philippines’
goal of evolving into a smart and progressive country entails tapping innovative methodologies and
construction practices developed by fast growing nations across the globe. Being a smart nation
corresponds to harnessing and utilizing available technological advancements to cater to the
citizen’s needs of comfort and better lives.
The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), being the challenges encountered and the solutions adopted. Professionals in
prime organization of Filipino Civil Engineers, continues to expand different construction fields are invited to deliver keynote speeches
its wingspan to be a dynamic force in nation building. It is also the regarding latest information in their respective expertise areas.
mission of the organization to advance the welfare of its members and
The conference was graced with the presence of the PICE
the development and prestige of the civil engineering profession. As
National Board of the Directors, headed by the National President, Dr.
we face today’s surge of futuristic demands, it is vital that the Filipino
Maria Catalina Estamo-Cabral, Engr. Clemente A. Ibo (PICE National
Civil Engineers worldwide are continuously being in pace with the
1st Vice-President), Engr. Erdsan Rene S. Suero (PICE National 2nd
innovations in the construction and building industry.
Vice-President), Dr. Ernesto S. De Castro (PICE National Immediate
To equip our Filipino civil engineers worldwide, the Philippine Past President), Engr. David Sanchez (PICE National Executive
Institute of Civil Engineers hold its yearly International Technical Secretary), and Dr. Robert S. Licup (PICE National Administrative
Conference (ITC) participated by its members all over the world from Officer).
its local and international chapters. For this year, PICE conducted its
Dr. Peter M. Ureta, Chairman on Technical Committee on Civil
6th PICE ITC at Singapore Chinese Cultural Center last August 31 and
Engineering of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and
September 1, 2017, hosted by PICE-Singapore Chapter.
member of the Civil Engineering CPD Council was also present in
Bearing the theme “Utilizing Technological Advancements behalf of the Profession Regulation Commission (PRC) to assess the
for Smart Construction towards Sustainable Development”, PICE entire conference. He also gave light to the CPD units in line with the
showcased advancements in the Construction Industry focusing on renewal of professional license.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) applications, and other new
The conference started with the opening remarks of Engr.
construction practices through industry experts and authorities from
Reynaldo E. Illut, PICE International Coordinator and President of
various major agencies in Singapore and abroad. Being a country
PICE Eastern Saudi Arabia Chapter, followed by the official opening
known for its fast-tracked economic progress and note-worthy
of the Technical Conference of PICE National 2nd Vice President and
Built Environment Industry practices combined with technological
Chairman of Regional Conference Committe, Engr. Erdsan Rene
innovations, Singapore is definitely a model nation thriving with
S. Suero. Engr. Christopher M. Vitug, President of PICE Singapore
knowledge to learn from.
Chapter, welcomed all the delegates to the Lion City of Singapore
In this conference, over 200 delegates from different PICE and introduced the Guest and Keynote Speaker, Dr. Maria Catalina
International Chapters, like Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, United Arab Estamo-Cabral.
Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Brunei and Singapore,
Dr. Maria Catalina Estamo-Cabral is the current National
gathered in this momentous event. Delegates from PICE Local
President of PICE. She is also now in the second highest position in the
Chapters like Manila, Quezon City, Davao, Cebu, Cavite, Bataan,
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) serving as the
Camarines Sur, Nueva Ecija, and Pangasinan were also present in the
Undersecretary for Planning and Public-Private Partnership, and is the
conference.
first female to be in that position. Dr. Cabral highlighted milestones
This conference provides opportunities to delegates from and achievements of PICE and presented the plans of DPWH to our
different regions of the world to exchange new ideas and application country’s development in construction under the administration of
experiences face to face, to establish business or research relations President Rodrigo Roa Durterte.
and to find global partners for future collaboration. The major goal
and feature of the conference is to bring Filipino Civil Engineers
and construction industry’s frontrunners together to exchange and
share their experiences and research results, and discuss the practical
continued
next page
84
SESSION 1: HDB’s Approach to Sustainable Towns SESSION 5 : A Builder’s Journey Using CLT
and Glulam at JTC Launch Pad 2
Mr. Alan Tan, former Director from the Housing and Development
Board (HDB) of Singapore – Building and Research Institute, gave the Mr. Foo Yee Le, Project Manager of Lian Ho Lee Construction Pte Ltd
delegates an overview about the housing policies, programmes, and (Singapore) discussed the adoption of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)
developments that makes Singapore public housing towns and flats and Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) in Singapore construction. By
successful today. HDB is Singapore’s largest developer, providing adopting this innovative product in their project JTC Launch Pad 2, the
HDB flats and homes to over 80% of Singapore’s resident households. builder was able to reduce dust, noise, manpower, and construction
Today, more than 1 million flats have been completed in 23 towns and 3 time. By understanding the characteristics and conditions of CLT and
estates across Singapore. Glulam like humidity, performance, termite protection, fire safety, and
design aspect, the builder delivered the project as planned.
SESSION 2 : Robotics in Construction

SESSION 6 : Productivity Improvement Using
Dr. Albert Causo, a Research Fellow at the Robotics Center at Nanyang
IOT for Environmental Inspection of Water
Technological University – Singapore and co-founder of robotics start-
Pollution in the Construction Industry
up company called Transforma, discussed his research on robotics for
construction, logistics, social and educational, and rehabilitation, as Mr. Donald William Folkoff, MSc (Geological Sciences), is one of the
well as human-robot interaction, motion analysis, hand pose estimation, Directors in Singapore Environmental Consultancy and Solutions
and computer vision. Pte Ltd (SECS). In the recent years, SECS has designed an innovative
application that allows inspection of Earth Control Measures (ECM)
and the water catchments to be recorded real-time with auto-
SESSION 3 : The Basic and Application of scheduling of the next visit depending on the grading of the site. The
Rapid Load Test on Pile client, Public Utilities Board (PUB) will be able to download the
Dr. Ooi Poh Thai, a committee member for the Geotechnical Society of reports from the Cloud and assess the backend information through an
Singapore (GEOSS), discussed the use of rapid load test on piles and innovative dashboard for downloading rea-tine information. He will
its advantages of quick dynamic loading duration, relatively small test take you through the process of using the Internet of Things (IoT) to
set up and its ability to approximate the load settlement behaviour simplify the inspection process in the construction industry.
of equivalent static test. Dr. Ooi Poh Thai is a registered Professional
Civil Engineer and Specialist Professional Geotechnical Engineer in
SESSION 7 : Reclamation of Finger One,
Singapore.
Tuas View Extension
Mr. Calvin Chung, a civil engineer with Masters of Engineering
SESSION 4 : Virtual Singapore: (stochastic simulation in structural analysis) from the National
Building Blocks of a Smart City University of Singapore, works for Jurong Town Corporation
Engr. Sonny Andalis, a Civil and Structural BIM Specialist for Building (JTC), the lead agency to spearhead the planning, promotion, and
and Construction Authority (BCA) under Ministry of National development of dynamic industrial landscape in Singapore. Mr. Chung
Development (MND) of Singapore, presented Virtual Singapore. presented an overview of the construction of Finger One and the
Virtual Singapore aims to be a central repository of maps and various productivity, innovation, and environmental initiatives that
information to enable a Smart City a reality. It enables smart planning, are deployed for the project. He also discussed some of the extensive
data analytics, and complex simulations. The program will support advance planning and coordination to achieve overall cost savings for
the development of semantically enriched 3D model of Singapore the project.
which includes detailed information such as texture, geometry, and
topology of city objects and terrain attributes. Advanced information
and modelling technology will allow dynamic and real-time data to
be incorporated on top of static city data powered by BIM and GIS
integration. Engr. Andalis also teaches BIM at National University of
Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, and BCA Academy.
Trends+ Stories
Finger One is located at Tuas View Extension and will be used for
industries but is reclaimed to a very high specification to future-proof
it for possible container port expansion in the longer term. It has 3
kilometres of waterfront that are constructed using 91 caissons to create
a vertical wharf front and the approach channel and basin will be
dredged to a water depth of 23m, ready to receive the largest container
ships of the future. All 91 caissons, each equivalent to 10-storey high
building, were completed in just 15 months. The construction started in
2014 and will be completed in 2019.
SESSION 8 : Interlocking Pipe Piles for Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers 6th
Horizontal and Vertical Retaining Wall Construction International Technical Conference Singapore
2017 held at Singapore Chinese Cultural Center
Mr. Eric Leong, Director of Mer Lion Metals Pte Ltd, discussed
interlocking piles or Steel Pipe Sheet Piles (SPSP) that have been
utilized in large scale projects across Japan as the ideal solution for fast
construction of high strength retaining walls and cofferdams. SPSP are
accepted as a suitable alternative to existing sheet piling technology or
concrete structures as a solution for bridge pier footings or reclamation SESSION 11 : Computational Design Strategy for
works. Interactive Structural Analysis
Engr. Alden Cayaga, BScCE ACPE ASEAN Eng. M. ASEP LM PICE,
a senior civil / structural engineer at Neo Spectrum Engineering
SESSION 9 : Incident and Injury Free Work Enabling Civil
Consultancy WLL based in Doha, Qatar, demonstrated how the design
Engineers to be Project Managers in EPCM Environment
process can be realized into an efficient structural form by means of
Engr. Enrico Gadian Jr., Senior Construction Manager of Brunei Int’l visual programming. By taking advantage of the available technology,
S.E.A. Pte Ltd – Singapore / Evonik S.E.A. Pte Ltd, discussed Incident the structural design workflow using visual programming environment
and Injury Free (IFF) Work on Site highlighting the culture of caring will allow better control of the structural design and decision process.
in construction, recognizing and reinforcing safe behaviour, and The procedures presented by Engr. Cayaga may be used as a guide to
constructively correcting unsafe acts in construction. He also talked allow the user to change the model geometry and section properties of
about the project execution plan of all project managers tackling all the structure by changing the inputs instead of modifying the model
aspects of construction throughout all its phases. manually/
SESSION 10 : Success of Singapore Sports Hub from Design, SESSION 12 : Building A Better Future with
Fabrication, and Erection of Steel Structure by BIM People and Technology
Mr. Marvin Garcia, a civil engineer with Specialist Diploma in Building Dr. Ernesto De Castro, the Immediate Past President of PICE and the
Information Modelling (BIM) at BCA Academy, Singapore, presented founder of ESCA, one of the nation’s most respected engineering
the BIM application in the entire construction process of Singapore firms, is one of the pioneers in the adoption of BIM in the Philippines.
Sports Hub. Mr. Garcia also discussed the Design to Construction On his talk, he highlighted that the Philippine government needs to
workflow with BIM, how the model developed on the design phase, seriously consider taking the road towards wider BIM adoption as
what are the parameters and information embedded into the model, the the country goes on a massive infrastructure program to 2022. Not
key BIM authoring tool used and how this information was use in the only BIM adoption lead to increased productivity, this will also enable
fabrication, logistic, and erection of these steel structures. transparency and quality in constructed projects.
88
1
Industry
News
Champions
of Growth
International Federation of Landscape
Architecture (IFLA) Asia-Pacific Landscape
Architecture (LA) Award Winners & Inaugural
LA Luminary Award Nominations to be
Recognized and Honoured at the IFLA Asia
Pacific Congress Bangkok 2017
Hong Kong Tamar

Government Complex Singapore, September 8, 2017—International Federation of Landscape
Hong Kong
Architects (IFLA) Asia-Pacific Region will host its 10th IFLA Asia-Pac
Landscape Architecture (LA) Awards and inaugural LA Luminary Awards
Outstanding Award
Cultural and Urban Landscape Category Ceremony on 4 November 2017 at the IFLA Asia Pacific Congress 2017 at
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park.
October - Decemeber 2017
Industry News
Tianjin Cultural Park

Tianjin, China
The prestigious IFLA Asia-Pacific region Landscape Architecture Awards, now known as IFLA Outstanding Award
Cultural and Urban Landscape Category
Asia-Pac LA Awards, aim to create continuous awareness and recognition of landscape architecture
together with like-minded partners and other professions that have played a key role in shaping our
cities and environment towards a better future.
The Federation received a total of 104 project entries from 50 landscape architecture firm from
10 countries namely Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore,
Taiwan and Thailand, in nine categories, including Analysis & Master Planning, Communities,
Cultural and Urban Landscape, Infrastructure, Lighting and Night Experience, Nature Conservation,
Parks and Open Space, Residential and Skyrise Greenery. Entries were put through a rigorous
two-stage judging process, namely the online juror stage, involving 11 presidents from respective
Asia Pacific national associations, followed by the final juror stage, consisting of 5 regional IFLA
presidents, as well as two special guest jury on the panel. A total of 84 awards will be given out,
including:
• Outstanding Award: 20 Winners

• Award of Excellence: 28 Winners Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden
Asahikawa, Japan
• Honourable Mention: 36 Winners
Outstanding Award
Cultural and Urban Landscape Category
continued
next page
90
Kopupaka Reserve
Auckland, New Zealand
Outstanding Award
In addition, IFLA Asia-Pacific region introduced the IFLA Asia-Pac LA Luminary Award 2017. It is
Infrastructure Category
IFLA Asia-Pacific’s inaugural and highest honour accorded to its regional luminaries who have inspired
and made significant contribution in protecting, championing, advocating, enhancing and/or sustaining
the living environment and communities in their profession, region, countries or cities. The Federation
received six nominations from three national associations, namely Korea, Singapore and Thailand,
which have been recognised by International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) as the honorary
IFLA Asia-Pac LA Luminary and successfully endorsed by:
• Chief Evaluator, IFLA President Ms Kathryn Moore

• Five IFLA regional presidents from Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Middle East region
• Two international representatives from International Federation of Housing & Planning and World
Green Building Council.
The IFLA Asia-Pac LA Luminary Award will be held in conjunction with the IFLA Asia-Pac LA
Awards on 4 November 2017 at the IFLA Asia Pacific Congress 2017 at Bangkok Marriott Marquis
Queen’s Park. Situated in the hyper-density of Bangkok, the 2017 IFLA APR congress will be the first
landscape architectural event to focus on the potential for landscape architects within the Asia Pacific
region to expand their role in determining the future of our cities and rural landscapes in the face of
market-driven economic pressures, climate change, unprecedented urban population shifts, food
Rememberance Drive Interchange
security, and dwindling reserves for accessible public open spaces. D+C
Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
Outstanding Award
Infrastructure Category
Industry News
Gardens by the Bay

Singapore
Outstanding Award
Infrastructure Category, Parks and Open Space Category Oasis (Downtown) Hotel
Singapore
Outstanding Award
Skyrise Greenery Category
continued
next page
92
Outstanding Awards
Project Name Name of Company/Participant Citiy & Country
Analysis LINES OF LINE | Rail Corridor Master Plan, Singapore Nikken Sekkei Ltd Singapore
& Master New Life in Hutongs - The Landscape Renewal of Public Space of Beijing Forestry University, Central Beijing Old City, China
Planning
Jingshan District in Beijing Old City Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing Municipal
Category
Institution of City Planning and Design
The Catalyst for Urban Green Development - Comprehensive Plan- Beijing Tsinghua Tongheng Urban Beijing, China
ning of the 2019 Beijing International Horticultural Exposition Planning and Design Institute
The Green Network based on Weifang Water System Beijing Forestry University, Weifang City, Shandong Prov-
Aterlier DYJG ince, China
Communities Siam Green Sky Landprocess Landscape Architecture & Bangkok, Thailand
Category Urban Design
Cultural and Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden Takano Landscape Asahikawa, Japan

Urban Landscape Planning Co Ltd
Category
Hong Kong Tamar Government Complex HOK International (Asia/Pacific) Ltd Hong Kong
Tianjin Cultural Park Ramboll Studio Dreiseitl Pte Ltd Tianjin, China
Infrastructure Kopupaka Reserve Isthmus Group Ltd Auckland, New Zealand

Category Rememberance Drive Interchange OCULUS Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
Taumanu Reserve Isthmus Group Ltd Auckland, New Zealand
Lighting and Gardens by the Bay Grant Associates Singapore

Night Experience
Parks and Open Ballast Point Park McGregor Coxall Sydney, Australia
Space Category Gardens by the Bay Grant Associates Singapore
MacKenzie Falls Gorge Trail Hansen Partnership Australia
Sydney Park Water Re-Use Project Turf Design Studio & St Peters, NSW, Australia, 2044
Environmental Partnership
Taumanu Reserve Isthmus Group Ltd Auckland, New Zealand
Yong River Waterfront Park AECOM Ningbo, China
Residential 23° Estate Shma Company Limited Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Category
Skyrise Oasis (Downtown) Hotel STX Landscape Architects Singapore

Greenery
Category
IFLA Asia-Pac LA Lumunary Awards

Name Organisation Designation Citiy & Country
Dr Cheong Koon Hean Housing & Development Board Chief Executive Officer Singapore
Dr Tan Wee Kiat Gardens by the Bay Chief Executive Officer Singapore
Her Royal Highness Princess Somdech Phra Deb- The Princess Royal of Thailand Thailand
aratanarajasuda Chao Fa Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Ratha-
simagunakornpiyajat Sayamboromrajakumari
Mr Hyun-Don Shin Seo-Anh RnD Design Chief Executive Officer Korea
Mr Kenneth Er National Parks Board Chief Executive Officer Singapore
Mr Ng Lang Urban Redevelopment Authority Chief Executive Officer Singapore

94
2
Industry
News
Nurturing
Young Talent
Moldex Realty collaborates with College of St.
Benilde for a Grand Riviera Suites Project
Left
Francesca Palanca and 2017 marks an important milestone for Moldex Realty. This year, it
Anne Michelle Malto
celebrates 30 years of excellence in the real estate industry.
1st Place
Right Over the years, Moldex Realty has believed in the importance
Francine Wong and Deyu Cai of nurturing young talent, and it continues to uphold this truth to
2nd Place
this day. That is why, to mark this special occasion, Moldex Realty
has partnered with De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde School of
Design & Arts.
Industry News
Left
Enzo Ricafort
3rd Place
The Partnership
Right
Under this collaboration, senior Interior Design students were given the rare
Patricia Marie & Pena Atienza
opportunity to design and construct actual units from the Grand Riviera Suites, People’s Choice
Moldex Realty’s 55-storey condominium development that offers a breath-
taking bayside view.
Grand Riviera Suites is under The Grand Series, one of the Moldex
Realty’s residential brands, that is comprised of high-rise condominium
developments. The other brands include the refuge-away-from-the-city
MetroGate® Communities; the practical and modern living spaces of Heritage
Homes; and the resort-style living of Moldex Residences.
Ten designs have been presented to a distinguished panel of judges

composed of Interior Designers, Ms. Regine Viola Cello and Ms. Charlene
Marguerite Valondo, Moldex Realty’s Director Imelda Uy and Arch. Lorenzo
Raule, and esteemed Moldex client, Ms. Christine Yang.
After careful deliberation, three winners were selected: 3rd Place is Enzo
Ricafort (1514B, Studio Unit), 2nd Place is the tandem of Francine Wong and
Deyu Cai (1522, 1-Bedroom Unit), and 1st Place goes to Francesca Palanca
and Anne Michelle Malto (1521, 1-Bedroom Unit). These winners will have
the distinct honor of having their designs featured as part of the new product
offering for Grand Riviera Suites.
Moldex Realty is one of the pioneering real

Nurturing Young Talent estate developers in the country with over 30
As an institution committed to education, De La Salle – College of St. Benilde projects under its belt. With 30 years of real
School of Design & Arts is dedicated to giving its students real-life experiences estate experience, it continues to provide
that will help them become real-world-ready. Moldex Realty supports this and quality and reliable real estate products that
believes that young talents should be given the opportunity to pursue their uplift the Filipino lifestyle.
passions.
For more information on Grand Riviera Suites
This partnership is part of Moldex Realty’s 360 corporate campaign. As and other Moldex Realty developments in
a real estate developer that offers furnished and ready-to-move-in units to its the North, Heart, and South of Manila, please
clients, Moldex Realty paves the way for young talents to showcase and hone call 0917 7178880. You may also visit www.
their creativity and skills. D+C moldexrealty.ph
96
3
Industry
News
Stress-free Fuel
Management
Shell Fleet Card offers fuels and
more value-added services for the
transport business industry
Transport businesses require

With more than 100 years of experience on the road,
crucial planning to be able to Pilipinas Shell offers an effective solution that helps boost
utilize all resources efficiently. the operations of any transport business: the Shell Fleet Card.
With fuel and maintenance being Enrolling a fleet into this business solution provides end-to-end
efficiency for customers; assuring fleet owners that vehicles
the largest single operating
resourcefully reach their destinations, fuel and lubricants
expense, companies need to
expenses both on the road are monitored and covered, and
control and plot out costs to administrative tasks are easily completed with just a few clicks.
make the most out of their
business investments. The Shell Fleet Card is simply a stress-free solution to
managing fleets. With 1,000 retail stations across the country,
Pilipinas Shell provides strategic support and assistance to
their customers through their quality products and services.
Shell Cardholders can avail of the all-new premium fuel, Shell
V-Power with boosted DYNAFLEX Technology while the
Shell FuelSave Diesel fuel can now be delivered to select fleet
transport customers. Roadside, towing assistance and defensive
driving programs are also available to customers as part of this
fleet management solution’s benefits.
Industry News
Through the Shell Card’s Online Mobile App, real-time fraud

reduction and control detection allows business owners to have complete
visibility on transactions, allowing them to have more control over expenses
to keep their business secure. Vehicle fuel consumptions can also be tracked
and reviewed for further cost management and route planning. Multiple
cards can be managed in a customer’s online account, giving them ease in
managing purchases.
The Fraud Protection system also allows fleet operators to customize

the transaction accesses per account. Customers will also be notified for any
identified irregular activities with the card, which can be blocked anytime.
Backing up the whole system is a team composed of account

managers, fuel technical experts, and customer service specialists’ that can
help identify and provide cost saving opportunities for transport businesses.
“We at Shell want to provide our business and fleet customers the
security they need by ensuring all transactions are protected, costs are under
control, and their vehicles are moving in the right direction.” said Stephanie
Cua, Regional Marketing Manager for Shell Fleet Card for East Region. “We
value our relationship with them and we look forward to working together
to help keep all Filipinos moving on the road, efficiently.”
By providing quality fleet management solutions and services to

motorists around the world, Shell gained its foothold as a global leader in
power and energy that pioneers next generation technology in developing
new energy sources for a reliable energy mix. Through producing smarter
products and promoting its smarter use, building smarter infrastructure, and
providing energy efficient solutions that ultimately promote clean & efficient
transport and sustainable mobility, Shell helps to build a new energy future
to help address the global energy challenge on how to generate more energy, For more information, visit
while producing less CO2. D+C pilipinas.shell.com.ph.

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4

Contents Best of 2017

VBo Architects + Engineers

Contents Best of 2017

An Icon Biophilic City of Philippine

Champions of Nurturing Young Talent: Shell Fleet Card

Contacts The Team

Concetto Modulare Davies Paints Contributing Writers

OEM Systems Group / BAG electronics, Inc. Photographers-at-Large

Sealbond Chemicals Industries Inc. 02-635-7889 info@dandcmagazine.com

The popular color scheme is Earthy

Mannequin Pale Grant Carrington

This year will be

2018 is about color! Jeweled

Solid colored walls

We will see a lot of

2018 will be a boundary-pushing year for

Licensed interior designers can always

Credits to thouswell.co/tag/francois-catroux/, latimeblog.com, therugseller.co.uk, freshome.

A Firm to Look Out

VBo Architects + Engineers is a group of professionals

Beginnings The Coast project and other works

Design aesthetic Running a firm

Projects can be either or both architectural and engineering, Future plans

“The space is a blank canvas

“In VBO Architects + Engineers,

Project Name Location

Project Name Location

The site is situated in South Forbes,Lagu-

Project Name Location

One of VBo’s latest finished projects—Encarnacion Residence is a modern

A unit specially designed for a

Project Name Location

By the use of neutral-based palettes on

A design inspired from the company’s color

Clockwise from top

“In VBo Architects + Engineers,

What’s in a name? Names are more than

Secondly, the name Visionarch symbolizes

Visionarch’s name constantly influences

For Visionarch, their ideals are bigger than

CEO & President

Defining Filipino Architecture

However, if he had to handle a project

One of Visionarch’s keener skills is

Multi-awardee Future Perfect

For inquiries about the

• WIM1172-5 (COMBI SOCKET 2/3 pin)

Ramil is the CEO and President of Concetto Modulare, a

High pressure laminates, high gloss acrylic

“I always believe I’m the best salesperson in the company. Sometimes

To demonstrate this passsion, he outlined the four

1. Manpower – Concetto Modulare’s designers and carpenters are

2. Mechanism – Modular kitchens need to be uniquely mobile

3. Method – The modularity of Concetto’s Modulare’s kitchen pieces

4. Materials – Concetto Modulare’s pieces are a meeting of nations.

Ramil oversees all stages of Concetto Modulare’s product

Concetto Modulare offers you a variety of

Look carefully on the craftsmanship that Concetto Modulare has

This white kitchen in high gloss finish is the

Modular kitchen and modular cabinets are the most

Customize the storage systems according to your needs. The

One thing that sets Concetto Modulare apart is Ramil’s intimate