MODERN PHILIPPINE ARCHITECTURE ERA (1898 – PRESENT)

American Colonial Period (1898-1946): The American occupation of the Philippines brought in new architectural styles
such as the American Colonial, Art Deco, and the International Style. Public buildings, such as schools and government offices,
were constructed in the American Colonial style, while private homes were built in the Art Deco style.

This is the National Museum of Fine Arts, also known as the Old Legislative Building. Where the Spaniards had Intramuros to
cement their colonial legacy, the Americans one-upped them by building at the extramuros, the area immediately outside the
walls of the Old City.
Inaugurated in 1926, it housed the Philippine Legislature, later the National Assembly under the Commonwealth of the
Philippines, and after that the Congress from 1946 to 1972. The building was damaged during the Battle of Manila — the pre-
war Legislative Building was much more ornate, and much of this ornamentation was not reconstructed when the building was
rebuilt owing to cost.
During martial law, Ferdinand Marcos had the building locked up, with the building later becoming the offices of the Prime
Minister of the Philippines, and after he was deposed in the People Power Revolution in 1986, the building housed the Senate
while the House of Representatives — by that time significantly larger than the 100 representatives that constituted the pre-
martial law chamber — moved into the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. In 1998, the Senate vacated the building
for use by the National Museum as the National Art Gallery, which it is to this day.
Of course, this building didn’t stand alone. When the building was constructed, Daniel Burnham, responsible for devising a
grand urban plan for Manila after the islands became an American possession, envisioned a government complex akin to the
National Mall in Washington, D.C. Now the plan didn’t end up like he envisioned it (once again, owing to cost), but the Old
Legislative Building forms the heart of a complex of American-era neoclassical buildings that were once the heart of the
Philippine colonial, and later national, government. Just north of the Old Legislative Building, in fact, is this building.
The Manila Central Post Office was built in 1926, and though it was damaged during World War II it was reconstructed
according to its original design. Designed by Juan M. Arellano, the Philippines’ foremost architect at the time, the building
continues to house the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), and PHLPost’s main center of operations is here. (There is a
desire to convert the building into a hotel, but nothing has come of it yet.)
Just across the street from the Post Office, meanwhile, is a building not like any of the buildings that were built by the
Americans outside the walls.
The Manila Metropolitan Theater, designed again by Arellano and opened in 1930, was built in the Art Deco style. Stage
productions and plays were held here until the opening of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1969, and the building was
effectively neglected ever since. In 2015, the building was turned over to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA), with the aim of transforming it into a more accessible (as compared to the CCP, which is seen as being the domain of
the elite) cultural venue, and is currently under renovation.
William Edward Parsons (June 19, 1872 - December 17, 1939) was an architect and city planner known for his works in the
Philippines during the early period of American colonization in the country.
A consulting architect to the United States Government from 1905-1914, William E. Parsons (1872-1939) designed the standard
plans for the Gabaldon school buildings. Recommended by Daniel Burnham who created the city plan for Baguio and Manila,
Parsons, a graduate of Columbia University, Yale University, and École des Beauxs-Arts in Paris, France, arrived in Manila in
1905. He considered his Philippine posting “as an architect’s dream.”
Parsons prepared comprehensive city plans for Cebu and Zamboanga, and designed numerous civic centers in the country that
included kapitolyos in provincial capitals, for example, Tarlac, San Fernando, Lucena, Legazpi City, and so on. One of Parsons’
trademark styles was the generous use of arches. He was chiefly responsible for designing many of the public buildings in
Manila such as the Philippine General Hospital, Manila Hotel, Philippine Normal School, and the Manila Army and Navy Club
building, among others.

Gabaldon features
Using modern construction technologies such as reinforced concrete and galvanized iron roofing, Parsons integrated elements
from the bahay kubo and bahay na bato that are appropriate for a tropical climate. His design included a standard size of 7 by 9
meters for the schoolhouses that are elevated 1.2 meters from the ground on wooden or concrete platform.
The Gabaldon schoolhouses are made of Philippine hardwood, masonry, and reinforced concrete. Its arrangements of large
capiz-shell windows open outward from the bottom up and its doors and transoms with traceries or cutouts (espehong calado)
allow for air circulation In addition, high ceilings and wide roof overhangs ensure maximum ventilation, natural light, and
efficient acoustics.
The distinct features of the Gabaldon schoolhouses include the following: 1) one-or two-story structure; especially for a single
story schoolhouse, it is H- or U-shaped; 2) elevated ground floor, with wooden flooring made of tonque-and-groove wood
planks; 3) rooms have two swing-out doors and large awning windows with capiz-shelled panels and wooden frames; 5) a
corridor connects classrooms 6) corrugated iron roofing; and 7) a central porch and wide stairs for a single story schoolhouse
and identical side staircases for two-story ones.
Architectural and design elements include exposed beams, awning windows, fascia boards, and tracery or calado in transoms
with a variety of designs that are intricate, geometric, or Art Nouveau, all adding to the distinct character of a Gabaldon
schoolhouse.
Its open plan and flexibility of use is made by dividing panels between classrooms that separate or open up the entire space.
Gabaldon schoolhouses had been occupied by the Japanese military as their headquarters and turned into garrisons during
World War II or used as hospitals. Today, they have been used as polling places, vaccination sites, and evacuation centers in
times of natural disasters.

Daniel Hudson Burnham

This 1905 City Plan Shows What Manila Could've Looked Like
The Burnham Plan For Manila is something a lot of architects, urban planners, and map enthusiasts look at with a heavy heart.
It's often considered "paradise lost" as it championed streets, parks, railroads, and public buildings.
The plan would adapt Manila to modern needs much like Georges-Eugène Haussmann's renovation of Paris. Unfortunately, it
didn't fully come to fruition. See what Manila could've looked like if things went right.
American urban designer Daniel Burham had prominent roles in the development of Chicago, Washington, and more.
He was invited by Governor General William Howard Taft to transform Manila during the American occupation.
Burnham stayed in the Philippines for a number of weeks, studying the country's layout and needs.
In 1905, Burnham presented his plan for Manila, which was patterned after Paris, Venice, and Naples.
"Possessing the bay of Naples, the winding river of Paris, and the canals of Venice, Manila has before it an opportunity unique in
history of modern times, the opportunity to create a unified city equal to the greatest of the Western world with the
unparalleled and priceless addition of a tropical setting," Burnham wrote.
Burnham's plan features wide radial avenues, plenty of greenery, and a government center.
He proposed five major points, starting with a plan to develop the waterfront as a main area of recreation.
This included a re-envisioned Luneta Park that would be placed on reclaimed land. Burnham thought that this would be an
urban design element.
Next, Burnham wanted a street system that allowed easy travel among the many districts of the city.
The third plan focused on proper areas for buildings of various programs.
This included a new hotel, which doubled as a resort and casino, boat clubs, and schools.
Burham's plan included the development of the Pasig River as a transportation canal..
The last feature in his five-point proposal was the creation of summer resorts in Laguna and Bataan.
Before Burnham's Plan For Manila could be realized, the Second World War erupted.
Still, a few parts of the plan did come into fruition such as today's Roxas Boulevard and much of Luneta Park.
Though Burnham's Manila plan was only partially realized, his plans for Baguio were much more successful.
OTHER NOTABLE WORKS OF BURNHAM:
-Roxas Boulevard
-National Museum Complex
-Burnham Park
-Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol
-Pangasinan Provincial Capitol

2. Post-War Period (1946-1972): After World War II, the Philippines experienced a period of rebuilding and
modernization. This led to the construction of large-scale buildings, such as high-rise buildings, office buildings, and public
housing projects. The International Style, characterized by simple shapes and functional design, became popular during this
time.
• Notable architectural examples:
The Cultural Center of the Philippines, designed by Leandro Locsin in the International Style;
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is the premiere showcase of the arts in the Philippines. Founded in 1969, the
CCP has been producing and presenting music, dance, theater, visual arts, literary, cinematic and design events from the
Philippines and all over the world for more than forty years.

The Philippine International Convention Center, designed by Oscar Zalameda and Jose Pedro Recio, also in the International
Style.
• Notable architects: Leandro Locsin, who was one of the most prominent architects of the post-war period and is
known for his modernist designs; Oscar Zalameda and Jose Pedro Recio, who were responsible for designing several large-scale
public buildings during this period.
The Marcos administration is best remembered for its contributions to the development of Philippine infrastructure.
Under Marcos, an unprecedented number of buildings were constructed, varying from public health centers to
cultural edifices. It is undeniable that Marcos played an integral role in the development of public infrastructure,
with many of the roads and buildings constructed during his time still in use today.
However, Marcos’ achievements in public infrastructure did not come without a price. Many of Marcos’ projects
were funded by foreign loans that left the Philippines with an outstanding debt of about $28.3 billion by 1986
Here we present some of the buildings constructed during the Marcos administration

THE BATAAN NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) was the Marcos administration's solution to the oil crisis of 1973. The 623
MW electrical capacity of the BNPP could have met 10% of the power requirements of the Luzon grid. Construction
was halted by Marcos after the Three Mile Island nuclear meltdown of 1979. The construction of the Bonifacio
National Power Project (BNPP) in the Philippines cost an estimated total of $2.2 billion

The CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES (CCP) complex was built on land reclaimed from Manila Bay.
It became home to the artistic creations of numerous artists such as Hernando Ocampo, Fernando Zobel, Arturo Luz,
Cesar Legaspi, and Vicente Manansala. The complex was also the site for many state-sponsored cultural activities

MANILA FILM CENTER

Imelda Marcos' Manila Film Center was completed 15 minutes before its opening in 1982. The Parthenon-inspired
film center cost an estimated $25 million to build. It took around 7,000 workers working round-the-clock shifts to
meet Imelda's deadline.
In 1981, Philippine President Imelda Marcos ordered the construction of the Manila Film Center (CCP) in order to
recreate the atmosphere of the Cannes Film Festival. An alleged 169 workers were killed when the roof of the film
center collapsed on November 17, 1981.

S A N J U A N I C O B R I D G E One of the most iconic structures built under the Marcos regime is the San Juanico
Bridge, also known as the Marcos bridge. Estimated to have cost about $21 million, the bridge measures
approximately two kilometers long. Its construction took only four years, beginning on August 1969 and ending
December 1972. Today, the San Juanico bridge forms a part of the identity of people in Samar and Leyte. A
beautiful monument, it is an iconic tourist attraction that also contributes to the economic activity of the two
provinces.

MANILA BAY RECLAMATION PROJECT

One of the biggest projects under the Marcos government was the $1 billion reclamation of Manila Bay in 1974. The
project aimed to create a ten-kilometer highway to Cavite from reclaimed land. It was subsequently known as the
Manila-Cavite Coastal Road Reclamation Project (MCCRP).

4. Post-Marcos Era (1986-present): After the fall of the Marcos regime, the Philippines has seen a
renewed focus on sustainable and socially responsible architecture. This has led to the increased use
of locally-sourced materials and the incorporation of traditional architectural elements, such as the
bahay kubo, into modern designs. The use of green building techniques and the promotion of
mixed-use, transit-oriented development have also become popular in recent years.
 Notable architectural examples: Greenbelt Chapel in Makati, designed by Felino Palafox
Jr. which is an example of sustainable design and the integration of traditional elements;
The Mind Museum in Taguig, designed by James Stewart Polshek and Carlos Arnaiz, and it
showcase the integration of technology and nature in its design.
 Notable architects: Felino Palafox Jr. who is known for his sustainable designs and the
integration of traditional elements into modern architecture; James Stewart Polshek and
Carlos Arnaiz, who are known for their use of technology and nature in their designs.

THE GREENBELT CHAPEL

also known as the Sto Nino de Paz Chapel, is a Catholic church which has managed to become a massive tourist
attraction. It is a home of worship, service, and healing rituals and has built a loyal and growing community of like-
minded individuals. The chapel is built in the shape of a dome and shows beautiful and grand architecture with fresh
flowers, ceiling lights and spacious seating. It offers a peaceful environment for the worshipers as well as for tourists
and locals alike.
T H E M I N D M U S E U M is a science museum in Manila, Philippines that opened in 2012. It is located in
Bonifacio Global City, a business district of the city. It has five main galleries occupying a 4,900 square metres

exhibit area spanning two floors. Each has its own theme including atom, life, earth, universe and technology. They

are linked by "Nature’s Webways". The museum was well received when it opened and won the THEA Award for

Outstanding Achievement for the Science Museum category.

The museum was designed by architect Ed Calma, from Lor Calma & Partners. The design of the structure was

inspired from cellular structure and growth and had a solar reflective exterior, natural wind ventilation and rainwater

flow drainage.

5. Contemporary Architecture in Philippines: With the advancements in technology and the

increasing trend of globalization, contemporary Philippine architecture has been marked by the
blending of traditional and modern elements. It is also characterized by the use of sustainable
materials, green design, and innovative technologies. The use of biophilic design and the integration
of nature into buildings is also increasingly popular in contemporary architecture in Philippines.
 Notable architectural examples: The W office tower in Bonifacio Global City, designed by
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, it represents the trend of blending traditional and modern elements, as
well as the use of sustainable materials and green design; The SEDA Hotel in Cebu, designed by W.V.
Coscolluela Associates which is an example of biophilic design, integration of nature into buildings, and
use of locally-sourced materials.
 Notable architects: W.V. Coscolluela Associates, known for their innovative and sustainable
designs; Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, a renowned international architectural firm that has completed
several notable projects in the Philippines.
W OFFICE TOWER
As with other buildings designed by world-renowned architectural firm Skidmore Owings and
Merrill, the 32-story The Curve in Bonifacio Global City is highly likely to become an
architectural landmark and prestigious office

- The office tower derives its name from its silhouette which tapers as it rises to a height
of 137 meters, according to Lylah Fronda-Ledonio, executive director of commercial
leasing at Leechiu Property Consultants, a leading real estate services firm.
- They recognize that good building design coupled with the strategic location of The
Curve could mean good business for them
- another key attraction of The Curve is its location within a special economic zone in BGC
called e-Square, accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

SEDA HOTEL
AYALA LAND, Inc. (ALI) had refurbished the former Cebu Business Park hotel and rebranded it
as Seda Ayala Center Cebu (Seda ACC). It will feature guest rooms, function rooms, and
amenities from the plans of architect and interior designer Conrad Onglao.
The redesign includes changing the hotel’s lobby to show Seda’s signature open layout. The
company has also expanded the lobby’s seating capacity and reception area, which now
contains computers free for use of guests as well as an all-day dining facility.
The guest rooms have also been updated to showcase a modern, minimalist layout featuring
earth colors. Function and meeting rooms likewise have been altered using lighter and brighter
colors.
Prior to its opening, Seda ACC Director of Sales and Marketing Frances Alfafara noted the hotel
has already been receiving requests for guest and function room reservations until early 2019.

PABLO ANTONIO
Pablo Severo Antonio, Sr. pioneered modern Philippine
Architecture and was the foremost Modernist during his
time. His architecture adapted Art Deco, which at its
introduction was considered radical in contrast to
Neoclassicism and Revivalist movements that prevailed
under the earlier years of the American regime.

Antonio embraced the simplicity of surfaces, bold shapes and forms, and sleek lines
of the streamlined motif. His works merged inside and outside space – creating a
singularity between built environment and nature. Notable traits in Antonio’s portfolio
are the presence of indoor gardens and ponds, slanted panoramic windows, and
sunscreens to achieve functions of natural lighting and ventilation.
His architectural legacy is a reflection of the life Antonio desired and endured in his
yesteryears. Antonio’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and triumph: beginning
with a childhood of hardship, then reaching artistic stardom, and to being remembered
as a National Artist and family man.
Famous works:
Far Eastern University Administration and Science Buildings

Ideal Theater
Manila Polo Club

Lyric Theater

Galaxy theater
Capitan Luis Gonzaga Building
Ramon Roces Publication Building

ILDEFONSO SANTOS
 Santos is called the “Father of Philippine
Landscape Architecture” for good reason.
Before his time, landscape architecture was
essentially negligible when it came to urban
planning. Santos, however, pioneered urban
landscaping in the country, proving that
architecture was not merely about buildings,
but about the design of spaces which people
use.

His landscapes were linear (or architectural), with abundant use of

concrete. But these were softened by a mix of patterns, textures, and
materials, obtaining the “malamig sa mata” effect of which he so often
spoke. The integration of local art pieces to his landscape was essential—
an expression of our culture, as he would say. The use of mass plantings in
his softscapes was his trademark, creating a visual feast of colors and
textures.
According to Santos, the field of landscape architecture is relatively
“young” in the Philippines, with a huge potential to grow.

Among the locations that comprise IP Santos' body of work are the landscaping of:

Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex

San Miguel Corporation Building

Rizal Park

Burnham park
Manila hotel

JOSE PEDRO RECIO

 Ar. Bong Recio received his Bachelor of Science
degree in Architecture from the University of Sto.
Tomas and is a member of the United Architects
of the Philippines, a Fellow of the Philippine
Institute of Architects, an Associate member of the
American Institute of Architects, and ASEAN
architect.

In 1978, he joined another well-known architectural firm, Wong Tung International, as Design Architect
and stayed on for six years. In 1984, M. Moser Associates, Ltd. invited him to join their firm with the
position of Associate and was subsequently offered partnership two years later. In 1988, Mr. Recio went
on his own and co-founded RECIO+CASAS, Ltd.

In 2008, Mr. Recio established RCHITECTS, Inc. a professional architectural firm where he remains as
Principal, leading a team of architects to deliver retail, residential, hospitality and institutional projects.

Famouis works:

The Cebu Temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Church of the Gesu and The New Rizal Library at the Ateneo de Manila University

JUAN ARELLANO
 JUAN Marcos de Guzman Arellano
(1888-1960) was one of the Filipino
architects who made Manila's image
as the pre-war "Pearl of the Orient"
with its gleaming white-washed
neoclassical public buildings, wide,
tree-shaded boulevards and its
apartments, mansions and fantasy
palatial cinemas.

Despite his extensive training in America and following a master

plan and building style imposed by Americans, he still articulated a
deeply nationalistic voice that spoke of aesthetic excellence, love for
humanity and adulation of the vernacular.
Famous works:
Manila Metropolitan Theater
the Manila Post Office Building

Jones Bridge and the development of Quezon City

 Carlos Arguelles
Carlos D. Corcuera Arguelles was born on September 15, 1922
in Manila. He was the fifth son of Tomas Arguelles, a
prominent pre-war architect, and Carmen Benedicta
Corcuera. Carlos followed in his father’s footsteps and
enrolled in the architecture program at the University of
Santo Tomas.

Arguelles translated this modernist ideology into buildings that have become landmarks of Philippine
architecture in the second half of the 20th century. His body of work includes the Philamlife
headquarters and the Manila Hilton on United Nations Avenue, the PNB on Escolta, the DBP,
Manilabank, Allied Bank, and Solid Bank buildings in Makati.

The landscape of commercial centers in the ’70s was shaped by Arguelles-designed buildings. Many still
remember the Magallanes Theater, which was demolished a decade or so ago, and the Quad — still
there but now embedded in the Glorietta complex. Arguelles also pioneered high-rise condominiums
with the Urdaneta Apartments and Makati Tuscany on Ayala Avenue.

Famous works:

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center, Diliman, Quezon City

Manila Hilton (now Manila Pavilion) Hotel, Manila

Development Bank of the Philippines Building, Makati

Philippine National Bank Building, Manila

Manilabank Building, (Now VGP Center) Makati

Juan Nakpil

Born in Quiapo, Manila in 1899,

Nakpil studied engineering at
the University of the Philippines
where he also had the
opportunity to learn freehand
drawing, painting, and
decorative arts from greats like
Fernando Amorsolo and Fabian
de la Rosa.

After obtaining a degree in civil engineering at University of Arkansas, he studied architecture at

the Fountainbleau School of Fine Arts where he received his diploma. The celebrated architect
then finished his master’s degree in architecture at Harvard University.
Juan Nakpil, recognized as the father of Philippine Architect and hailed as the first National
Artist for Architecture in 1973 has designed numerous buildings that are still standing tall up to
this day. From the Quezon Institute to the Quezon Hall at the University of the Philippines in
Diliman, Quezon City, his works showcase a marriage of function and timeless beauty.

Famous works:

Quezon Hall
The UP Carillon

San Carlos Seminary

Gala-Rodriguez Ancestral House

Alonso Hall, UP College of Home Economics

 Jose Maria Zaragoza

José Maria Zaragoza (1912-1994)

played a key role in the reconstruction of
postwar Philippines, helping reshape the
landscape of Manila ravaged by the
Second World War through his striking
structures that melded modernism and
Philippine motifs and styles.

Zaragoza had a diploma in liturgical art and architecture from the International Institute of
Liturgical Art in Rome. He also obtained a diploma in comprehensive planning from the
Hilversun Technical Research Center in The Netherlands.

He also became ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Philippines, a
Catholic order with charities around the world. The order has a permanent non-state-
observer status in the United Nations.

Famous works:
santo domingo church
Convent and the Pink Sisters Convent

the Union Church of Manila

St. John Bosco Parish Church
the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Posadas Village, Muntinlupa City
gabriel formoso

Formoso was born on April 9, 1915 in Makati,

Manila, Philippines. Formoso finished high school at
the Ateneo de Manila in 1933. Then he enrolled at
the University of Santo Tomas School of
Architecture which he graduated in 1937 and
received his Bachelor of Science in Architect.

Formoso became a registered architect in 1939. He worked for Andres Luna

de San Pedro and later for Pablo Antonio. Gabriel formed a partnership with
Luis Araneta, then established his own office. From 1952 to 1988 he made 11
tours of the United States, South America, and Europe to observe trends in
architecture, particularly in bank, hotel, and condominium design.

In more than 40 years of practice Gabriel Formoso designed about 80

buildings and more than 150 residences.

Famous works:
Pacific Star Building in Makati Avenue
the Bank of America-Lepanto Building on Paseo de Roxas

Nikko Manila Garden Hotel on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue

Carlos Santos-Viola

B.S. Architecture, University of Santo Tomas '35; 10th Place

Board of Examination for Architects '38; Faculty Member,
University of Santo Tomas, College of Architecture '49-'81;
Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA), Member since '38,
Board Member, Treasurer '68-'69, Vice President '71-'73,
President '78-'79, Vice Chancellor '82-'85, Chancellor '89-'90;
United Technological Organization of the Philippines:
Treasurer '68-'69, Board of Governors '82-'85
His strict construction supervision of the INC's skilled workers greatly influenced the final outcome of his
projects. The Master valued strict attention to detail that was emphasized prior to, during and after each
every construction. His designs were primarily based on functionality that was built with integrity,
adorned with 20th Century geometric forms garnished with Gothic and Baroque lines.

The Master was a proud pioneer member of the Philippine Institute of Architects since 1938. He actively
participated in its activities in various capacities up to the Chancellorship position.

Famous works:

ermita church

Lourdes School of Quezon City

inc chapel located in Commonwealth Avenue corner Central Avenue in Quezon City

Leandro Locsin

Mr. Leandro V. Locsin is a celebrated architect of the

Philippines. He designed numerous modern building, which
adopt climatic features of Southeast Asia and the traditional
style of the Philippines. His accomplishment contributed
remarkable to the development of architectural culture in Asia.

Mr. Leandro V. Locsin is a distinguished architect in the Philippines who has blended
modern architecture harmoniously into the climate of Southeast Asia.
Mr. Locsin's works beautifully incorporate such traditional qualities with the openness and
vastness of modern architecture. His unique interpretation of architectural features such as
lattice and curved lines are eloquently expressed in his modern, Western form of art. What
lies behind this originality is his principle: to synthesize or to blend Western and Eastern
culture. Without this theme, the modern architecture of the West could not have taken root
within the existing Filipino architecture.
Famous works:

Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex

Folk Arts Theater

Philippine International Convention Center

Cesar Concio
 Cesar Concio is the first University Architect of the
University of the Philippines. When the University
transferred to Diliman from Padre Faura in the late
1940’s, Cesar Concio was tasked to continue what
Louis Croft has started. He is also one of the architects
selected by President Roxas in 1947 to study the trends
in Architecture and Engineering to design the
buildings of the Capital City, especially in his position
as the chief architect of the UP Diliman Campus. This
mission enabled him to meet the architect of Brasilia’s
buildings, Oscar Niemeyer.

Upon returning to the Philippines, Cesar Concio started working at the Department of Public Works from
1940 to 1945, while teaching at Mapua Institute of Technology. After the war in 1945, he became the
first vice president of the re-organized Philippine Architect's Society. By 1946, he headed the
Department of Architecture of Mapua, and became its first Dean. In 1948, the Capital City Planning
Commission was created, and Concio was appointed executive secretary. He also became the sixth
President of the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA). He was also a founding member of the Philippine
Institute of Environmental Planners, where he headed the Committee on the Constitution and By-Law.

The Melchor and Palma Halls

the Church of the Risen Lord

Insular Life Building in Makati

Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa

 Insular Life Building in
Makati Considered as
the "Father of Philippine
Neo-vernacular
Architecture", Bobby
Mañosa was known for
some of today's iconic
landmarks and
immortalising Bahay
Kubo-inspired
architectural style and
aesthetics in modern
architecture.

For more than 60 years of his career, he championed

Filipino architecture, as seen in most of his works. Until
his retirement in 2015, he had passionately created
original Filipino forms and spaces with intricate and
refined details anchored on Filipino sensibilities and
cultures.
He strongly believed that Philippine architecture must
be “true to itself, its land and its people," as he usually
says in his interviews when asked about his design
philosophy. He intensively studied, mastered and
interpreted the untapped DNA of Philippine architecture,
especially the Bahay Kubo and Bahay na Bato. He also
pushed for the use of indigenous materials such
bamboo, coconut, rattan and capiz, among others for
architectural finishes, furniture and furnishings.
the edsa shrine

the Mary Immaculate Parish (Nature's Church) in Las Piñas

the Davao Pearl Farm

Coconut palace
Felino Palafox Jr.

Architect and Urban Planner Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr. has

46 years of experience in architecture and 44 years in
planning. He was educated in Christ the King Seminary,
University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines,
and Harvard University.

Architect Palafox has lectured in more than 20 countries across the globe. He has
travelled and observed more than 1,000 cities in 75 countries. Architect Palafox
founded, led, and managed, Palafox Associates and Palafox Architecture in carrying out
more than 1,200 projects in 40 countries, the planning of 27 billion square meters of
land, and the design and architecture of 14 million square meters of building floor
area. Forbes Asia Magazine cited him as one of their 48 Heroes of Philanthropy in Asia.
In November 2017, he was awarded by the JCI Senate as one of the three Top
Outstanding Filipinos for the field of Architecture.

Examples projects of Palafox Associates:

Fisher Mall

Crown Regency Hotels and Resorts

The Lighthouse
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
References:

Home, A. P. S., & Home, A. P. S. (2021, November 17). Pablo Severo Antonio : Life and Legacy. Pablo S.
Antonio Home.

https://pablosantoniohome.com/2021/10/26/pablo-severo-antonio-life-and-legacy/

Modern Contemporary Architecture in the Country | Crown Asia. (n.d.). The Premium Brand of Vista
Land.

https://www.crownasia.com.ph/news-and-blogs/lifestyle-blogs/selected/the-modern-contemporary-
philippine-architecture

People | RCHITECTS Inc. (n.d.).

https://www.rchitects.ph/about-us/people/

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