ARCHITECTS

YOU WISH
WERE REAL
CHECK OUR LIST
OF THE TOP FICTIONAL
ARCHITECTS INSIDE
(see page 19)
ON HERITAGE
CONSERVATION
GET TO KNOW ARCH.
RENE LUIS MATA
(see page 21)
STAR-CHITECT
ON THE RISE
GET TO KNOW ARCH.
JASON ROMEO ABUSTAN
(see page 20)
UAPSA ACTION
IN A YEAR
CHECK THE CHRONOLOGY
OF THE ACTIVITIES INSIDE
(see CENTERFOLD)
haligi.
H A L I G I . s t a f f
01
Jannah Clarrise Clarin
uapsa up-min
associate
editor
Edilberto Co, Jr.
uapsa upd
layout
editor
Ingria Shean Morfe
uapsa mit
news
editor
Chelsea Falquerabao
uapsa upd
feature
editor
Marie Abigail Pacho
uapsa upd
editor-in-chief
Vladimir Bon Dunghit
uapsa upd
graphic
designer
s H A L I G I
02
staff
Vanessa Rosaria
uapsa ust
managing
editor
Aldeah Mae Belotindos
uapsa up-min
Megan Joyce Cruz
uapsa upd
Kristin Faye Olalo
uapsa up-min
Azucena Grace Bongocan
uapsa coc-pen
Jose Antonio Xerez-Burgos
uapsa uphsd-c
Emerson Bolibol
uapsa nwu
Angela Mae Petil
uapsa mit
Princess Dianne Villegas
uapsa upd
Arch Leiron Mark
De Guzman
adviser
senior contributing editors
N
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W
S
F
E
A
T
U
R
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RODRIGO DUTERTE
D AVA O C I T Y M AY O R
My warmest greetings to the United Architects of the Philippines
Student Auxiliary as you hold your 21st National Congress.
Your associations commitment in helping improve the publics
welfare by providing support to your nentors and t|e offcers
and members of the UAP and to the people who employ your
professional services. This passion for your profession clearly
reflects your groups goal of growing and developing.
As we nove furt|er along t|e fulfllnent of our destiny as a
nation, our path to progress remains illuminated by citizens
carrying the torch of bayanihan in their efforts towards nation
building.
I am optimistic your organization will continue to engage in
wort|y endeavors t|at would beneft our people.
Mabuhay kayong lahat!
ARCH. TED INOCENCIO, fuap
U A P E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R
F O R C O M M I S S I O N O N E D U C A T I O N
Haligi is the Filipino term for post, column or pilaster, a vertical
support that makes it possible for any structure to stand that
would become Architecture. Truly the word chosen to be the
very frst nane/title of t|e frst ever publication of t|e United
Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary (UAPSA)-National
represents an indispensable part of a structure and if by chance,
the term may signify any foretelling about its future, there is no
doubt it could withstand the birthpains of an inaugural issue and
may count more years by being sturdy and how.
Wit| nuc| pride and pleasure allow ne to greet t|e frst batc|
of the editorial board and staff of Haligi as you truly deserve
esteemed felicitations for having the courage to publish and
the will to succeed. It is not easy and just a walk in the park so
to speak when it comes to publication as it entails one to have
a big heart and an undaunting spirit to make it happen. Surely
with much aplomb and enthusiasm, how can you ever fail in this
worthy endeavor. Congratulations!!!
In behalf of the UAP Commission on Education and the Council
of Deans and Heads of Architecture Schools in the Philippines
(CODHASP), I would like to take this opportunity to commend all
of you in this undertaking, and may you be steadfast and resolute
at all times.
Mabuhay and Godspeed!
H A L I G I . m s g s
03
PAOLO MENDOZA, aias, piasa, uapsa
U A P S A N A T I O N A L P R E S I D E N T
Warm greetings from the UAPSA National Board! We welcome
and wish all delegates and sponsors to enjoy and to have lasting
memories as we celebrate the UAPSA 21st National Congress.
This years theme Kaleido+Scope: Harmonizing Diverse Cultures,
Sparking Nationa Builders is very signifcant as we enric| our
organization with the different cultures and customs of the
communities that surround us. This annual gathering aims to
provide both professional and educational experiences to the
delegates by immersing them to new ideas that are not conferred
within the school. We truly hope that you make the most of your
participation in this event.
We want to thank everyone for the generous support and trust
that you are giving the National Board. We hope to see you again
in t|e upconing events of t|e new fscal year!
Agayaman-ak unay! Dacal a salamat! Damo gid salamat! Daghang
salamat! Maraming salamat!
May the Great Architect in Heaven guide us in our future
endeavours! To God be the Glory! Mabuhay ang UAPSA! VIVA!
ALDWIN TAN, uapsa
U A P S A C O M M I S S I O N E R
O N C O N G R E S S & A S S E M B L I E S
I am thrilled to welcome you to the beautiful resort of Eden Nature
Park and Resort for our 21st UAPSA National Congress with the
theme: Kaleido+scope, an event that warrants to empower our
minds by learning from the past.
Recognizing colors and the vibrance of our history will optimize
our knowledge to evoke progressive change to the future of
architecture from different islands and diverse cultures.
A festive of hues, a glittering transformation, an immersion
of cultures, and an of ignition festivities in the crown jewel of
Mindanao.
May this congress add color to our life and enhance our
profciency in t|e world of arc|itecture.
s H A L I G I
04
messages
UAPSA-PALSU PROVED THAT they really deserve
to be called the best chapter by dominating simple
idea into nagnifcent notion in t|e celebration of t|e
National Architecture Week. This years celebration
really marked the history of Palawan State Universi-
tys Architecture department with the theme: Align-
ing with the Global Skyline. PALSUs activities are
perfectly apt to this years concept. This annual cele-
bration aims to show the must-haves of architecture
through education and enjoyment. UAPSA-PALSUs
newest and annual activities pictured out the true
idea of conceptualizing.
The celebration began with a walk of the stu-
dents and the architects from the UAP-Palawan
Chapter, which portrayed the unity that is circling
within the family. Instead of the usual motorcade,
they had decided to do the walk as an advocacy to
ecofriendliness. After t|e walk, a progran offcially
opened the celebration of the National Architecture
Week through Arch. Richard Delera, President of
the UAP-Palawan Chapter. The program also cov-
ered t|e talent conpetition of t|e frst ever searc|
for Ms. UAPSAPALSU 2C13. T|e boodle fg|t for
lunch really conquered the excitement and soon-to-
be architects. This was followed by a team building
activity which created new friendships among the
students from every year levels.
Cn t|e 2nd day, UAPSAPALSU offcers visited
different schools in the city to conduct the Built En-
vironment Program which is a vocational campaign
that aimed to keep students aware on what architec-
ture is and encourages them to choose architecture
as a career. After the visit, UAPSA-PALSU opened
an Architectural Exhibit at the Robinsons Place
Palawan, featuring the works of the architecture
students and a collection of designs and proposals
of the architects in Palawan which was set as the
highlight of the exhibit. The exhibit was prepared to
portray the skills of the students and architects all
over Palawan. ABS-CBN Palawan even covered the
opening program of the exhibit and interviewed Ms.
Roxan C. Elejan, UAPSA-PALSU President.
On the 3rd day, architectural competition occurs
between the different teams. The competition re-
flected how good, talented, creative, and resource-
ful the architecture students are. It was followed
by an Arc|itecture Talk/Seninar t|at was conduct-
ed by the three (3) guest speakers; Arch. Eduardo
F. Bober, Ms. Liezel L. Ujvari, and Arch. Anthony P.
Anderson who presented their different views about
architecture. Every speaker had their own way on
how they discussed their own presentations.
On the 4th day, UAPSA-PALSU organized a bas-
ketball game between architects from the UAP-Pal-
awan Chapter and architecture students from the
UAPSA-PALSU and two separate basketball games
played between a two male-to-male team and two
female-to-female team composed of male and fe-
male architecture students from the UAPSA-PALSU.
The highlight of this activity, which is the game
played between the architects and the architecture
UAPSA-PALSU
CELEBRATES
NATIONAL
ARCHITECTURE
WEEK 2013
H A L I G I . n e w s
05
BY DOVINA SAGUN
news
students resulted in a win in favor the UAPSA-PALSU
with a score of 45-38.
The coronation night of the search for the Ms.
UAPSA-PALSU 2013 was held later in the afternoon.
Ms. Shernel Timbancaya, the 2nd year represent-
ative, was crowned as t|e frst ever Ms. UAPSA
PALSU.
Cn t|e 5t| day, PALSUs offcers, t|roug| t|e
help of kind-hearted sponsors and members of the
UAPPalawan C|apter, conducted an outreac|/
gift-giving program for the senior citizens of Ba-
rangay Mangingisda, a barangay located 40-kilom-
eters from the city proper. The gift-giving program
|ad a goal to nake its senior citizen benefciaries
smile and enjoy what the students have prepared
for them, to let them feel that they are not being ne-
glected by the society.
Finally, UAPSA-PALSUs week-long celebration of
the National Architecture Week 2013 ended on Cul-
ninating Nig|t/C|ristnas Party t|at was attended
by more than a hundred students a number of archi-
tects, instructors, and sponsors for the whole event.
The celebration really made a huge impact and
|ad ignited a fre on every nenber of t|e UAPSA
PALSU; the desire to do much better, the determi-
nation to strive more to attain their most important
goal ever since t|ey c|ose to be in t|e feld of t|e
architecture to become a successful architect
someday. It is one step for the restoration of the
UAPSA-PALSU itself, on the scene of socializing with
every chapters of the UAPSA all over the nation.

(pictured above)
Members of the UAPSA-PALSU
prepares for a one-sign pose for the
camera after they have arranged the
human-size UAPSA letters across the
College of Engineering, Architecture &
Technology Road to mark the
start of the celebration of the
National Architecture Week 2013.
DESPITE A CANCELLED EVENT and a busy uni-
versity calendar, the Isabela State University (ISU)
Ilagan City Chapter of the United Architects of the
Philippines Student Auxiliary (UAPSA) held its annu-
al celebration of the National Architecture Week on
December 9 to 13 year 2013.
Scheduled a week after the university-wide Uni-
versity Games and Socio-Cultural Competition 2013
and on the same week as the prelim examinations,
the chapters NAW celebration was originally a
three-day event. However, an announcement for an
earlier holiday vacation and a reschedule of the ex-
ams made it possible for the chapter to have it for a
full week.
C|apter offcers planned a c|arity run as t|e |ig|-
light of this years celebration but cancelled it after
fnding less tine to prepare. Dubbed as `Color Fun
Run, it was considered as a chance to introduce the
architecture program of the Isabela State University
and a way to have the four architecture schools in
Cagayan Valley together: University of Saint Louis in
Tuguegarao City, University of La Salette in Santiago
City, Saint Marys University in Bayombong, and ISU
in Ilagan City. Delson Pascua, the chapter president,
hopes that therell be a similar activity in the next
fscal year since t|e intention is already establis|ed.
The NAW celebration was launched during the
campus flag ceremony. It was followed in the af-
ternoon by the batch pictorials and the team-build-
ing activity in which chapter members were divided
into teams and sent around the campus to perform
competitive games and activities.
The freshman and sophomore students compet-
ed in monochromatic drawing and still life painting,
respectively. A problem for the design competition
for the junior and senior students was issued by
the UAP Sierra Madre to design the faade of the
chapter headquarters in line with the memorandum
of agreement signed between UAP Sierra Madre and
UAPSA-ISU during the World Day of Architecture.
On the 11th, the chapter toured around Balay
Na Ilagan, an artists haven in the city. Balay is the
friendship hall of Ilagan City. Mr. Christopher Nuez,
(continued to page 13)
LAST SEPTEMBER 21, 2013 at 7oclock in the
evening was an exciting night for the members and
offcers of t|e United Arc|itect of t|e P|ilippines
Student Auxiliary UST Chapter (UAPSA-UST) as
they had their Induction and Acquaintance party en-
titled: Ignition which was held at the Ariato fucntion
center of the Il Terrazo builiding in Tomas Morato.
T|is nig|t was t|e nig|t t|at t|e past offcers of
UAPSA-UST passed on the baton of responsibility
to t|e new batc| of offcers of A.Y. 2C132C14. t
was also the night of the acquaintance party of the
members of UAPSA-UST as they were able to meet
eac| ot|er for t|e frst tine as nenbers of t|e UST
College of Architecture, as well as members the na-
tional organization UAPSA-UST Chapter.
The night started off with arrival of the UAP Na-
tional Board of Directors, the UAPSA National Board
of Directors, architects, parents and guests. After
the opening ceremony, the guests were treated to
a dinner service and were entertained by singers
and performers Janille Sy, and Keith Garcia. As the
guests and offcers fnis|ed t|eir dinner, t|e offcers
of UAPSA-UST F.Y. 2012-2013 were awarded for
their achievements and accomplishments during
t|eir tern as offcers of suc| a distinguis|ed organ-
ization. T|e inconing offcers of UAPSAUST were
treated to a very inspirational speech given by Ar-
chitect Lora B. Rivera, the National Executive Vice
President of the UAP. This was soon followed by
t|e presentation and induction of t|e new offcers
of UAPSAUST, and fnally t|e oat| taking of t|ese
offcers, offcially naking t|en t|e new offcers of
UAPSA-UST F.Y. 2013-2014.
As t|e offcers and guests were seated after a
s|ort p|oto session wit| t|e new offcers of UAPSA
UST, Architect John Joseph Fernandez the Secretary
General of the UAP as well as being the Dean of the
College of Architecture of the University of Santo To-
nas gave an inspirational speec| to t|e offcers and
wishing them luck as they now shoulder the re-
sponisbility of being important members of this or-
ganization. To close this ceremony, the closing re-
marks were given by Architect Henry Felix E. Herrera
the UAP Manila Atelier Chapter President

H A L I G I . n e w s
07
READY, SET,
IGNITION!
BY FRANCISCO VILLANUEVA
UAPSA-ISU
HOLDS NAW 2013
BY JESUS SEBASTIAN JR.
TRAGICa word that would defne t|e past events
that happened to our country in the past few months;
A sharp retaliation from our Mother Nature; A trag-
edy that affected numerous lives; an unexpected
event that a clear evidence of what the nature could
do.
Act of God one of architectures greatest enemy
that is inevitable, Force majeure as others call it, a
natural phenomenon that is out of our control. The
historical churches in Bohol and Cebu had been the
current victim of natures furious strike.
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake jolted architecture
treasures in the said provinces. Old churches that
had been a religious site and tourist attraction for
years, structures of colorful tales and heritage was
taken down in just a few minutes. Similarly, a devas-
tating catastrophe set upon the lives of the Visayan
people, last November 2013, a typhoon that left the
country dumb-founded on how strong nature re-
venge is.
The past events not only had a great impact on
our peoples life but it also hit hard on the architec-
tures great treasures. A number of important struc-
tures had been affected; building that plays an im-
portant role on the affected cities, and residence that
had been clearly swept off. Thus with all the tragedy
that had occur different architectural organization
had willingly want to help and have the advocacy
about the structure affected by natural calamities.
TaoPilipinas, a wonenled nonstock, nonproft,
non-government organization of professionals in
t|e feld of arc|itecture, planning and engineering
providing technical assistance to the urban poor; It
was one of the group that supports such historical
advocacy.
Last January 08, 2014, a seminar facilitated by
UAPSA-MIT in supervision of college dean, Arch.
Gloria B. Teodoro was held at the AR-ID-BE depart-
ment, it was entitled, Historic Preservation for Dis-
aster Risk Reduction with Arch. Faith Verona, a fac-
ulty in UP Diliman and the program director for the
research and publications of Tao-Pilipinasn; Arch.
Angel Sales, that have a diploma in archaeology
from the archaeological studies program of UP Dili-
man and Arch. Roz Li, a former professor in School
of Planning and Architecture, Columbia University
and the School of Architecture, University of Tenes-
see, as the speaker of the said event.
Three architects with the same advocacy to help in
historic preservation and currently, to support the af-
fected people and architecture of the tragedy. Attend-
ed by architecture students, the seminar expressed
a need to learn more about heritage conservation as
it relates to community development and urban poor
issues. It focuses on how buildings being structural-
ly prepared for a disaster would help on preserving it.
The speak focuses on historic preservation, the
signifcance of |istoric structure and sites, t|e ap-
proach in reconstruction and replication, and the
major challenges in conservation. They point out
the intangible heritage that old structures has, that
we architecture students should be aware of the
signifcance of t|e arc|itecture of t|e past, t|at
we play an important role of keeping the ancestry
of architecture, with all the progress and technol-
ogy development, preserving historical structures
seem to lose interest from our practicing profes-
sionals. For that reason, the organization promotes
preservation and restoration of such structure that
|ad been a signifcant nark in our |istory. Losing
such treasure is losing the identity of the history.
What the world would be without historic struc-
tures that let us commemorate the good tales of
the past and the beauty of our origins. They advo-
cate a heart for the old, a mind for the past, a hand
ready to help and be part of the great advocacy.
Historic Preservation for Disaster Risk Reduc-
tion, if only all architects would have the knowledge
to protect such jewel, then we may lessen the risk
of losing all the churches and other important struc-
tures, or we may be able to revive and bring its glory
back.
Historical structure traces the changes in archi-
tecture; it is a visual story-teller of how great archi-
tecture was and will be. As they say, If you dont
know where youve come from, you dont know
where you are.

n e w s . H A L I G I
08
HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOR
DISASTER RISK PREVENTION
BY INGRIA MORFE
H A L I G I . n e w s
09
ANOTHER LEGACY HAS BEEN made when the
UAPSATUP launc|ed its frst ever online quiz last
August 07, 2013. The Online Quiz Challenge was in-
spired by different quiz bees that had been conduct-
ed on the chapters former years. This event aims to
give new information and enrich their knowledge on
various topics related to building construction and
architecture in a new and modern approach. Con-
ducted at 07:00pm every Saturday, it serves as an
active interconnection exclusively between the of-
fcers and nenbers of t|e c|apter.
The mechanics of the game:
A specifc t|ene is c|osen every nont| and a
set of question will be given by the Quiz Masters
per week. Akin to the conventional quiz bee, the OQC
comprises of questions that corresponds to a speci-
fed nunber of points, t|at would be answered in t|e
given amount of time but this time it is done online!
The UAPSA-TUP Arki Tribune, is an exclusive
Facebook group where the competition would take
place, a UAPSA-TUP admin will post a theme and
pronotional ads before t|e gane kickoffs. T|e frst
question will be posted by the quiz master and the
members would be given 15 minutes to answer,
t|e frst one to get t|e answer correctly will be giv-
en points privately. Same rule is applied until all
questions has been posted. The tally of points and
names of the winners will be posted after the entire
game. Every week, the members have the chance to
accumulate points and win prizes prepared by the
chapter.
Aside from the prizes, the winners or the Online
Quiz Wizards were also given recognition during
the awarding ceremony of the annual TUP Architec-
ture Week 2013. The winners per month received a
certifcate and a FuturArc Magazine fron BCAsia
which vincludes the quarter and the Green issue.
Continuing to share knowledge to other students,
the UAPSA-TUPs Online Quiz challenge is now on
its second half

UAPSA-TUP
CHAPTERS
ONLINE QUIZ
CHALLENGE
BY JESUS ESTEBAN JR.
Mr. Bernie D. Bayla of BSA-1C (top) and
Ms. Denise Tuason of BSA-2A (above)
awarded as UAPSA OQC Wizards
during the awarding ceremonies
of TUP Architecture Week 2013
together with UAPSA-TUP Chapter
President, Ms. Gelli P. Rico
and Chapter Internal Affairs
Director, Mr. Emil Dave A. Odicta.
n e w s . H A L I G I
10
Induction
Ceremony of
Incoming
UAPSA LCCB
Ofcers
S.Y. 2013-2014
EARLY IN THE ACADEMIC year, most UAPSA chap-
ters conduct their Induction Ceremony to usher in
t|e new set of offcers and welcone t|e new nen-
bers. For UAPSA-LCCB, it was held on August 31,
2013 at the LFisher Hotel with the theme Cirque
Nouveau. The students arrived with creative attires,
hairstyles and accessories to represent the vibrant
nature of a circus, excited with the event which also
served as acquaintance party for all members, old
and new.
A star-studded event, so to speak, the UAPSA-
LCCB Induction Ceremony was one of the biggest
events of the lone chapter in Negros Occidental. It
was attended by a lot of UAP District C2 personali-
ties: Arch. Alfonso Gamboa, Vice President for Area
C; Arch. Ariel Tatoy, District Director for District C2;
Arch. Roy Pablico, President of UAP-Bacolod; Arch.
Felipe Jocson, President of UAP Mt. Kanlaon; Arch.
Nilo de Oca, Secretary for District C2. The guest
speaker for this occasion was Arch. Jessie Miranda,
Principal Partner and Senior Designer of InteriCAD
Philippines.
The induction and oath-taking of the new set
of offcers of UAPSALCCB 2C132C14, |eaded by
UAPSA-LCCB incoming President, Berlin John Tolen-
tino was offciated by none ot|er t|an Paolo Mendo-
za, the UAPSA National President himself, and as-
sisted by Stephen Lagaras, UAPSA District Director
for C2. The induction also incorporated a warm wel-
come of its 156 new members and, together with
the existing members, comprised an attendance of
about 500 persons.
Other than the speech given by Arch. Jessie
Miranda and t|e oat|taking of offcers, |ig|lig|ts
of the ceremony included the turnover of the Key
of Responsibility by Lucky Jan Aguillon, outgoing
UAPSA-LCCB President, to Berlin John Tolentino.
The incoming president then delivered his inaugural
address where he reiterated the objectives of UAPSA
which is to project the value and the importance of
the role of the Architecture student in nation build-
ing and public service, and emphasized that he can
only be effective as the head of the organization if
the members extend cooperation and involvement.
The event also showcased the other artistic tal-
ents of the students as bands performed through-
out dinner. A pageant capped the evening, where Mr.
and Ms. UAPSA was chosen from among 10 con-
testants.
Many activities of the organization ensued in
the following months, including Exhibition of plate
works, Zombie Run, ArchKids, WDA Mural Painting
Activity, Community Service Activities, Symposium
and others, but the UAPSA-LCCB Induction Ceremo-
ny for this academic year was truly memorable.

UAPSA-LCCB CIRQUE NOUVEAU

BY MARK DELFIN
CONFAB 4.0
Last August 3, UAPSA, in partnership with UAP-Que-
zon City C|apter, |eld its pioneer event for t|e fscal year,
CONFAB 4.O: Lecture Series and Thesis Consultation, at
the UAP National Headquarters.
The event began with the oath-taking of the UAPSA
National Board of Directors who were then inducted by
Arch. Ted Vllamor G. Inocencio, UAP Executive Director of
the Commission on Education.
The morning session involved a series of talks on med-
ical facilities by Arch. Marlon Reyes and on airport design
by Arch. Willie Chua. On the second half of Confab 4.0,
architects of the UAP Quezon City chapter gave free the-
sis consultations to the graduating architecture students.
Confab 4.0 drew a total of 1033 attendees from all
over the country, surpassing the 800 registrants of the
previous years Confab--an annual event of UAPSA and
UAP-Quezon City chapter which aims to provide addition-
al help to architecture students who are currently working
on their thesis.
QUADRIPARTITE 2013
For t|e frst tine t|is fscal year, delegates fron UAPSA
chapters nationwide convene to take part in Quadripartite
2013 held last August 24-26. Quadripartite is an annual
three-day event of UAPSA wherein members from all over
the country gather in the metropolis to participate in four
(4) sub-events: UAPSA National Induction, Acquaintance
Party, National Leadership Development Program, and
Grand Chapter Presidents Assembly.
This years Quadripartite began with a formal dinner
on the night of August 24 at the Aberdeen Court, Great
Eastern Hotel, Cuezon Avenue. C|apter offcers were of-
fcially inducted by Arc|. Ted Villanor C. nocencio and
Arch. Lora B. Rivera, UAP National Executive Vice Presi-
dent. The acquaintance party immediately followed after
the induction.
On August 25, UAPSA members showcased their
teamwork and leadership skills in the National Leadership
Development Program at the La Mesa Ecopark. Finally, on
August 2C, c|apter presidents presented t|eir fscal plans
to the National Board during the Grand Chapter Presi-
dents Assembly, held at Teatro Arkitekto, UAP National
Headquarters.
WORLD DAY OF ARCHITECTURE
On October 7, in celebration of the World Day of Ar-
chitecture, the United Architects of the Philippines held a
LEGO competition and a fashion show at Market! Market!
Activity Center with the help of UAPSA members who vol-
unteered to be part of the events organizing committees.
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) bagged
t|e frst place in t|e LECC conpetition, w|ile Mapua nsti-
tute of Technology (MIT) and University of Perpetual Help
System Dalta Calamba (UPHSD) placed second and third,
respectively. On the other hand, Buelan Bolisay of Far
Eastern University (FEU) was crowned as Ms. World Day
Architecture. Diane Leyco of the University of Santo To-
nas (UST) broug|t |one t|e title as frst runnerup, w|ile
Angelica Simbulan of Don Honorio Ventura Technological
State University (DHVTSU) earned the second runner-up
title. Jerome Quinto Yao, also from UST, was hailed De-
signer of the Year.
AREA ASSEMBLIES
Area B Assembly
Last October 19-21, chapters in Southern Luzon con-
vened in Club Balai, Isabel in Talisay, Batangas for the Area
B Assembly.
With this years theme: BIGIKS: Creating Impact
and Showcasing Talent through Synergic Linkages, 106
UAPSA members had the opportunity to increase their
knowledge in architecture by attending the three-day event
which consists of seminars, competitions, teambuilding
activities, a fellowship night and a business meeting.
Cn t|e frst day, delegates attended t|e Euc|aristic
Mass in the Club Balai Church. The seminar proper fol-
lowed shortly after the mass. There were three guest
speakers. T|e frst to give |is talk was Arc|. Ant|ony P.
Anderson, a member of the UAP and the current chairper-
son of the UAPSA Palawan State University chapter, who
shared his knowledge in constructing and making a sim-
plifed arc|itectural design conceptualization approac|.
Following Arch. Anderson was Arch. Fred Gutierrez,
who inspired the delegates with his stories of persever-
ance before becoming a successful architect. Lastly,
Arch. Leiron Mark S. De Guzman, current Vice President
A Y E A R I N R E V I E W :
UAPSA NATIONAL
by
MARIE
ABIGAIL
PACHO
The United Architects of the Philippines-Stu-
dent Auxiliary (UAPSA) is the prime and du-
ly-recognized student organization of the Unit-
ed Architects of the Philippines. For almost 24
years of its existence, UAPSA has committed to
gearing its members from all over the nation
towards camaraderie, professionalism, and self-
less service. With the theme, Revolutionizing
Service. Edifying Professionalism. Diversifying
Culture, UAPSA has conducted the following
events for the rst half of the scal year:
for Programs and Planning of the UAP Quezon City Chap-
ter and UAPSA Chairperson, lectured on RA 10587, an
act regulating the practice of environmental planning.
On the second day, architectural competitions were
conducted in the morning and were followed by the
teambuilding activities in the afternoon. On the night of
Oct. 20, candidates for Mr. and Ms. Area B flaunted their
creative and formal wear during the Fellowship Night.
The Area B Assembly concluded with a business
meeting presided by UAPSA National President Paolo M.
Mendoza. UAPSA Commissioner on Internal Affairs Ra-
chel Anne T. Castro discussed the proposed revisions on
the UAPSA bylaws which would, upon reaching quorum,
will take effect innediately on t|e following fscal year.
Area C Assembly
UAPSA chapters of the Visayas region gathered to-
gether for a three-day Area C Assembly at the Boracay
Holiday Resort on Oct. 23-25.
The theme for this years assembly was DETOUR:
A Trip towards Architectural Diversity. The event be-
gan with a Eucharistic mass, which was followed by the
teanbuilding activities. Cn t|e nig|t of t|e frst day, dele-
gates gathered during the honor dinner as they watched
the candidates for Mr. and Ms. Area C walk in their formal
attires.
On the second day, students participate under differ-
ent categories for the Arki-Olympiad, a series of architec-
tural competitions. After the competitions, the seminar
proper followed. Arch. Nathaniel Duenas enlightened the
students with his knowledge in architecture by sharing
his experiences in the profession and giving them smart
tips. On the last day of the assembly, a business meeting
was also held by Mendoza and Castro.
Area A Assembly
Area A conducted their area assembly on Nov. 8-10
at the Thunderbird Resorts, Poro Point La Union.
Sinilar to t|e two ot|er assenblies, t|e frst day of
the Area Assembly began with a Eucharistic mass at
St. Williams Church which was followed by the semi-
nar proper. On the night of Nov. 8, delegates and guest
speakers gathered during the Honor Dinner.
On the second day, architectural competitions were
conducted in the morning, followed by the teambuilding
activities in the afternoon. Candidates for the Mr. and
Ms. Area A pageant showcased their talents and wit dur-
ing the Fellowship Night.
Delegates of the assembly spent the last day of the
area assembly touring around La Union before leaving
for t|eir respective provinces/cities.
CDO AND DAVAO HERITAGE TOUR
The cancellation of the Area D Assembly last October
due to security issues in Mindanao inspired the UAPSA
Area D Council to conduct District-wide activities.
Last November 16 and 17, 2013, UAPSA Area D con-
ducted an Area-wide activity called Heritage Tours in its
two Districts: District D2 & D3 (Cagayan de Oro City) and
District D1 (Davao City) respectively. The Heritage Tours
was done in celebration of the 24th Year Founding An-
niversary of UAPSA. UAPSA Area D Heritage Tours was
a two-day seminar event conducted in UAPSA Chapters
Cagayan de Oro College PHINMA Education Network,
Cagayan de Oro City and Ateneo De Davao University,
Davao City.
The seminars were focused on Heritage Architec-
ture. Two seminars in CDO and Davao were conducted
namely Arkitekturang Filipino, Meron Ba? by Arch. Rino
Domingo Fernandez, UAP of UST and NCCA and Les-
sons in Sustainability from our Heritage Structures by
Arch. Miguel C. Guerrero III, fuap, apec, assoc. aia. In
Davao, there were two additional speakers namely Archi-
tects Harold Delima, UAP and Dave Yangyang, UAP who
were nenbers of nvestMindanao, a Davaobased frn
of young businessmen and architects. They have tackled
on strategies of overcoming stress and challenges dur-
ing t|e fveyear arc|itecture course. After t|e seninars,
open forums were conducted to facilitate questions and
expound the ideas in the talks given by the speakers.
Approximately 120 delegates from District D2 and
D3 attended the event in Cagayan de Oro City. Pres-
ent Chapters were Mindanao University of Science and
Technology, Cagayan de Oro College PHINMA Educa-
tion Network, Lyceum of Iligan Foundation, Iligan City
and Saint Joseph Institute of Technology, Butuan City.
Architect-instructors from COC-PEN were also present
and Arch. Jemma Sarol- Semaa, UAP of NCCA and for-
mer UAP VP for Area D also graced the event. District
D1 with around 60 delegates have complete chapter par-
ticipation. Davao City Chapters University of Mindanao,
University of the Philippines-Mindanao, Ateneo de Davao
University and Notre Dame of Dadiangas University from
General Santos City participated in the event. 8 out of
11 UAPSA Chapters of Mindanao participated in this Ar-
ea-wide Event.
Holcim Philippines was the major sponsor. Ms. Gil-
lian Cortez of Holcim conducted a presentation entitled
Next Generation, a global Holcim-sponsored compe-
tition open to students, architects and professionals.
Competition kits were provided for the delegates.

UAPSA NATIONAL 2013-2014

ILOILOWITH THE THEME Sunshine Reggae,
t|e frst of UAPSAUSAs activities, t|e c|apters
Acquaintance Party was held at the beach with the
students and faculty dressed up in Pasta outfts. To
better lead t|e Crganization, t|e offcers |ad pre-
pared team-building and strategic planning exercis-
es wherein participants had learned how to attract
and encourage other members to actively partici-
pate in the activities prepared for them.
Furthermore, the quadripartite held in Manila
was attended by six members while members of
the chapter also participated in the USA Student
Organization General Assembly where an Induction
Ceremony was held. Attendees include UAPSA Na-
tional president, Ms. Paola Mendoza, VP for Area C,
Ms. Angel Ganzon and Area C2 District Director Mr.
Stephen Lagaras. The following day, a tree-planting
activity was conducted in the Maasin watershed as
over 60 members volunteered in climbing up muddy
roads and crossed riversa memorable experience
which not only highlighted the knowledge acquired
from the visit but also served as a sign of the organ-
izations support for t|e fg|t against global warn-
ing.
Fourth,an exhibit, composed of Miniatures,
Visual Technique plates, Building Design and Best
Theses of students, and a doodle art competition,
wherein the different sections of each year level
were required to doodle the A-R-C-H-I-T-E-C-T-U-R-E
letters, was held in celebration of World Architecture
Day which received positive remarks from different
departmental colleges.

UAPSA-USA:
THE
JOURNEY
SO FAR
BY KRISTIN OLALO
(continued from page 07)
the tour guide, encouraged the chap-
ter members to submit works of art
to the Balay management for evalua-
tion and, if chosen, have an opportu-
nity to join the artist pool, to exhibit, to
sell, and to participate in workshops
and seminars here and abroad.
The week was capped by what
members say as the much-awaited
event of the week: the Architecture
Ball held at the A-Venue Hall. Com-
pared with last years ball, members
dressed in their best semi-formal
garb were treated to video shows
of the different year levels, a fash-
ion show, and an accomplishment
report. The winners and runners-up
in the different competitions were
awarded prizes.

H A L I G I . n e w s
13
DAVAO CITYSEPTEMBER 21, 2013 marked yet
another milestone as Invest Mindanow, together
with UAPSA and UAPGA chapters from District D-1,
brought about Archidrift: Architects Driving for Tran-
sition, a conference for both seasoned architects
and students of architecture in Mindanao to engage
them in profession enrichment for all the highlights
involved throughout a career in Architecture.
The event was a series of talks with topics from
different aspects of the architecture profession and
practice. T|e frst part, `UAP Saga. T|e Arc|itects
Evolution by speaker Arch. Sharmane Coquilla,
served as a guide which tackles how an architec-
ture student, an architecture graduate or a newly li-
censed architect should decide about which steps to
take as they encounter different steps in their career
while Financial Blueprinting for Gen Y, the second
part given by Arch. Harold Jay de Lima, focused on
sustainability and fnancial literacy. Wit|in t|e sec-
ond session, opportunity areas and diversifcation
of time where an architect can grow his profession,
|is fnances and ot|er interests were |ig|lig|ted.
Third, although considered a later addition to the
program, Arch. Maria Concepcion S. Dy proved to be
a fun and awe-inspiring one as she talked about the
Architects Reality: Is your license really enough?. It
is a dream come true for me particularly, to be able
to mentor and share our experience to the younger
generation., she stated.
Capping off the conference was keynote speak-
er Arch. Miguel Guerrero IIIs talk where he shared
how architects should package themselves and get
in touch with their market and how the market, in
return, enriches them. In totality, although varied in
terms of the areas of architecture discussed, the dif-
ferent sessions all served to highlight the immense
potential of architecture as an avenue for growth not
only for the architects and students of architecture,
both in a professional and personal sense, but also
for the society they belong toall the while present-
ed in a catchy, simple and enjoyable way.

CAGAYAN DE OROCagayan de Oro College- Phin-

ma (COC- Phinma) paid a visit to MUST to par-
ticipate in a basketball game initiated by MUSTs
UAPSA chapter held at the universitys gym morn-
ing of December 21 for the celebration of the Archi-
tecture Days.
COC-Archi, with a team of 14, dominated the 1st
quarter of the game with a four point lead. Howev-
er, only a few points shy, the latter lost such domi-
nation within the next three quarters but continued
to show much determination to have the upper
hand as the game neared its end. MUST-Archi even-
tually turned the tables against the opposing team
and won the game, 57-52. Their most valuable
asset Othman Tamano knocked in 19 points while
both Villarojo and Caliso got 13 points.
On the other hand, COC-Phinma stunned the
MUST-Archi team, 30-10, in the womens basketball
game thus wrapping up the games with a win each
per school. The game was nice and MUST and
CCC were united because of t|is., a UAPSA offcer
of COC chapter stated in Cebuano after the game
was concluded.
The friendship game between MUST and the
neighboring school COC-Phinma was a big step
towards achieving the universitys goal to socialize
and unite with other organizations and institutions.
The said activity is hoped to be continued and
repeated in the upcoming events as a key to estab-
lish good interrelationships.

INVEST MINDANOW PRESENTS

ARCHIDRIFT
BY KRISTIN OLALO
MUST-ARCHI INVITES COC IN A
BASKETBALL FRIENDSHIP GAME
BY CHRISTINE BAANG
n e w s . H A L I G I
14
H A L I G I . n e w s
15
editorial
Being an architect seems as easy as having a crush
on that girl sitting near the entrance of a caf, sipping her
cup of cappuccino, or that guy you sat beside with in a
jeepney yesterday. You look at them and, somehow, you
just like them. But being an architect is nothing close to
that. It is everything that comes after when you decide to
pursue that person.
The world can be viewed through relationships.
Back in our grade school days, science taught us that
relationships such us mutualism, commensalism, and
parasitism exist among biological organisims. In math,
we always encounter the infamous relationship of x and
y. Lastly, we have the kinds of social relations; we can
either be family, friends, classmates, etc.
Being an architect is like being in a relationship. Ar-
chitecture becomes your beloved whom you have to do
sacrifces for. You |ave to give it tine and effort, and you
should not just like it. You have to love it.
Loving the profession also has its ups and downs
parallel with human relationships. Sometimes, we fear.
We are scared to take risks in expressing our weird ideas
just like how we fear to show what we feel for our loved
ones. Unknown to us, the exciting things that strengthen
our connections are just lying one step behind that fear.
At times, we also feel uninspired to design, and we get
tired even coming to a point when we ask ourselves
why we are even wasting time for such things when we
can just be someone else and live a carefree life.
The problem with us is we tend to forget. Being an
architect is to be continuously faithful with our chosen
path of endeavor. It is marrying the profession and loving
every sleepless nig|ts of conceptualization, fornfnding,
drafting, and model-making without expecting anything
in return.
Being an architect is loving architecture anyway de-
spite of it and no matter what.

LOVE AND ARCHITECTURE

BY CHELSEA FALQUERABAO
Based on the study conducted by the Asian Develop-
ment Bank (ADB), the Philippines is a country of good
planners and great thinkers, a country whose people are
eager for development. But despite these characteris-
tics, why are we still in the third world category, trailing
behind the shadows of our Asian neighbors?
ADB listed several constraints to Philippine develop-
ment and these include infrastructure inadequacy, inef-
fcient transport networks, and poor governance. T|e
governments infrastructure projects are not enough to
attract investors |ence, t|e diffculty to naintain growt|
and to boost economic progress.
During catastrophes, houses, bridges, and roads are
destroyed due to substandard materials and poor de-
sign. Our airports and sea ports are tagged the worst
in t|e world because of ineffcient planning approac|.
Traffc inflicts |eadac|es anong notorists due to t|e
countrys lack of skyways. The capacity of the Light Rail
Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT), which could
|ave answered t|e problen of |eavy traffc, is not pro-
portional to the number of passengers per day. While the
population of private vehicles is increasing, the number
of allotted parking areas renains insuffcient to accon-
modate all vehicles.
These aforementioned major constraints are mainly
the concerns of architecture and the construction indus-
try. We Filipinos are great planners, but during applica-
tion, inplenentation, and evaluation, we fnd it diffcult to
execute our ideas. We also lack anticipation. Some of us
plan for something that may address current issues, but
forget to consider the future implications.
We should respect each others role in the construc-
tion industry, and not to assume the part of another as
if we know everything. No man is a monopoly of knowl-
edge. Two heads are still better than one.
Presently, the effect of climate change is troubling
our infrastructures; its now time for us to advocate sus-
tainability and green architecture. The trend in design is
changing over the passage of time, and today, we are all
looking for resiliency structures, roads, and bridges
that can withstand any catastrophic circumstance. This
is not impossible if we decide to integrate sustainability
and noble ideas into our design.
Our imagination and sensitivity can go very far. We
can create a better Philippines if we have the courage to
do so. We will reach the end of the matuwid na daan if
we have the proper discipline and knowledge to address
all issues along the way. We cant move on if we put all
the blame to the bureaucracy. Its up for us to play our
own role or shut the door of opportunities. Its up to us
Filipinos to pursue these plans or let them slip in those
blueprints. Its up to us to take the paradigm shift.
And the act should be done now!

DWELLING MOSTLY ON BLUEPRINTS

BY EMERSON BOLIBOL
e d i t o r i a l . H A L I G I
16
In the exquisitely ethereal sphere of architecture, myr-
iad creative imagination frolic and immeasurable ideas
and sketches iridescently turn into reality. But what if one
does not possess the skill of drawing an architects
means of communication and display of twinkles of in-
genuity? Is becoming an architect just chasing rainbow?
Many believe that the realm of architecture is inhab-
ited by those who are endued with ravishing creativity
and the prowess of creating artistic pictures and dia-
grams. After all, architecture has to be of the most su-
preme quality of art. It is a legacy and a corroboration of
the societys opalescent culture and traditions. It is the
mirror of time. Thus, its inevitable to engender countless
stereotypes pertaining to those who desire to take up
architecture course in college. The most popular being:
aspirants should have commendable drawing skills.
Drawing is an integral and irrevocable part of archi-
tecture. It is the skill that enables architects to convey
their imaginations grandeur. It is the skill that express-
es ones thought and self. Architects sketch their visions
and from blithesome pen and ink doodles, a concept aris-
es the starting point of artistic creations. Also, drawing
and architecture are like rain and flowers. The raindrops
of drawing cultivate the blossoms of architecture.
An arc|itect, by defnition, is profcient at fve t|ings.
drawing, math, language, creativity, and hard work. Thus,
becoming an architect does not merely rely on drawing
skills alone. If one cant draw, it isnt doomsday yet. There
is always an option for learning.
Dreams will always be hemmed in the shackles of mi-
rage when not incorporated with action. If one genuinely
aspires to be an architect, the lack of drawing skills can-
not easily inpede |in/|er to be one. Suc| lack is not|-
ing compared to sincere unflagging pursuit of dreams.
So what does it take to become an architect aside from
drawing skills? It is creativity, boundless imagination,
perseverance, ability to imagine space and ability to un-
derstand people that matters.
Drawing and architecture may be inseparable; so are
goals and oneself. Desire carries the man halfway. Add it
with unfeigned effort and unending quest for knowledge,
triumph is bound to come to light. Drawing skills alone
will not deternine w|et|er one is qualifed to becone an
architect. Passion will. So if one lacks drawing skills but
exhibits true love for architecture, dont worry. Enrolling
in architecture course is not purely chasing rainbows. It
is an exciting trek towards dreams. According to Maeve
Greyson, No one has the power to shatter your dreams
unless you give it to them. Thats why, soar high archi-
tects and architects at heart!

Have you ever been so busy with your plates that

youve been missing out with your friends? Your T-Square
has been your constant companion, your pens have be-
come your emotional support, and your drafting table is
your shoulder to cry on? Some might agree on this but
that is an understatement.
Its a given that, as architecture students, we spend a
lot of time and attention in doing projects and architec-
tural plates that we often tend to distant ourselves from
society. We often s|ut ourselves inside boxes flled wit|
pens and papers, doing the calculations and measure-
ments that make us quite the anti-social type. But can
we not spend a portion of our day making friends and
interacting with the outside environment without caus-
ing too much procrastination on our outcome-based
studies? We must admit that this has become one of the
problems we are facing as students of this career. The
answer to that problem is time management.
Dividing your time is not really that easy since things
can be quite unpredictable most of the time, but having
your mind set for responsibility and self-discipline, things
will become smooth sailing. You may think that forgoing
some aspects of you social life will help you out in ac-
conplis|ing tasks nore effciently, but t|e t|ing is, your
life would somehow become stagnant and monotonous
like robots doing repeated tasks.
According to a discussion in Archinet, the socializa-
tion required depends greatly on your aspirations. If you
want to just sit in your booth and draw, there probably
will be a space for you if youre any good... and you might
be reasonably successful, up to a point. But real success
in a frn depends on beconing sonet|ing of a leader
of both clients and a team. If you dont offer basic social
skills (and dont want to develop, or are inhibited from de-
veloping those skills) your career potential measured
in terns of increasing aut|ority and fnancial rewards
will be severely limited as you age.
Life does not need to be serious at all times. You
need to enjoy the company of other people and life it-
self while you are young. You will never know when you
will be needing them in the future. You may even draw
inspiration and get boosts of ideas and creativity from
the people around you. That saves you from information
overload, which will only get you drained and exhausted.
So, come out of your gloomy boxes now, interact with
people and enjoy the brighter side of life. We are also hu-
man after all.
Architecture is about people, so make sure you con-
tinue to sharpen your craft by surrounding yourself with
a variety of them.

ARCHI-SOCIAL
BY JOSE XEREZ-BURGOS
INSEPERABLE
BY (ANONYMOUS)
H A L I G I . e d i t o r i a l
17
Wow, architect! is the usual response of people we
meet when we introduce ourselves as architecture stu-
dents. The stereotype embedded to us seems so over-
whelming that it got me thinking why people give such
feedback.
The use of characters specializing in architecture in
different media is not a new thing. We have Ted Mosby,
Howard Hoark, and Doug Roberts to prove that. They
are usually portrayed as the handsome, funny, and clev-
er coffee-drinkers who spend most of their time looking
at blueprints, directing this and doing that. The media
popularized the notion of eminence in the profession,
even branding it as one of the sexiest professions.
Why is this so? There are various reasons for this, I
believe:
Our knowledge is not restricted. The structures that
we deal with range from a simple cottage to a busy
commercial complex. Also, we do not limit ourselves to
just knowing how to draw. We challenge our own cre-
ativity to come up with beautiful spaces. We observe
how people move, use their surrounding, and react to
built spaces. As they say, architects should know some-
thing about everything.
We are adventurers. Despite the tons of paperwork
and drawings in t|e offce, we often love to travel and
are eager for new experiences. Our work doesnt stop
at t|e offceit continues as we becone nore aware of
the ever-changing spaces around us.
We are passionate. An arc|itects dedication to |is/
her job is remarkable. No sleepless nights and dead-
lines can match our patience and perserverance. We
are dedicated.
We leave our mark. We aspire to be recognized
through our works--the expression of our service and
the impression of our style. We design for the people.
As c|allenging as it nay sound, we always fnd our way
to applying our personal touches to our designs regard-
less of how restricting our clients preferences are.
We are cool just because we are. The pride of being
an architect and the charisma it adds to our personality
by saying so is kind of an ego booster. Why not? Being
in the profession deemed by the general public as one
of the coolest ones really is a ego booster.
The preconception about architecture as a profes-
sion may sound like it is overrated but the career is not
always a win-win situation in the real world. Architecture
in real life is not all about coffee and blueprint and gid-
ing orders. All we know is that it is an honor to practice
t|is profession, |ard as it nay be. But t|e fulfllnent of
creating something worthy is something to be proud of.
Therefore, architecture is indeed cool!

There are two possibilities when it comes to an archi-

tecture student=one is t|at |e/s|e knows t|e trends in
the architectural landscape and is interested in forms;
and secondly, |e/s|e nig|t |ust be one of t|ose coffee
horders who kill time by waiting for the ultimate Eureka!
moment for the fast approaching deadlines.
A butterfly. A kite. A crab. A studying student. Danc-
ing tribe members. Finding that inspiration isnt always
that simple as architecture will always be an aftermath
of the interplay between form and function and from
t|e tine we all took our frst steps as college fres|nen
or frst year standing arc|itecture students, t|is idea
has been instilled to us. However, in between struggles
and hints not to plan the inside as a box or shape things
like a box, the added pressure to express our individual-
ity and unique styles calls for further brainstorming and
moments of frustration.
The past had already donated ornate temples and
burial mounds while the wars had contributed func-
tional structures. So, as budding designers, how do we
enulate suc| nagnifcence? Do we sinply replicate
the past and manifest nostalgia? Or do we create struc-
tures that reflect us, our time and our culture? Do we
aim for grandeur and go for monumental structures or
do we go small yet touch the lives of the users?
As students, we have designed mini utopias with
unlimited funds, solved some of the worlds worst ar-
chitecture related problems, used countless green
technologies to promote sustainable architecture, and
considered numerous inspirations ranging from weird
to phenomenal. However, we must remember that ar-
chitecture must be kept in perspective. It is not a com-
petition for the most number of lines in a faade, the
most perfect curves in an elevation, and the best man-
icured gardens in a site development plan. Instead, it is
a duty to provide a building that caters to the needs of
the users.
But, in doing many of the tasks, namely plates, we
undertake, it is unavoidable to hope that the outcome
would be something beautiful and acceptable and, with
time, with the aid of the theories and concepts we have
been taught, we begin to gravitate towards a particular
style. By making plans again and again, we do not only
experience how to design various buildings of varying
sizes, we also develop our own personal style our lit-
tle slice of architecture.
Yes, a blank paper will forever be our nightmare as
students especially whenever the deadline is fast ap-
proaching. But, it could also be a symbol of growth, an
opportunity to improve, to not repeat our wrong deci-
sions and not simply rely on saying, My best plate is
my next plate.

OUT-OF-THE-BOX
BY KRISTIN OLALO
ARCHI-PRIDE
BY INGRIA MORFE
The Fountainhead
author: Ayn Rand
the gist: The Fountainhead is a
story that follows the journey of
a hard-headed student named
Howard Roark to his entry to the
creativity-driven competition that
is the architecture profession.
The Pillars of the Earth
author: Kenn Follet
the gist: Set in the 12th century,
this controversial novel revolves
around the struggle of a build-
er named Tom in actualizing his
dreams of erecting a great Gothic
cathedral.
To Kill a Mockingbird
author: Harper Lee
the gist: The entire premise of
the novel is centered on the is-
sues of racism and prejudice. It
moves every readers to a wide
perspective of proper judgment,
a battle between guilty and not,
good & evil. Why mockingbird?
Well, fnd out.
e d i t o r i a l . H A L I G I
18
features
B O O K W O R M S D E L I G H T
MUST-READ NOVELS
FOR ARCHITECTURE
STUDENTS
Now its time to get your hands off those architec-
tural magazines and drawing portfolios, dear aspir-
ing architects! Heres our top three recommended
novels that will give your stressed out minds (plates,
we know) some fresh perspectives.
BY EMERSON BOLIBOL
HOWARD ROARK, The Fountainhead
Cur frst stop. t|e 1949 fln, The Foun-
tainhead. Gary Cooper portrayed How-
ard Roark, an architect who does not
conform to popular architecture of his
time despite the apparent demands of
his co-workers for compromise. He is a
classic man of originality. He believes that
every building has its own integrity; thus, an architects
design cannot be altered. It must be absolutely struc-
tured as how it is on papers.
BASHA, One More Chance
Sharing the views of Roark, Bea Alon-
zos Basha hails from the blockbuster
2007 local movie, One More Chance. A
scene in t|e fln strengt|ens t|e sini-
larities in Roark & Basha, where the lat-
ter was disappointed after the pool-sur-
rounded gazebo in her design was relocated
during the execution to poolside.
DOUG ROBERTS, The Towering Inferno
Moreover, it is not only aesthetics that
can be sacrifced w|en great designs
are altered whether to satisfy norms or
to save funds. n t|e 1974 tragic fln,
The Towering Inferno, Architect Doug
Roberts, portrayed by Paul Newman, be-
comes a hero after saving the guests from a
burning skyscraper which he designed. The cause of the
fre was actually an electrical engineers act of cutting
corners to stay under budget.
ALEX WYLER, The Lake House
The Lake House is certainly another
must-watch. It features Keanu Reeves
as Alex Wyler, an architect who arrives
at a lake |ouse, fnding a letter in t|e
mailbox from a doctor named Kate
Forster. The two then started to write to
each other. And what sets their story apart
from other typical love stories is that theirs is happening
at different time settings.
DAVID MURPHY, Indecent Proposal
In Indecent Proposal, Woody Harrelson
stars as David Murphy, an architect
who is so driven by his dream real
estate project that he and his wife
decided to stake their savings at gam-
bling but lost. A man handed a proposal
of spending a night with Murphys wife for a
million dollars and here started his dilemma.
TED MOSBY, How I Met Your Mother
Last on our list is the hopeless roman-
tic architect of How I Met Your Mother,
Ted Mosby, played by Josh Radnor.
As the title implies, the entire series
is a montage of flashbacks told to his
children, Penny and Luke, on how he met
their mother. The series ran for 9 seasons
and thanks to his friends Marshall, Barney, Lily, and Rob-
in, HIMYM is never too long to miss.
And that wraps up our brief look over some on-screen
architects. They may not exist in the real world but they
can be really inspiring. Do not forget to take a look at
these movies and series at your spare time.

H A L I G I . f e a t u r e s
19
STARCHITECTS
T O P A R C H I T E C T S F R O M T H E
W O R L D O F F I C T I O N
BY PRINCESS VILLEGAS
Lets escape from the stressful reality and meet some of the gor-
geous architects from different media!
f e a t u r e s . H A L I G I
20
Arc|. Jason Poneo Abustan is a rising star in t|e feld
of architecture. He is a former member of the UAPSA
National Board of Directors and is currently the principal
architect of the Abustan Design Studio. He is also part of
t|e group t|at won frst place in t|e 2C13 Metrobank Art
and Design Excellence (MADE) Competition Architec-
ture Category. He graduated from the University of San-
to Tomas (UST) College of Architecture and pursued his
graduate education in the University of the Philippines
School of Urban and Regional Planning.
HALIGI: Why did you choose architecture?
Arch ABUSTAN: I have a godfather, Arch. Phillip Recto,
whos my uncle as well. He used to give me Kinects. Its
like a lego but a different one, a much more complicated
type because it allows you to visualize what you want
to build. Somehow, he was my inspiration to take archi-
tecture. My Mom wanted me to take architecture too
because she saw her cousin (an architect) became very
successful in t|e feld.
H: Were there times that you thought of giving up or
transferring to another course?
JA: No. Never. Architecture is my passion. When I was
a kid, were not well-off. So I became used to it. I worked
when I was in college, during summer. I worked at glass
supply shops. I would make glass containers for candies
and those containers for food you see in carinderias and
I would sleep in the pavement with the other workers
there. So, I saw that situation in our society and I thought,
Im on my way to something better, why would I give
up? Then the ideology of giving up just didnt come to
my mind anymore. I have this different drive that pushes
me.
H: How many years have you been practicing your pro-
fession?
JA: After graduation, 2008, I worked as an apprentice for
a Chinese architect. I wasnt licensed at that time but I
already had many clients because my family was into
real estate. It was a big advantage for me because, at
a young age, I could already see different houses and
projects, and I already had a basic knowledge about the
narket. n 2C11, started ny own frn and put ny nane
on it.
To be honest, I have been practicing my profession
way back when I was still a student. I would join compe-
titions. I joined the NAIA Terminal 3 Landmark Rotundas
Nationwide Design Competition. I was part of the top
10 in the Maligayang Pagdating Category and I placed
second in the Circulo Del Mundo Category.
That competition was open to everyone, even for
non-licensed architects. It really was a great opportunity
for me. When there are competitions like that, student
architects should grab the opportunity to join because
in those instances, you are given the chance to design
something out of the ordinary, which is rare in our coun-
try compared abroad.
H: Lets talk about MADE competition. What is it all
about? How did you get to know the competition?
JA: Last year, we have already joined the competition
but, sadly, we didnt win. The design problem at that time
was to build a house.
So, once a year, Metrobank conducts a competition
for the arts in different categories namely painting, sculp-
ture, interior design, and architecture. For this year, we
competed in the architecture category again. The project
given to us was to design an international cruise termi-
nal. There isnt anything like that in our country yet. For
example, there is a cruise line coming here, its already
given that many of its passengers are rich people. Where
are you going to let them down? Just let them be an-
ywhere? So, Metrobanks idea to site the project in the
Folk Arts Theater is a brilliant idea. Thats the challenge.
H: Your groups winning design was Agos. What is Agos
and how did you come up with it?
JA: I, together with Arch. Caban and Arch. Sadorra have
a lot of ideas. One example was the crashing waves in a
rock, or anything with connection to water. In everything
we have thought, we asked each other, Will the lay per-
son still understand all of this? So, we brainstormed
ideas again. This time, we thought of something thats
easy to understand and, at the same time, something
t|at would ft our design problen, w|ic| was to trans-
port people. So we tried to connect everything. We relat-
ed everything from the faade, to our aesthetics, and to
every small detail.
At frst, our concept was supposed to be, `green
wave or luntiang agos but as the competition
went on, we often argued about the concept. Even-
tually, we decided to just make it Agos. Because
that single word reflects the entirety of our design.
H: What do you think was the winning factor of your
design that stood best among the others and had your
group hailed as champions?
JA: I think it was the system. It is a public building so,
its really important to consider the flow of the people in
and out of the structure. Based from the designs of oth-
er groups, they were not able to consider where to put
the buses when transporting passengers from the pier.
So, you really have to think of the smallest details, even
those things you wouldnt have thought would be impor-
tant.
H: W|ats t|e nost diffcult part in t|e conpetition?
JA: Presentation. That would be the hardest part for me.
(continued to next page)
U P - C L O S E & P E R S O N A L W I T H
ARCH. JASON ABUSTAN
BY CHELSEA FALQUERABAO
H A L I G I . f e a t u r e s
21
There were at least 10 judges and the panel was com-
posed of prominent architects. To name some, there
were Arch. Danilo Silvestre and Arch. Paolo Alcarazen. I
was really starstrucked. Only one person from the group
was allowed to speak during the presentation. That per-
son was me and it made me really nervous. On the night
before, we planned the things we would do and those
that I had to say for the presentation. But then, the next
morning, everything was haywired. Our materials werent
fxed on t|e boards! We didnt know t|at we were t|e
ones who were supposed to prepare everything. Then
when the presentation started, pressure did build up. It
was very challenging.
As for my groupmates, they were really a big help
through the whole competition. Each had his or her own
strengt|s and weaknesses, but t|at flled up w|at was
missing in each of us. I like to work in groups because
there is the sharing of ideas that can lead to amazing
concepts. Yes, you will fg|t wit| eac| ot|er at tines but,
actually, thats healthy for a group.
H: You were a member of the UAPSA NBD before. How
did that help you grow as an architect?
JA: My story with UAPSA started when I became PRO in
UAPSA-UST. I would be tasked to go to every room and
announce things. By doing so, I was able to overcome
my shyness.
Seminars spearheaded by UAPSA helped me to ac-
quire new learnings. In November 2006, I was one of
the participants that represented the Philippines in the
ARCASIA conference in Beijing, China. It was an interna-
tional conference participated by different countries like
Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and other Asian coun-
tries. That experience gave me an edge among others
because I was exposed to buildings different from what
we normally see in here. I was also able to learn trends
in buildings there and the current improvements in archi-
tecture that time. It was a great experience and it was all
thanks to UAPSAs support.
I became the head of the organizing committee,
too, of the 11th UAPSA National Congress in Baguio
City. I was tasked to handle the delegation of students.
This time, it wasnt really stressful but, in the process, I
learned how to manage it. Through this experience, I was
enlightened and I was able to prepare myself for the busy
life thats coming ahead for me.
H: How do you think architecture helps in the develop-
ment of the country?
JA: There are a lot of ways architecture can help in the
development of the country but, right now, I think urban
planning is what we really need to focus on. Its really a
big problen. We need to work on t|e systen frst before
we put anything on it.
H: Any advice for architecture students?
JA: Join more competitions. In that way, you will be
trained. And for example you won, thats an automatic
marketing for yourself as an architect. Join lang nang
join. Actually, when I was asking for the same question
before, thats what they would always say to me. You just
really need to be active in UAPSA or UAP. From there you
can be exposed to a lot of architects. And youll know
what the real world of architecture is.

Arch. Rene Luis Mata is a graduate of B.S. Architec-

ture from the University of the Philippines Diliman
and one of t|e only few certifed Arc|itectural Heritage
Conservationists in the country. He took up his Mas-
ters in Architectural Restoration and Rehabilitation of
Patrimony in the University of Alcala-Henares Madrid,
Spain through the Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion
Internacional-Phil (AECI) Scholarship. He became
Senior Historic Sites Developnent Cffcer fron 1983
1994 at the Intramuros Administration as well as the
curator of the Casa Manila Museum from 1994-1996.
HALIGI: Why did you choose architecture?
Arch MATA: It started when I was very young. I used
to play with blocks and I used to make buildings with
it. I liked history too as a kid so I incorporated the two
in making building blocks. I then realized I was doing
more than buildings and then I was patterning my
works from pyramids, temples, etc. So, I think it was
innate for me to choose it.
But, when I entered UP, I actually didnt start with
architecture. I was in Business Administration before.
Essentially, its because its the same with most peo-
ple, they dont like their sons or daughters to take ar-
chitecture because theres no money in anything artis-
tic. I was in BA but I dont like what I was doing there,
so I decided once and for all to shift to Architecture. I
was already behind one year by the time I got into Ar-
chitecture but I still pursued it. And when I was taking
the regular architecture; I got to know Architectur-
al Heritage Conservation. Its a bit different from the
normal one.
H: What inspires you to design?
RLM: Design is an inherent quality of architecture but
in the case of Architectural Heritage Conservation,
design comes in when you try to adapt a heritage
structure to existing conditions. That means you try
to make existing buildings that have historical signif-
icance complementary or adaptable to existing con-
O N A R C H I T E C T U R E & H E R I T A G E C O N S E R V A T I O N
POINTS & INSIGHTS FROM ARCH. RENE MATA
BY CHELSEA FALQUERABAO
f e a t u r e s . H A L I G I
22
ditions so it can be reused. There is a big difference
between designing a building that you are to put up
and designing a building that you need to restore. In
t|e conservation feld of arc|itecture, t|ere are a lot of
factors that needs to be considered and you have to
use scientifc approac|es to it.
The way we do it is we design with heritage in mind
and with consideration of the factors that must be re-
tained which has something to do with memory and
the physical characteristics of the structure. We de-
sign in more humanistic terms. We dont design out
of nothing.
H: Were there times that you thought of shifting to an-
other course?
RLM: There was a time of course when I was in third
year. I think its typical for a 3rd year Arki student to
feel that. Third year is the pivotal point in architec-
ture because thats where a lot of majors are given.
Everyt|ing goes toget|er. So, w|en youre flled up,
sometimes you just want to shift. It all depends if you
really have the passion for it.
H: W|at was t|e frst building t|at you designed? How
did you feel after that?
RLM: T|e frst building designed was ny uncles
house. In Mindoro, we have a family farm and he
asked me to make a house for him there. So, I de-
signed sonet|ing for |in. W|en, it was fnis|ed, well
you really cant expect to be paid a big amount from
your relatives for that.
H: In your years of experience as an architect, what
were t|e diffculties t|at you |ave encountered?
RLM: I do regular architecture and I also do Architec-
tural Heritage Conservation. Both are very distinct
branches of architecture. I have two problems. One,
just like any architects is the singil. Sometimes, you
dont get paid enough. Next is with my clients. You
also need to consider what they like and sometimes
their ideas are just not appropriate. So you have to bal-
ance what is proper and what the client likes. If the cli-
ent wont approve, you have to negotiate, thats where
your skill comes in.
H: What incidents made you love your profession even
more?
RLM: What happened to me is, at a certain point in
time; I worked for a government agency that handled
human settlements during the time of Marcos. And
what happened here was, I was tasked to work with
an attached agency which is the Intramuros Adminis-
tration. It was put up to preserve and conserve the old
city of Intramuros. During my time there, I was offered
a sc|olars|ip/ apprentices|ip in Cernany for two
years. I had no plans to join but the secretary of our
division told me, Sige join ka lang ng join. So I got the
scholarship and flew to Germany. I got to really love
more what I was doing when I was in Germany be-
cause I was exposed to old churches, structures and
Europes culture. When I got back, I felt the passion to
do the same for the country. I worked in Intramuros
again and I loved what I was doing even more! What
happened after the next few years was I decided to
take my Masters in Architectural Heritage Conserva-
tion. I was supposed to take it in Germany but it wasnt
the right time. So, I decided to pursue it in Spain so
t|at at t|e sane tine, can also fnd out defnitively
what Spanish architecture was in contrast to Philip-
pine architecture.
H: Personally, how do you think architecture helps in
the development of the country?
RLM: In my case, its the collective memory and his-
torical side of architecture that helps in the develop-
ment of the country. It is the product of the times. The
buildings that we conserve or the architecture of the
past are proofs of how we lived before and a concrete
basis of how we should deals with our environment.
There are some things you never realized already ex-
isted. So, now, you realize the conditions that need to
be addressed. So, defnitely, you start fron t|ere and
then, you can start designing the future. You are not
starting from zero. There is self-identity already. They
say that there is no such thing as Filipino architecture
but there is! It is the sum total of all the influences of
other architectural concepts and the way we adapted
to it and put our own stamp to it.
H: What advice do you have for architecture students?
RLM: You must like architecture. You must feel it. Do
not go straight forward to the economic side. Most
architect students think of the money they will earn
soneday or t|e fancy offce t|ey will |ave sonew|ere
in Makati. Dont t|ink of t|ings like t|at frst. T|eres
more to architecture than that. Your profession is a
service to the community. You can work in housing,
architectural conservation, urban design, construction
management or you can go into stage design or inte-
rior design from it. There are a lot of things you can do
with architecture. It is versatile because its nature is
both arts and science.
And maybe youre asking why I chose to stay here
in the country. I chose to work here because I realized,
Maghahanap pa ako ng heritage, e dito mismo mar-
ami kang magagawa para sa bansa. Hindi ko naman
culture yung nasa labas. Nandito yung romansa.
Arch. Mata became a conservation consultant in
several local projects including: the conservation of
the Capitol Building & Provincial Library in Vigan City
(2012-2013), and the new UPIS building (2012). He is
also a member of the United Architects of the Philip-
pines- Diliman Chapter, vice-head of the Internation-
al Committee for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
Philippines for the year 2013, executive board or guru
council of the Heritage Conservation Society in 2013
and vice-head of the NCCA Committee on Monuments
and Sites for this year. Currently, he is Assistant Pro-
fessor 5 in the UP Diliman College of Architecture, and
the head of the History, Theory, Criticism Studio Labo-
ratory of the college.