M. Arch - Landscape Architecture

When USC-CAFA decided to open its Masters in Architecture program, they
also decided to delay the M.Arch program specializing in Landscape
Architecture. Those interested in the program should already prepare
this coming school year although it will be offered on the school year
of 2008-2009.

Applicants to the program with a bachelor's degree in landscape
architecture won't find any problems enrolling. Those with a
bachelor's degree in architecture, however, need to "complete
undergrad subjects (3rd year BLA) specifically Design 3 (2 sems), LA
History and Theory, and LA construction courses. They are mixed with
the 3rd year BLA students during this time, although on their first
year they can already enroll in the M.Arch foundation courses." (Text
in quote are from Architect Ann Espina). This simply means they should
enrol this coming school year or earn credits from similar programs
elsewhere.

The program is also open to those with undergraduate degree on
Horticulture. They also need to enrol in the 3rd year BLA subjects.
Archt Ann Espina also clarified that:

"Any BS ARch and BS Horti enrolled in the Master program will be able
to earn the required 20 units of LA courses in their 2nd year, hence
they will be eligible to take the Board Exams by this time. Passing the
LA Board Exams is the Architect's and Horti's passport to legal
practice in LA."

I'm sure that those interested have more questions to ask. As mentioned
earlier, if they plan to enroll on 2008, they should already start
asking their questions now.

A Strength to Behold

I was planning to write about another topic, but an unfortunate event
moved me to write about something else. Irene Congson, who graduated
last March, just lost her dad today. It started with a cardiac arrest
last thursday and progressed to a lot of complications. I followed up
the events through text messages from her friends. It was only today
that I got to talk to her, at the wake of her dad's funeral.

The support of her friends is very edifying. A trip to Baguio was
cancelled, a day's work was sacrificed... Friends with her in the
hospital, or visiting everyday... Now, friends around her at the wake.
I was never close to her as the others, not even as a teacher. I was
silently observing things as they happen and, just as I felt sad about
the unfortunate event, I also felt a great sense of admiration for her
and her friends.

I remember many years ago when I was still working for the University
of Asia and the Pacific. We were translating some seminar materials in
Tagalog for a community service. We got stuck with the word "peer
pressure" so we turned to an expert. His translation made a deep
impression on us. He equated (and translated) "peer pressure" with
"lakas samahan." It brings about a very positive meaning to an
otherwise negative sounding word.

Our friends tend to influence our lives. Many times we associate this
influence with something negative. If you have good friends then the
influence is bound to be good as well. This influence can strengthen
everyone if the bonding is not like a chain link but more of a fabric.
In a chain link, the weakness of one link cuts the whole chain. In a
fabric, the weakness of one stitch can be supported by the other
stitches.

Friendship should not be a chain that ties us down but a fabric that
protects and comforts us. This is what crossed my mind as I silently
sat at that wake. I did not worry so much about Irene because I see the
fabric of friendship strengthening her. Despite what happened, she is
still very lucky to have these people around. But more than luck, it
was due to her own goodness that she has this fabric around her.

Will a fabric of friends last? Depends on how you take care of it.
Eventually some holes might appear, but the whole thing will still
hold. It really depends on the person. Meantime, what I just witnesses
really was a strength to behold...