Our high school batch is supposed to sponsor the 2011 grand alumni homecoming of my high school alma mater. As early as now, a small group of batchmates have started to lay the groundwork for this event. Phase 1 was designed to gather contact information of batch mates starting with our section, Mars. Phase 2 was to assemble those we manage to contact. Last December 29, 2008, was the implementation of Phase 2: The Martians have assembled.
It happened in Barbeque Boss in Torres St., Davao City. Radley "Bong" Barrientos owns the place so it was very convenient for us. Those who went aside from Bong and myself were: Joseph Tagalog, Edmund Mayormita, Joel Aguilon, Alex Mandin, Robert Floyd Salise, Nilo Luciano, and Ronnel Saligumba. We also had an "honorary member" in the person of Hector Barnes. He actually belongs to a different class, Pluto, but we don't mind.
There were those who confirmed or promised to come but failed to do so for one reason or another: Rey Aba-a, Carlito Siy, Roland Magayano, Ronald Pizarro, and Ronald Amorado. Some had to decline because they were out of town: Dennis Habana, Benjun Crave, Fred Aguila, and Fred Nasiad (and those out of the country, of course!)
There were a lot of exchange of information on the whereabouts of the rest of the batch mates. One resolution we had is to expand the invitation to the yahoo group to include people outside Mars. "Big Nilo" suggested setting up a new website for HCDC using NING.COM. It looks like my hands will be full this coming days.
We also noted, with sadness, the news of the deaths of some batch mates: Neil Sison, "Borj" Borja, and Alan (or Alain?) Santos. There was also the news of the death of Mr. Rey Puno and Mr. Misola.
Looking ahead, Joel said that the activities for the grand alumni homecoming on 2011 will depend on what we want to do. There are no fixed prescriptions (although I need to confer with HCDC about this). In any case, there was a general agreement to hold a "bikini open"! (gulp!). Blame Joel for the suggestion, and Bong for seconding.
In the near future, however, there are events to be planned. One is an invitation from Joel Aguilon for an overnight stay in their place in Tubalan, a great diving site. The other is my invitation for an overnight stay in our rest house in mountains of Buda.
Phase 3 is to assemble all the batch mates in 2009 so we can discuss in detail the plans for the grand alumni homecoming.
So guys, let us move our asses. Send me contact information so I can invite and gather the rest. Let us not procrastinate, for as the late Mr. Misola would say:
"It is the thing you leave undone that gives you a bit of heartache at the setting of the sun."
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Architects-a-buzzing
It's been two weeks since I last posted. It's not that I ran out of things to say, rather I have so many things to say that I ended up not writing! The architects in Cebu had been particularly busy this month especially because of the National Architecture Week celebrations. The Architecture Department of USC had been very busy as well. Here's a rundown of the events.....
A series of lectures were organized in CAFA in different dates and different occasion. There was William Green, an american industrial designer, who shared his fascination for product design, as well as his own prototype of a car that made it to the Guiness book of world record. William (or Bill) Green was just visiting the Philippines so we were lucky to get him to give the get-together.
Faculty members Bela Lanyi and Glenn Green also gave lectures on their fields during the architecture week celebration. Bela talked about his expertise in sacred art and architecture, while glenn talked about the studies he made on the global peak oil phenomena.
The Chairman of the Board of Architecture of PRC also visited the university and gave a whole day get-together with architects and students. He expounded on many aspects of the architecture law. He also shared many background stories around the implementation of the laws.
Other than lectures, there was also the turn-over ceremony of books donated by a German Foundation. I wanted to write about the collection they donated because there were so many interesting books! What I particularly liked about the collection is that it has many books written by contemporary architects about their life and works.
Outside the university, the architects had an exhibit in Park Mall. There was an
"architects' night out" in Pier One, and the Christmas party last night in Montebello. What makes this Christmas Party special for me is that I got something in the raffle draw! It is very rare for me to win in anything that involves luck.
There will be a series of Christmas parties to attend next week. CAFA's party will be on Thursday, the 18th. The university party will be on the following day. On the 20th, my batch mates in college will also gather for a Christmas dinner.
I'm sure everyone will have their calendar full this month. Tis the season to mess up our diets. Haha!
A series of lectures were organized in CAFA in different dates and different occasion. There was William Green, an american industrial designer, who shared his fascination for product design, as well as his own prototype of a car that made it to the Guiness book of world record. William (or Bill) Green was just visiting the Philippines so we were lucky to get him to give the get-together.
Faculty members Bela Lanyi and Glenn Green also gave lectures on their fields during the architecture week celebration. Bela talked about his expertise in sacred art and architecture, while glenn talked about the studies he made on the global peak oil phenomena.
The Chairman of the Board of Architecture of PRC also visited the university and gave a whole day get-together with architects and students. He expounded on many aspects of the architecture law. He also shared many background stories around the implementation of the laws.
Other than lectures, there was also the turn-over ceremony of books donated by a German Foundation. I wanted to write about the collection they donated because there were so many interesting books! What I particularly liked about the collection is that it has many books written by contemporary architects about their life and works.
Outside the university, the architects had an exhibit in Park Mall. There was an
"architects' night out" in Pier One, and the Christmas party last night in Montebello. What makes this Christmas Party special for me is that I got something in the raffle draw! It is very rare for me to win in anything that involves luck.
There will be a series of Christmas parties to attend next week. CAFA's party will be on Thursday, the 18th. The university party will be on the following day. On the 20th, my batch mates in college will also gather for a Christmas dinner.
I'm sure everyone will have their calendar full this month. Tis the season to mess up our diets. Haha!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Cebu's Iconic
Lately I’ve been asking people around me to tell me a building that best represents Cebu City. I always get the same reply: Magellan’s Cross. Does this mean that our contemporary architects are not capable of building an iconic building? Or is it necessary to do so in the first place?
Most buildings in the classical and medieval period can be considered iconic, especially those that were built like monuments. Heritage buildings are also iconic in the Philippines. People can easily associate a place when shown a picture of an old church or old structure. My concern, however, is the local contemporary architecture.
What does it need for a building to be iconic anyway? First, as mentioned in my previous blog, the building has to be unique enough to catch the attention of media. Second, I think that the form should be simple enough to be drawn or described by anyone from memory. Third, the building should be situated in a place where it can easily be viewed in totality in at least two sides. Finally, the building should have a deep connection with the people in the locality.
In Cebu, I am yet to find a building that meets all these criteria. Other than the Magellan’s Cross, the structures that would find its way to post cards are the Provincial Capitol and the Mactan Bridge. The Provincial Capitol, however, is not really contemporary and its neoclassical style is not so unique. The Mactan Bridge, on the other hand, is not a building in the first place. Because a second bridge was constructed, the Mactan Bridge started to lose its significance.
The tallest building in the city is probably the Club Ultima. The building, however is complicated in form and is not viewable from good vantage points, especially because only one side faces the street. The Terraces in Ayala has been attracting a lot of people but a picture of this can easily be mistaken for the Greenbelt in Makati. Even the controversial Cebu International Convention Center, failed to meet the criteria of an iconic building because its form is not unique enough.
For me, the best candidate for an iconic building in Cebu would have been the original design of the Megadome which won in the Design Competition. It enjoyed good media coverage, its form is unique yet simple enough to be retained in memory, it is also easily seen from many vantage points because of its site (it can even be seen from the Mactan Bridge), and most of all, everyone felt that it was a fitting design for Cebu.
Unfortunately, it will never be realized for now the CICC stands on the site allotted for the Megadome.
It is not easy to find a building that can be considered iconic. Cebu had its chance but lost it. For now, we will content ourselves with the Magellan’s Cross.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Architecture of Presence.... and Absence
My first day in the Architecture Journal class of Bro. Bela Lanyi was uneventful. Students already got wind that I will be joining them. I also tried to keep a low profile so as not to intimidate the students. What is more important is the lecture which Bro. Bela gave. I don't know if he did it on purpose but after mulling over the lecture he gave I suddenly realized that he was talking about two opposing phenomena in architecture. On one hand, there is an architecture that seems to command presence; on the other hand, there is an architecture that must emphasize what is absent.
Iconic buildings command attention. They stand out in their immediate environment. They manage to find their way into magazines and post cards. Iconic buildings, however, are very effective if they are far apart from each other. It is easy to imagine how the Sidney Opera House and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao would compete for attantion if they were constructed side by side.
There are a few exceptions, of course, as in the case of China's Water Cube and the Bird's Nest. Although each is iconic in themselves, they are also contextual.
Bro. Bela referred us to the book of Charles Jencks entitled "Iconic Buildings" for a more thorough discussion on the subject. It is interesting to know that what makes a building iconic is not its perfection but its unique character which must capture the eyes of media. The key player then is media. Even if a building is unique if it does not meet the fancy of media it will ultimately fail to gain the status of an iconic building. One great factor that contributes to a building's uniqueness is its form. A building may fail in terms of function and still become iconic.
The approved design for the World Trade Center is one example of an architecture that must emphasize what is absent. The saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder" immediately comes to mind. It is a way of viewing a memorial from a different perspective. The concept, however, seems applicable only for a memorial in situ. The proposed design is envisioned for the site where the World Trade Center used to stand. The design seems to speak of "hope" amidst tragedy. This is emphasized by trees growing at random around the site, water flowing out, and a vessel containing unidentified remains waiting for science to remove their anonymity.
Personally though I find the design crowded with elements. Maya Lin succeeded with her Vietnam Veteran's Memorial with very few elements: a mere scar on the ground, made permanent by granite where the names of those who suffered were etched.
I have not studied the proposed World Trade Center design. Although the footprints of the two towers were left as a hole on the ground their absence could be further emphasized if there were pathways leading towards where the building should be but are cut short because of the building's absence... an expected door that wasn't there, or an expected stair for example.
It is facinating how architecture can express any idea. It is also facinating how new ideas continue to evolve. It is exciting to know that there are still many of this to be explored.
Iconic buildings command attention. They stand out in their immediate environment. They manage to find their way into magazines and post cards. Iconic buildings, however, are very effective if they are far apart from each other. It is easy to imagine how the Sidney Opera House and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao would compete for attantion if they were constructed side by side.
There are a few exceptions, of course, as in the case of China's Water Cube and the Bird's Nest. Although each is iconic in themselves, they are also contextual.
Bro. Bela referred us to the book of Charles Jencks entitled "Iconic Buildings" for a more thorough discussion on the subject. It is interesting to know that what makes a building iconic is not its perfection but its unique character which must capture the eyes of media. The key player then is media. Even if a building is unique if it does not meet the fancy of media it will ultimately fail to gain the status of an iconic building. One great factor that contributes to a building's uniqueness is its form. A building may fail in terms of function and still become iconic.
The approved design for the World Trade Center is one example of an architecture that must emphasize what is absent. The saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder" immediately comes to mind. It is a way of viewing a memorial from a different perspective. The concept, however, seems applicable only for a memorial in situ. The proposed design is envisioned for the site where the World Trade Center used to stand. The design seems to speak of "hope" amidst tragedy. This is emphasized by trees growing at random around the site, water flowing out, and a vessel containing unidentified remains waiting for science to remove their anonymity.
Personally though I find the design crowded with elements. Maya Lin succeeded with her Vietnam Veteran's Memorial with very few elements: a mere scar on the ground, made permanent by granite where the names of those who suffered were etched.
I have not studied the proposed World Trade Center design. Although the footprints of the two towers were left as a hole on the ground their absence could be further emphasized if there were pathways leading towards where the building should be but are cut short because of the building's absence... an expected door that wasn't there, or an expected stair for example.
It is facinating how architecture can express any idea. It is also facinating how new ideas continue to evolve. It is exciting to know that there are still many of this to be explored.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Architecture Journal for USC
This Wednesday, those enrolled in the Architectural Journal class of Bro. Lanyi Bella will have a pleasant (?) surprise. A new student will be added to the class.... ME!
When Bro. Bella started teaching in USC, he expressed his intention of making a journal for architecture. This desire was shared by the dean and some other faculty members so Bro. Bella got the full support from the College.
He started out by proposing an elective course on Architecture Journal (ArchJourn). From the class, Bro. Bella was able to identify students who have the talent and skills to help him with the journal project. He invited these students and true enough they showed full dedication. The maiden issue will be launched during the National Architecture Week celebtration this December.
They decided to call it "Lantawan." Personally I do not like the name. Although it is very Cebuano, I would prefer a more "sellable" title since they intend to sell the journal outside the university. Bro. Bella has no idea yet on the frequency of publication. It might come out once or twice a year, depending on the outcome of the maiden issue.
With the journal, he wants to "enhance" the intellectual environment surrounding the architecture profession. He even has a plan of putting up a website which is affiliated with the university and which will serve as a venue for intellectual discussions among architects, students and others who are interested.
The last attempt to publish an architecture journal was by Archt. Melva Rodriguez-Java. The journal, however, was a project of the United Architects of the Philippines. After three issues the publication stopped. The main reason was that their office was robbed and all the money for publication was stolen. They never managed to revive it.
For me, the reason why the UAP journal was never revived was the fact that it relies so much on the architects who are not able to devote full attention to the project. With students as a base, Bro. Bella has a more stable work force. Also, the fact that UAP has so many personalities involved makes it difficult for the journal to focus on a particular direction.
So what is my interest in all of this? I want to write... I think that much is clear. I also share Bro. Bella's desire to stir the intellectual atmosphere around me. Whether I will get involve in the architecture journal remains to be seen. For now, I'll try to learn as much as I can.
Can't wait for my first day in his class.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
In Memoriam: Edison and Charade
The news about Edison and Charade really affected me. I met these two when I was still new in the university. They were consulting my friend, Ellis, regarding their thesis and I happen to be around. Ellis also asked for my opinion and we had a lively discussion about it. During their defense, I sat in their panel. I could not forget their defense because of a drawing they made of a baluster post. It was drawn in a very big scale and it naturally caught my attention. When I asked them about the significance of the drawing they candidly answered me that there was none!... that the drawing was meant to cover an empty portion of their presentation!
Ellis and I found these two quite amusing. On the surface they look like two clueless people and yet they managed to pass their thesis defense without any revisions! They left us with a memento, a black shirt with the logo of their thesis project printed at the back. I still have the shirt and I still wear it even if the logo has faded.
The two seems destined to be together. They took the board exam together and made it to the same rank in the top ten. It seems they were also together in their practice and, of course, got married eventually. They're destined to be together alright, until the very end.
We were never really close since I was new and they were graduating when we met. We also met during their consultations with Ellis. It's funny how I still remember them. Despite their simplicity, I simply find them remarkable.
P.S.: I got the picture from their Multiply. I hope the relative don't mind. I think everyone will agree that it is a very good picture. Seems to tell a lot about them for those who don't know them.
Ellis and I found these two quite amusing. On the surface they look like two clueless people and yet they managed to pass their thesis defense without any revisions! They left us with a memento, a black shirt with the logo of their thesis project printed at the back. I still have the shirt and I still wear it even if the logo has faded.
The two seems destined to be together. They took the board exam together and made it to the same rank in the top ten. It seems they were also together in their practice and, of course, got married eventually. They're destined to be together alright, until the very end.
We were never really close since I was new and they were graduating when we met. We also met during their consultations with Ellis. It's funny how I still remember them. Despite their simplicity, I simply find them remarkable.
P.S.: I got the picture from their Multiply. I hope the relative don't mind. I think everyone will agree that it is a very good picture. Seems to tell a lot about them for those who don't know them.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
111108 - Heritage and School Mayhem
I mentioned in my other blogs how I started to gather my former classmates in grade school, high school, and college. For those I've met so far, we agreed to keep ourselves updated through blogs. Not everyone writes so we all agreed to try writing on a monthly basis. Those who know me, however, asked me to write every week! Well, I have the habit of writing my thoughts anyway so what the heck!
Well, that adventure led me to Blogger. I happen to read a blog here that talked about the benefits of blogging and even the possibility of earning. I guess I'm just too adventurous because I actually ended up creating an account here. The plan is to continue writing about my weekly activities here and just place links in my other sites to visit this one... So where were we...
After settling down I attended a three-day seminar on Heritage Conservation. It was fantastic. The speakers are very good. There was Prof. Ambeth Ocampo, the head of the National Heritage Institute, and also Prof. Fernando Zialcita, who authored the book "Philippine Ancestral Houses." I joined the workshop on Integrating Heritage in the Curriculum since I teach in the university. I ended up writing a blog about the result of the workshop. I'm also writing to our dean regarding suggestions on how to impliment workshop output in our college.
The third day was a tour to the old town of Carcar. I didn't join the tour because my friend Chris wanted me to go to Bantayan Island with him to see a site for his project. Unfortunately there was a storm so our trip was cancelled. I decided to hang out with a friend who came to Cebu for a jewelry show. She was selling all these very expensive jewelries. I bought two necklaces which I intended to give to my dad and mom.
That night, my housemate had the bright idea of a "general cleaning" for the apartment... It's a Saturday night. I should be out with my friends drinking beer! (although I've been doing that the past three nights). We managed to make the place look really neat... Cool... I plan to do general cleaning every Sunday but in different areas. One Sunday for the living areas, another for the kitchen and backyard, another for the toilet, and another for my room. This way the whole apartment is covered every month.
The following day was a Sunday but I was holed up in my room most of the day. I was finishing a textbook I was making for Descriptive Geometry. The goal is to print the materials by Wednesday. It's one of those legacies I want to leave behind in the university. I've actually done a lot for the college but I always worked in the background. I think it's time to put my name on anything that I manage to produce which benefits a lot of people.
Since it's a weekend I decided to meet up with friends. We hang out in Ayala Terraces. I've been waiting for this place to open. Unfortunately I was in Davao when they did. Anyway, I was with Chris and we talked about his project. Carlo Rodriguez also joined us and I found out he was selling these home made jewelries and accessories made of wood, glass, and other stuffs. I bought some for Christmas gifts. I also bought a necklace and bracelet which I'm now wearing everyday.
Monday is supposed to be the first day of class. I have a 7:30am class so I went. There were only three students! Apparently students are still adjusting their subjects. Because of the sudden shift to the old enrolment system a lot of subjects already enrolled disappeared in the process. Some students had to go back from square one. It was total chaos! I decided to help out in encoding and I actually enjoyed it. I'm actually free so far since the department has not finalized my teaching load and I only know of a couple of subjects so far.
I think the best thing that happened on Tuesday is that my housemate assembled his drumset in the living area. It's really, really coooollll!!! He used to be the drummer of a band that's getting national recognition but he decided to drop it and concentrate on schooling. The rest of the day was spent on the textbook and other stuffs I wanted done by Wednesday.
I really can't wait for classes to go full swing. Surprisingly a lot of students also texted me that they too are very eagier to go back to school! Anyway, I have many things to look forward to. I'm supposed to print my textbook and some drawings tomorrow. I also expect to know my final teaching load. I'm also quite excited about this blogging adventure...
Well, that adventure led me to Blogger. I happen to read a blog here that talked about the benefits of blogging and even the possibility of earning. I guess I'm just too adventurous because I actually ended up creating an account here. The plan is to continue writing about my weekly activities here and just place links in my other sites to visit this one... So where were we...
After settling down I attended a three-day seminar on Heritage Conservation. It was fantastic. The speakers are very good. There was Prof. Ambeth Ocampo, the head of the National Heritage Institute, and also Prof. Fernando Zialcita, who authored the book "Philippine Ancestral Houses." I joined the workshop on Integrating Heritage in the Curriculum since I teach in the university. I ended up writing a blog about the result of the workshop. I'm also writing to our dean regarding suggestions on how to impliment workshop output in our college.
The third day was a tour to the old town of Carcar. I didn't join the tour because my friend Chris wanted me to go to Bantayan Island with him to see a site for his project. Unfortunately there was a storm so our trip was cancelled. I decided to hang out with a friend who came to Cebu for a jewelry show. She was selling all these very expensive jewelries. I bought two necklaces which I intended to give to my dad and mom.
That night, my housemate had the bright idea of a "general cleaning" for the apartment... It's a Saturday night. I should be out with my friends drinking beer! (although I've been doing that the past three nights). We managed to make the place look really neat... Cool... I plan to do general cleaning every Sunday but in different areas. One Sunday for the living areas, another for the kitchen and backyard, another for the toilet, and another for my room. This way the whole apartment is covered every month.
The following day was a Sunday but I was holed up in my room most of the day. I was finishing a textbook I was making for Descriptive Geometry. The goal is to print the materials by Wednesday. It's one of those legacies I want to leave behind in the university. I've actually done a lot for the college but I always worked in the background. I think it's time to put my name on anything that I manage to produce which benefits a lot of people.
Since it's a weekend I decided to meet up with friends. We hang out in Ayala Terraces. I've been waiting for this place to open. Unfortunately I was in Davao when they did. Anyway, I was with Chris and we talked about his project. Carlo Rodriguez also joined us and I found out he was selling these home made jewelries and accessories made of wood, glass, and other stuffs. I bought some for Christmas gifts. I also bought a necklace and bracelet which I'm now wearing everyday.
Monday is supposed to be the first day of class. I have a 7:30am class so I went. There were only three students! Apparently students are still adjusting their subjects. Because of the sudden shift to the old enrolment system a lot of subjects already enrolled disappeared in the process. Some students had to go back from square one. It was total chaos! I decided to help out in encoding and I actually enjoyed it. I'm actually free so far since the department has not finalized my teaching load and I only know of a couple of subjects so far.
I think the best thing that happened on Tuesday is that my housemate assembled his drumset in the living area. It's really, really coooollll!!! He used to be the drummer of a band that's getting national recognition but he decided to drop it and concentrate on schooling. The rest of the day was spent on the textbook and other stuffs I wanted done by Wednesday.
I really can't wait for classes to go full swing. Surprisingly a lot of students also texted me that they too are very eagier to go back to school! Anyway, I have many things to look forward to. I'm supposed to print my textbook and some drawings tomorrow. I also expect to know my final teaching load. I'm also quite excited about this blogging adventure...
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