Anthology 2020 Volunteer Experience

 

 PHOTO -DOCUMENTATION OF ANTHOLOGY 2020

Anthology Architecture and Design Festival is an annual three-day event that showcases architecture and design within the Philippines and the Southeast Asian region. The festival serves as a platform to bring together various practitioners and stakeholders to increase awareness about the relevance of architecture and design in our urban societies.

Anthology began in June 2016 with over 2,000 guests and 65 leading built environment practitioners from seven countries. Now in its fourth year, we have grown exponentially into a base of 7,000 attendees, 30 developers, government officials, professors, and 70 leading local and foreign architects and urban planners from 25 different countries.

Schoolwork Capstone Project (ARCDES9-10)MOTILE LANDSCAPE INTRODUCTION

       

 This research intends to study ways on strategizing choreographed spaces for motile experiences. According to Dr. Sally Ann Ness, anthropologist of tourism, motile experience specifies a phenomenological and semiotic experience of movement as a primordial, life producing, and life sustaining condition of being. This is in particular of eco-cultural tourism under the lens of phenomenological experiences. The discipline of phenomenology may be defined initially as the study of structures of experiences, or consciousness.  I aim to study the eco-cultural tourism offerings of barangay San Salvador Laguna due to its emerging tourism industry. Using the framework from the tourism industry as well as the phenomenological approach through motile experience, I intend to explore facilities which tackles these subjects.

In 2015, the said location opened its trail to Hulugan Falls to public. This gave way to a broader range of destinations among the province of Laguna. The budding acceptance of travel as part of the modern lifestyle and to a certain extent, the increasing urbanization of society, resulted in the need to seek different environments and activities away from cities. Associated with increasing tourism also generate potential modes of income, particularly with the communities in the rural areas.

        Growth in tourism became highly beneficial as it accelerates several developmental goals, however; it requires addressing weaknesses within the proposed site. This includes untapped tourism offerings, which needs to cultivate in order to achieve an evenhanded destination.  This paper will investigate design ethnography of tramping in developing facilities for a successful tourism destination.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

The growing number of people travelling domestically shows an increasing demand for the experience of the natural environment and experience away from the city. In effect the demands 

RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What is eco-cultural profile of Luisiana Laguna

What defines a Motile experience

How will we change our understanding of motility, and tourism , as a product which is beneficial in eco-cultural growth of Brgy. San Salvador?

RATIONALE

        The proponent’s inspirations for having this research roots with the appreciation of tourism and ecocultural environment of rural areas. Motility in the activity of ecocultural tourism has a profound connection to city dwellers as it offers distinctive experience and environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Acknowledging motility as part of an individual’s act of travel is vital for wellbeing, yet a reflective consideration of its process is believed humane.

        Like other industries, tourism if not properly manage its motile qualities may negatively affect its primordial condition of being. It overlooks its manual interaction with reconsidering the place- in which may spoil the phenomenological and semiotic experience of nature and cultural manifestations. This research contextualizes and extends phenomenologically aware approaches to our touristic experiences.

        A research on motility advocates an attention to form of perceiving premised on more than mere bodily movements. The study of motility aligned with architecture threshold between a more affective and multi-sensory experiences of space and the built environment of tourism. This type research will benefit a perceptual register to include affecs, along with haptic, kinesthetic, or other somatic sensations.

        In an honest opinion, we should make architecture in respect with its space - beyond what is practical and stylistic, it should understand our experiences and meaning making; for architecture is human, and the pleasure of travelling - is also human.

RESEARCH STUDY GOAL

        My key goal in this project is to initiate an expansion to product development in Barangay San Salvador in terms of a motile ecocultural tourism. It will update the profiling of nature and culture-based products as identified in the Tourism Development Circuit and pursue improvement of site facilities in conformity with LGU and community tourism plans.

RESEARCH STUDY OBJECTIVES

To understand the discourse of motility through Ness S.A., Pallasmaa J., Ponty M.M.,and the research of Patterson M.

Understand the environment, culture and development operations of Laguna.
goog_1917450891Relate the discourse of motility with the environment, culture and development operation of Laguna through architecture.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Significance to Architecture

        This study contributes to the thought of architecture as an object of eco-cultural appreciation. The study may provide capacity-building programs for local government units in the formulation of local tourism plans and the development of the local tourist database.

Significance to Tourism

    The said tourist destination will promote initiatives in embracing quality standards and diversification that will strengthen the accreditation system for tourism enterprises.

Significance to Phenomenology

        This study contextualizes and extends the knowledge of motility through the application of theories to the built environment. It yields the subject with the stakeholders; which buttresses its knowledge.

SCOPE 

The scope of the research on the tourism of Luisiana Laguna involves the development of Tourism products. Tourism product refers to a combination of ecotourism resources, facilities, activities, and services resulting in an enhanced commitment to protecting the natural and cultural qualities of a destination.

The scope of the research on the topic of motility involves the discourse of perception between the retinal vision and haptic perception, the choreographic aspect of tourism in motility, and the architectural application of motility in the development of the project.

The scope of the research with architecture involves the formulation of a design system including form and materiality in developing motile architecture. The project focuses on formulating a process that supports tourism local enterprises such as Luisiana to be motile sensitive.

The 

LIMITATION

With tour With tourism, the study is limited with demographics that the site mostly caters and the sites's carrying capacity. It will consider the time and season in which the tour is at peak. The definition of form and materiality will only highlight its basic considerations; as it may obscure the significance of motility.

With the discourse of motility, the study is limited with somatosensory considerations. The use of medical technology in understanding the bodies will not be tackled as the study accounts touristic experiences from the point of view of lay-man tourist and locals

With the formulation of motile design system will limit the scope of architectural form from somatosensory consideration, and documented profile of the site. The study of other design systems will not be included.

ASSUMPTIONS

The project is conducted to understand the motile qualities of Luisiana as a chance to improve its tourism product in the discourse of tourism, architecture, and body perception. This project allows finding architectural interventions that are sensitive to what determines successful tourism.

The design is assumed to help appreciate the natural environment in parallel with the touristic offerings of  Luisiana. This allows a range of tourist accommodated within their demands without compromising with its eco-cultural identity. The design intervention must also benefit the community besides the tourists and the environment.

Anthology 2019: Volunteer Experience

SITUATION

Anthology Architecture and Design Festival is an annual three-day event that showcases architecture and design within the Philippines and the Southeast Asian region. The festival serves as a platform to bring together various practitioners and stakeholders to increase awareness about the relevance of architecture and design in our urban societies.

Anthology began in June 2016 with over 2,000 guests and 65 leading built environment practitioners from seven countries. Now in its fourth year, we have grown exponentially into a base of 7,000 attendees, 30 developers, government officials, professors, and 70 leading local and foreign architects and urban planners from 25 different countries.

Impact architecture is about using the world of architectural creativity and imagination in the development of long-term, sustainable solutions to catalyze urban development, social inclusion, and cultural vibrancy. The theme aims to focus on the role of architects in inspiring a design-led approach with impactful value to address political, social, environmental, and economic imperatives to create better cities that influence responsive buildings and stronger societies.

Having the work experience in Saga as a creatives head, allowed me to get a referral to the design festival. The situation in the project when I entered required us to market the festival so that there were substantial funds and attendees to get the festival working. It was the time when sponsors and partners were coordinating with us to market their products and/or services to the extent of the festival's reach. It was also when local and international speakers are pooled and arranged for talks; and announced to initiate traction.

TASK

The task is to play the role of a Social Media Head and Graphic Designer by producing digital and physical content for Shelter Dialogues, workshops, banners, newsletters, sponsorship and partnership announcement, and other requirements. This also includes work processes like supporting the organization's operations, admin activities, festival organizers, and other needs. The scope of work involves planning and assisting the festival production, proposing graphic design solutions for marketing needs, and providing needed information to its players.

ACTION 

Some of the output includes Shelter Dialogues posters, sponsorship and partnership pubmats, and Gala invitation design.

Conclusion

The Anthology Design Festival wouldn't be successful without the direction of Ms. Rica Plaza; the support of WTA; our festival manager, Patty Marasigan; Venue Coordinator, Sieg Cejar; Head of Program, and Guest Relations, Patricia Castillo; Festival Coordinator for Professional Partnerships, John Ray Tan; Coordinator for Academic Partnerships, Gleo Raymundo; Graphic Design Head, Kyra Tagbo; Director for Partnerships, Louisa Abueg; Director for Legal, Paula Plaza, and the rest of the Anthology body.

Festival history * anthology. Anthology. (n.d.). Retrieved October 13, 2021, from https://anthologyfest.org/festival-history/.

"Universal" and "Basic" Design

INTRODUCTION

    The continuous development of technology had an impactful improvement in solving tasks that require a pressing need for coordination. This in turn will outperform existing jobs in the market that could come obsolete. We follow heuristics, which may be a source of mistakes. While computers and other advancements are integrated into a better system and network; hence, it is irrational to block the benefits of these technological growths in different disciplines. Automation has a significant benefit in solving transport mobility, and healthcare, and can also integrate into the biochemical process of human emotions which affects the arts discipline. Learning from the recent pandemic when mass unemployment took place should be taken seriously. We need to create new conditions to adapt to the changing nature of the economy, particularly to the job market.

In our history, we went through chaotic experimentation with social, political, and economic models (such as liberal democracy, communist dictatorship, and fascist regime) to implement the best solutions for our working conditions. Therefore, our job market needs to think about potential solutions for preventing jobs from being lost, creating enough new jobs, and what to do if, despite our best effort, job losses outstrip job creation. I wish to introduce “Universal Basic Income” and “Universal Basic Service” bridging Design in the context of the “Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program”

In context, the “Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program” (PUVMP) became concrete in 2017, with a continuous discussion towards the proposed system, paying for a newly proposed jeep with less carbon emission, and adapting to its transition program. This made the drivers, their families, and transport workers hang in the balance. And what more when the recent lockdowns halted their operations- which to some resulted in alms.

UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME AND UNIVERSAL BASIC SERVICE

    We need to settle with new models that can safeguard people from job loss. Models such as UBS and UBI are gaining attention and going through discussion. UBS or Universal Basic Service promises great potential in subsidized services like communications, healthcare, and education from the government; therefore, a better choice to participate in society.

    Alternatively, UBI or Universal Basic Income proposes to cushion the mass from job loss through cash incentives by taxing the elites and corporations. The debate is still sorted out whether to what extent us “universal” and “basic”.

    One is by Fernando Aldaba, which introduces the concept of “BIG” or basic income guarantee as like universal basic income. Still, it ensures to cover the basic living cost of low-income individuals through a cash subsidy. As it is promising, the call for an administration with the political will to implement is still progressing. The implementation of BIG is still reasonable, resource-wise, for our country. It can be realized and delivered with the existing infrastructure used by the Pantawid Pamilya Program. There are also threats as it can be inflationary due to increased demand, moral hazards since beneficiaries may lose motivation to look for better quality jobs, and can be a source to divert government resources from competing priorities.

    It is also thought of by Daniel G. Jennings who tries to mediate the value of the two models to fight inequality. Government can provide UBS to serve the mass with adequate healthcare, transportation, and educational infrastructure, while the private sector can provide a basic income for the citizen to afford necessities. The opportunity of learning its implications of to what extent should be is necessary, and threats of diverging UBS and UBI from the government and the private sector are dangerous.

    We need to address how we slow down the pace of change, create new jobs, and what to do despite our best effort, job loss outstrips job creation. A prototype is presented hopefully to spark optimism for the said goal.

“JEEPNEY PROTOTYPES”

     In this design exercise, I chose the Guadalupe jeep terminal as the location because of its high foot and vehicular traffic. I'm always fascinated with its surroundings, and very familiar with the place personally when coming to work. Several observations were made in the area:

Therefore some opportunities can be introduced such as incorporating ads on the jeepney color coding per route. Hence providing work for OOH Artists, and other key players.

The orientation of the passenger can also be oriented outdoors so that more businesses can operate while the vehicle is still in the queue.

Conclusion

The design exercise was able to highlight some progressing ideas on possible work conditions such as “BIG” and mediating UBS and UBI. However, the discussion on what is “universal” and “basic” was still progressing and several weaknesses of the prototypes are still evident. Once the study was consulted with different stakeholders and key players, it opened so many opportunities. We still need to understand that the pace of change comes fast, and work should still start with initiatives.

BusinessMirror, F. A. (2020, January 30). Basic income guarantee, anyone? BusinessMirror. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/01/31/basic-income-guarantee-anyone/

Jennings, D. G. (2020, April 7). We need a basic income and universal basic services. Medium. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://medium.com/thoughts-economics-politics-sustainability/we-need-both-a-basic-income-and-universal-basic-services-market-mad-house-e0052e7070df

Bueno, A. (2020, December). The modernization plan is Changing Jeepney Drivers’ Lives Forever. cnn. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/transportation/2020/12/11/jeepney-modernization-deadline.html

Rethinking Global Business Services from Urban Decay

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 6

The "Architectural Design 6" course at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde introduces students to the foundational concepts of urban planning and design. This studio equips students with essential skills in site analysis, urban design principles, and sustainable development, employing tools like AutoCAD, GIS, and other visualization platforms to craft site plans and presentations.

In tackling urban challenges, students are trained to balance aesthetics, functionality, and regulatory compliance while analyzing spatial relationships and understanding urban systems. The course emphasizes collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication, ensuring students address diverse community needs while integrating sustainability and inclusivity. By fostering critical thinking and professional presentation skills, the studio prepares students to develop well-rounded design proposals.

STUDIO GUIDANCE

Architect Harvey Vasquez leads the studio, bringing extensive experience from local and international architectural firms. His mentorship emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and ontological approaches to design—skills that guide students in the conceptualization and realization of their projects.

Through his guidance, students explore the intersection of technical precision and creative problem-solving, applying these principles to real-world urban challenges.

PORE 2016

 

“Back when this school started in 2009, its small group of faculty members knew each other and the passion to teach was very contagious. Even non-design classes were treated like a rigorous design studio. Five years later, the program has fully grown and so have its challenges. One of these challenges is ensuring that the design classes produce works that not only are communicated effectively visually, but that have also undergone a design process and argumentation of dialectics.

We want to maintain a strong studio culture, which, unfortunately, is not yet widely practiced among local schools. Alarmingly, teachers new to SDA, who do not share or come from the same culture, brought in outdated practices of design classes. Institutionalization seemed to be an inevitable measure to prevent this trend, but since most of our design professors are practitioners themselves, scheduling for evaluation is a dilemma. Therefore, we proposed an annual gathering wherein all the members of the SDAAR community (not limited to faculty and students, but including architects, design editors, and parents) come together to review the achievements of our department.

This endeavor obliges our architecture teachers to participate and, more importantly, to assess their own performance as a teacher, as the projects will surely reflect our motivations, sensibilities, and our breadth of knowledge as a designer and role model for tomorrow's architects.”

-Jim Caumeron

Caumeron, J. (2015, July). Po.Re Opens. Bluprint , (Issue 2 2015), 115.

Architecture Organization - Lets Go Social

 

School Work: Architecture Design 2 (ARCDES2)

THE STUDIO

The "Architectural Design 2" course at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde focuses on equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed for comprehensive site analysis and contextual architectural design. Students are trained to deliver key outputs such as site study reports, stakeholder consultations, SWOT analyses, site mapping, environmental assessments, zoning considerations, and urban fabric studies. These analytical tools are complemented by the production of basic architectural drawings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and perspectives, enabling students to address real-world design challenges effectively.

The studio is led by Architect Gino Bjorn Abrebra, a professional known for his strong theoretical foundation and practical expertise in architecture. Under his guidance, students delve into site theories and strategic approaches, which are integrated into the studio framework. This holistic pedagogy encourages critical thinking, contextual awareness, and innovative problem-solving, essential traits for addressing complex urban issues.

Students' progress is monitored and assessed weekly through individual presentations, where they are ranked based on the quality of their deliverables and adherence to Architect Abrebra's instructions. This fosters a results-driven and dynamic learning environment that challenges students to consistently refine their skills.

Throughout the term, the studio engages students with real-world scenarios by focusing on specific areas of Manila. Students are tasked with identifying and analyzing the unique challenges faced by these communities and pitching design solutions that respond to the contextual needs of each site. By balancing theoretical knowledge with practical application, this course prepares students to become effective problem-solvers in the field of architecture.

THE PROJECT

Adriatico, one of Manila's most iconic destinations, offers a vivid blend of culture, history, and nightlife. Known for its neon lights, bustling joints, and artistic bohemian character, it has long been a haven for artists, performers, travelers, and those seeking adventure. From hip coffee shops to lively gay bars and family gatherings at Remedios Circle or Manila Zoo, Adriatico has something for everyone.

However, the area's once-vibrant energy is fading. Many restaurants, clubs, and convenience stores have shut down, signaling a slow decline in its creative and cultural essence. Among its many landmarks, Paraiso ng Batang Maynila stands out—not for its charm, but for its neglect.

CHALLENGES IN ZONE 78

Paraiso ng Batang Maynila, located in the heart of Adriatico, has become a symbol of the area's deterioration. What was intended to be a safe haven for children has turned into a hotspot for criminal activity, homelessness, and neglect. The park is now plagued by:

• Juvenile delinquency: Children in the area are exposed to unwholesome influences, including public drinking and illegal activities.
• Homeless settlements: Badjao communities have set up makeshift homes in the park, contributing to sanitation issues.
• Crime and neglect: Gangs, drug use, and a lack of supervision have made the park unsafe for visitors.

Despite these challenges, the park holds potential due to its strategic location near key landmarks such as Harrison Plaza, Rizal Sports Complex, Manila Zoo, and Roxas Boulevard. Its proximity to Manila’s tourist belt makes it an ideal candidate for revitalization.

Restorative Learning Space for Juvenile Learners

To restore Paraiso ng Batang Maynila and uplift Zone 78, the proposed project aims to create a restorative learning park that addresses the area's pressing issues while fostering community growth. The key components of the project include:

• Juvenile Support and Rehabilitation:
• A program based on Restorative learning practices framework to help individuals overcome vices.
• Counseling and therapeutic gardens for emotional and spiritual growth.
• Sports facilities like basketball courts and elevated leisure spaces for physical development.
  
  
• Community Empowerment:

• A marketplace offering vocational opportunities for out-of-school youth and income for local residents.
• Mural spaces to support local artists and promote a sense of ownership.
• Vegetable gardens to encourage sustainability and foster neighborly relationships.
  
  
• Tourist-Friendly Design:
• Improved site legibility with diverse architecture, clear zoning, and vibrant hues.
• Pedestrian-friendly layouts and permeable spaces that connect key park features.
• A rich variety of activities, including games, educational programs, and leisure areas, appealing to residents and visitors alike.

A CALL TO ACTION

Revitalizing Paraiso ng Batang Maynila is not just about transforming a neglected space; it’s about rekindling the spirit of Adriatico and ensuring Manila’s cultural and historical legacy thrives. Millennials are at the forefront of this change. By supporting local businesses, participating in cultural events, and re-engaging with the city’s iconic spaces—be it Adriatico’s restaurants, the National Museum, or art fairs in Escolta—we can collectively contribute to a brighter future for Manila.

_________________________________________

There’s this one well-known place in Manila that addresses a memorable experience life has to present. The scene sparked into life with the neons, and glitz; as it suggests spontaneity and adventure through the night. A walk along joints after hip coffee shops after joints signals robust contextual character. It is why artists, personalities, performers, travelers, and many of those after the bohemian scene are spending their time along the infamous Adriatico.

Adriatico is the leisure hotspot in Manila. Third sex attend gay bars, writers launch their books in cafes, and family-oriented haps done at Remedios Circle or on a Sunday at Manila zoo. Though with countless activities Adriatico has to offer, the glory of the place seems to deteriorate through time. A visit in one afternoon supported that Adriatico is losing its former glory. Some restaurants, clubs, and even convenience stores managed to end their business. The receding establishments could be the end of the creative heart of Adriatico.

In one area along Adriatico; Paraiso ng Batang Maynila, is having the same case. What should be a place for children to play without precaution is a blur. The park is now a territory of hooligans, a settlement area for the homeless Badjaos, and a parking space for clunkers. Yet, the location has potential due to its promising site.

The park in the vicinity of key buildings of Manila; the Harisson Plaza, the country’s first shopping mall, Rizal sports complex which houses our national athletes, the Manila Zoo, and a walking distance to Roxas Boulevard. Paraiso ng Batang Maynila is within Manila’s tourist belt, regrettably, the park has been neglected.

Mending Paraiso ng Batang Maynila by independent authority will bring back the area’s life.

Zone 78 faces several issues that have to be addressed. Juvenile crime is widespread in the area as a consequence of its unwholesome environment. With interaction with the children, it reports that the place has an extensive assortment of influences. Public drinking is already a norm in residential areas. It's alarming that the action is apparent during the day mostly on tambays. The Badjaos who settled at the park outlined its neighbor with improperly disposed waste. Akyat Bahay gangs who are those with no means of living urged to do an illegal acts. Paraiso ng Batang Maynila is being infested with stoners, and the park has been neglected with supervision. Zone 78 has a number of concerns and re-gentrification is recommended.

Proposing a rehabilitation park on Paraiso ng Batang Maynila will provide an independent authority to manage much of its existing issues. A project centered on juvenile delinquency by providing modes of living through technical education, recovery from vices by means of self-volunteer through a rehabilitation program, and development of the park to a more appealing place out of harm’s way for tourists, residents, and children.

               

A park engaged with the sense of being is designed for life track re-establishment. The emotional aspect of an ashtray individual is addressed by providing counseling aid. A therapeutic garden is available for the individual’s development of spirituality. The park puts forward a basketball court and elevated leisure space for the physical side of development. Through interaction with volunteers comes the social growth of the individual.

               The park will be following the program of Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12 steps of recovery.

A park will gentrify zone 78 by being responsive to the environment; a sense of robustness, the ability of personalization, great variety, legible spaces, permeable site, and a rich relationship to the park. Robustness will be taken into action by providing a small marketplace in which it provides income for the youth being off from education. Hence, it would entice tourists from Manila zoo to take some time at the park. Personalization takes place by encouraging artists to create murals on the wall; supporting the local art scene. The residents are also given the opportunity to create a vegetable garden which will provide food as well as gain a sense of neighborliness. A variety of activities are offered at the park from different games to play by the youth, providing modes of living and vocational education for the off-track, and a visitor pleasant place. Legibility is tackled by having a diverse outer shell and definite hue of given buildings. These buildings are accessible from one another where the pedestrian-friendly park is designed by being permeable. In total, Paraiso ng Batang Maynila yields a rich experience for the residents and tourists.

Manila could be a better place only if we play a part in its life. We, the millennials, are tasked to revitalize the declining life of a place rich in history. Supporting Adriatico’s fashionable restaurants, listening to the local music scene, art fairs in Escolta, A walk along the Roxas boulevard, Modest dates in Luneta, a visit to National Museum, and much more help to make a change.

School Work: Architecture Design 1 (ARCDES1)

The "Architectural Design 1" course at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde trains students in the fundamental skills required for architectural practice. This includes the production of basic architectural drawings such as floor plans, elevations, sections, and perspectives. As the first design studio in the curriculum, it serves as a critical foundation for students, filtering those who are prepared to pursue the rigorous demands of architectural education and practice. The studio is guided by Architect Joel Deocaris, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in real estate projects both locally and internationally. Under his mentorship, students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. These competencies are integrated into the studio framework, emphasizing a holistic approach to architectural education. Students' performance is assessed weekly through individual presentations based on Architect Deocaris’ instructions, fostering a competitive yet supportive environment where rankings motivate improvement and excellence. The studio tasks are designed to challenge both technical proficiency and conceptual thinking. Over the course of the term, students are assigned three design projects: a dwelling for their mentor (the "sensei's dwelling"), a personal dwelling tailored to their individual needs, and a studio space reflecting their vision and functional preferences. This hands-on approach provides an immersive introduction to architectural design, laying the groundwork for students to progress confidently in their academic and professional journeys.

My Crib

STUDIO

Sensei's Crib