Batanes in my mind- Day 3

Posted on April 2, 2020 by deanne

Day 3- South Batan

Rakuh A Payaman- I can say that today is one of the highlights of my stay here in Batanes. We visited the Marlboro Country, locally known as the Rakuh a Payaman. This is actually a communal pastureland in Uyugan Batanes. The plain sight of this view got me a bit emotional. The place is just extraordinarily marvelous that words nor photos could never describe. I ran, I jumped, I skipped, I hopped, I rolled myself down the hills, and I danced just to be captured on camera. I channeled in the Maria Von Trapp in me. It was like I was re-enacting the Sound of Music there for awhile. And oh, yeah! The hills are freakin’ alive! I knew that the gusty winds was nature’s way of welcoming there. I swear, this vision would be kept forever in my heart. Truly, Batanes is where the land, sea and sky meet to make this breathtakingly beautiful view.

Tayid Lighthouse– Built on the early 2000’s, this is another must-visit spot in Batanes. It’s breathtakingly exquisite, simply captivating. Design wise, this lighthouse is unique in terms of shape as it possesses a hexagonal base. Most lighthouses in the province have circular bases.

After taking bajillion photos, we headed out for lunch at Paulvanna’s Canteen at Mahatao, near the San Carlos Borromeo Church.

San Lorenzo Ruiz Church- It is said to be the birthplace of Christianity in Batanes. It is where the first mass and baptism in the Island was commenced in 1682 AD. This was also the location where the Holy Cross was set up but the original materials were already damaged.

Our Lady of Miraculous Medal- Kuya Nelson narrated that whenever travellers come to this church, their wishes would come true. Well, there’s no harm in trying! LMAO

Song-Song Ruins- We just passed by the place but its history is really quite sad. During the 1950’s, this barangay was badly hit by a tsunami for two consecutive years. This was during the leadership of President Ramon Magsaysay. Records shows that most of the families have been relocated in Tawi-Tawi.

Imnajbu Point / Alapad Rock Formation- This has got to be one of my favorite spots in Batanes. The road cuts through two hills creating a massive sculpture-like rock formation. My anticipation heightens as we pass by every winding road for I cannot wait to see the next beautiful scenery that awaits to be unfolded. The sign “Blow UR Horn” is noticeably present in every curved road around the province. In the 1900’s, the locals already abbreviated the word “YOUR” into “UR”, hence, making the Ivatans the first ones to use the text speak.

Honesty Coffee Shop- I finally got to experience this ever famous Honesty Coffee Shop. The Ivatans are known for their utmost honesty. The store is unmanned, no standby seller. Get what you want, write it in the log sheet, leave the payment at the designated basket, and that’s it! Just pure HONESTY. Owned by a teacher, Ms. Elena Gabilo together with her husband Mr. Jose Gabilo, the store was put up to cater to the fishermen and passengers at the Port of Ivana going to Sabtang Island. I couldn’t help but feel happy and sad, both at the same time. Happy, because somehow, in this cruel and dishonest world, there’s this small town that carries the value of honesty. Sad, because for most, it has just become a tourist spot where they can just visit and just forget about it. Has honesty already become that rare?

San Jose el Obrero Church (Ivana Church)- This church is just a stone’s throw away from the Honesty Shop in Ivana. It was built by Dr. Jose Fausto de Cuevas in 1784. Different from the other churches in Batanes, this church is the only church with a separate belfry which was constructed 30 years later. In 1866 to 1969, the façade was constructed by Fr. Fabian Martin. It is said that this is where the Katipuneros commanded by Capt. Perea landed on September 18 to liberate the province from the Spaniards.

House of Dakay- Aside from being of the heritage treasures in Batanaes, this has got to be to most photographed Ivatan House. The House of Dakay is recognized as a world heritage building by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization or (UNESCO).It was originally owned by Luisa Estrella, later on passes it on to here favorite nephew, Jose “Dakay” Estrella. Major parts of the house are still intact and kept in good condition, as well as the shutters and the floors. It is said that the thatched cogon roof of the house is replaced every 30 years since 1917. Moonsoon frontiers, these designs are! We were able to meet the caretaker of the house who happens to be the grandson of the original owners.

Old Spanish Bridge- This was constructed as part of the main road of Ivana leading to the doorstep of the church. Luckily, the bridge is still utilized by pedestrian and small vehicles. The design kind of reminded me of those ancient Roman aqueducts.

San Carlos Borromeo Church– This church was initially built with lightweight materials in 1787 before it got renovated using stones in 1798 during the patronage of St. Charles Borromeo. Over time, the church was devastated by a strong typhoon. It was then renovated into a baroque style church as seen on its undulating façade design.

In 2001, it was awarded as a National Cultural Heritage Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Standing outside the church are two stone lamp posts that were used as guide for the fisherman on the shore during the Spanish Colonial Period. This church is also known by its name as Mahatao Church.

Chawa View Deck– This is an exquisite view showcasing the beauty of the West Philippine Sea. It has roughly about 150 steps that one can descend to fish and take pictures or even just frolic in the water.

On our way to the deck, we passed by the Mahatao Port but we were not allowed to stop by due to safety concern. We had the chance to take a peek at the Spanish Blue Lagoon, however, it wasn’t blue enough at that time because of the strong waves.

This pretty sums up our 3- day tour in Batanes. What can I say? I’m really captivated by the charm of this Island that I would want to continue to explore more of what it has to offer in the succeeding days. Stand by for more updates of what you can do around the place when you have plenty of time to spare!

Batanes in my mind- Day 2

Posted on March 28, 2020 by deanne

Day 2- Sabtang Island

Today is Sabtang Island Day!

: The Faluwa

: Boarding the Faluwa

: Sabtang Port

: Sabtang Light House

I must say, this day is certainly beyond my expectations! We left the lodge around 6:00 am. A van came and fetched us together with other tourists from other hotels. It took about 30 minutes to get to the port of Ivana to get to Sabtang Island.But to actually get to the island, one must ride a Faluwa, an Ivatan local boat. Some travellers mentioned “Sabtang is a heavenly place but the ride to it was hell.” Thank God the ride to the Island was smooth enough to doze me off to sleep. When we landed on the dock, another van took us to our first destination.

Chamantad Cove and Tinyan View Point– What can I say? This is one of the best scenic view I’ve ever seen all throughout my existence. The sun was up and the wind was chilly enough to easily trek down the viewpoint. I could stare at this exquisite view all day!

Panoramic view of the Chamantad and Tinyan Viewpoint

Breathtakingly beautiful

Where the land, seas and skies meet

Oh, happy!

Just wow!

View of the descending point

Sustainable packaging! Guess what’s inside? Pancit!

The trek uphill was kind of a challenge going back to the meeting place. Upon reaching the top, I had one of those fresh buko to which I finished devouring in less than a minute! Some of the locals also offered me to try their local sugarcane wine and it was surprisingly good!

Chavayan Village- Allow me quote the words of the late Architect and Heritage Advocate, Augusto “Toti” Villalon from his book “Lugar: “Chavayan Village is where our world ceases and pure magic takes over. The stone houses are placed closely to each other to protect them from strong typhoons. The houses are divided in small alleys. The remoteness of the village added to the authenticity of the place. No signal, no or limited modern technology.”

According to research, these houses are about three to five generations old. They are made of limestones and cogon grass as roofs. Kuya Rommel, our tour guide in Sabtang explained how limestones are made and it sounded pretty tedious! It had to be cooked in a kiln for 9 days and once it achieves a paste- like consistency, it will be stored underground for 7 to 9 months before it could be used as a building material. However, the Batanes government banned the use and quarrying of limestones, hence, retards the restoration of some of the houses.

Going around town, I noticed that there were two types of roofs used in the houses, the gable roof and the the hip roof. The former is locally known as the “Sinadumparan” and the latter is called the “Maytuab”. The roofing takes about 25 to 30 years before replacing it with a new one.

To fully feel the spirit of the place, we use their traditional head gear as protection from the intense heat and/or rain. This is made out of “Vuyavuy”, a palm tree endemic in Batanes. Had it brushed out and sun dried, woven out with strings to make out a “Vakul”.

: The making of a vakul

: “Vuyavuy”

Savidug Stone Houses- After roaming around the village, we headed to another cluster of stone houses, the Savidug Stone Houses. We just dropped by for some really quick photo ops before heading out for lunch at the Morong Beach to which the Mayahaw Arc can be seen.

We were just in time for the departure of the faluwa at 12:30 pm heading back to Basco. The waves going back were not as calm as when we sailed in the morning. Nevertheless, it wasn’t that scary as I’ve read nor seen in the net. We arrived at the lodge around 1:30 pm. Emar and I decided to take a quick rest and at 2:30 pm we hike up the Vayang Rolling Hills. Well yeah, good luck to me.

We ascended at 2:30 pm and we reached the top of the hill by 4:00. We took sometime enjoying our peace and quiet just by looking at the magnificent scenery. We began to descend at 4:30 pm just in time for dinner at Casa Napoli. Oh. My. God. The pizza was to die for as well as the Luñis Pasta- the best!

It’s was already 8:30 pm and t’was time to call it a night and I could no longer contain my sleepiness. Time to call it a day and I can’t wait for Day 3!

…. to be continued

Batanes in my mind- Day 1

Image

The photo above does not do Batanes any justice at all. Even the best of the best cameras out there could never capture how amazingly beautiful the island is. You can never truly appreciate its charm unless you see it for yourself- and that’s what I did. I am quite excited to share to everyone my 4- day itinerary in Batanes though I stayed there for almost 10 days, especially this is my first time travelling solo for that long!

Day 1- North Batan Tour

I arrived at the airport around 5:00 am-ish was was quite surprised that there weren’t much of passengers at the terminal considering Christmas Day is just around the corner. I went to the usual check-in routine until the boarding gate, got myself some good coffee as I await to hop in the plane. Then they announced that it was time for boarding, all of us were already in queue, but then they had to hold entrance because of the unpredictable weather in Basco. We had to wait for not more than 30 minutes before we could actually board on the plane. The trip took about 2 hours and 10 minutes. All- in- all, the plane ride to Basco was smooth.

Upon arrival in their humble airport, a girl greeted me at the arrival area who happens to be a service crew from the hotel. I was very pleased to know that the lodge was only 5 minutes away from the airport. Walking distance! How cool is that! I was with a fellow solo traveller, Emar. We arrived at the lodge a few minutes before 10:00 am. We were asked to settle first before heading out for the tour. Our tour guide, Kuya Nelson, fetched us at the hotel around 12:30 pm. He took us at Jin Panda, a local restaurant, for a hearty lunch. We had spicy squid menudo, Binagoongan, Bulalo and the ever famous Dibang (Flying fish).

: Reception Area

: Eastern View

: Main Gate

: Ji Panda Restaurant

: Dibang

: Spicy Squid Menudo

: Banana Fritters for dessert

After eating lunch, we proceeded to the tour. Our first stop was at the Tukon Church followed by the Fundacion Pacita. Afterwards, we proceeded to the Valugan Boulder Beach. It was said that the boulders were thrown out by the dormant volcano nearby, the Mount Irayat. I must say I enjoyed the place. It somehow had this “healing effect” by just just enjoying the views and the waves. I was quite surprised when our tour guide can take really good photos! I know for a fact that I rarely have my photo taken on trips, but Batanes my friend, is an exemption. I remember one documentary video I saw that said: “In Batanes, there’s this curse- that wherever you point your camera to, you’ll still get good photos.” I would like to believe so because here I am trying it for myself!

We then dropped by at the Dipnaysuypayan Japanese Tunnel. History tells that the tunnel was built by the locals for the Japanese as a hideout place from the American troops.

I was surprised to know that this Chapel was completed by the Architects Joven Ignacio and Tina Turralba!

: Tukon Church

: Church Interior devastated by a strong typhoon

: Dipnaysuypayan Tunnel

: Ireland feels?

: Fundacion Pacita

: Why hello there, rainbow!

: A citadel locally known as “idjang”

: Had my photo taken coz why not?

: Valugan Boulder Beach

It was raining and was very windy when we reached the Vayang Rolling Hills. I was greatly captivated by the beauty of the scenery that I wanted to cry! It was surreal! Despite the blustery weather, we still managed to reach the farthest end of the rolling hills and took really great photos. Batanes, indeed, is the home of the winds. Last stop for this day’s tour was the Basco Light House. It is one of the two functioning lighthouse in the province that guides the ship at night.

: Vayang Rolling Hills

: I’m at the northern part of the country!

: I could stare at this view all day

: Sun beginning to set

: First sunset in Batanes

: Basco Lighthouse

: Spiral Staircase

: A view of the Basco town proper

: Luñis

: Vunis

: Uved

We headed back to the Lodge around 5:00 pm to freshen up and have dinner at Pension Ivatan to try their famous Luñis, their version of adobo, Vunis and Uved. It did not disappoint us at all. The next day will be a long day. Call time as per Kuya Nelson is at 6:00 am and our itinerary will be exploring the island of Sabtang!

….. to be continued

What Architecture Should Be

Posted on July 20, 2015 by deanne

Image retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2750431/It-s-sew-cold-Turning-autumn-winter-needle-thread-neat-idea-laying-roads-artist-creates-fantastic-surreal-landscapes.html

The book “Image of A City” written by Kevin Lynch is a well-written book that talks about the concepts of imageability, legibility and way-finding that contributed to urban planning, architecture and even environmental psychology its variety, importance and how the users react to it. Lynch discussed how the elements of the city are interrelated to one another that contributes to the formation of its image. He cited three cities in his study discussing the conceptual framework for the “imageability” of each one and their dynamics: Boston Massachusetts, New Jersey, and San Francisco California, which are radically different from each other. He talked about the recurring elements of the city and its interrelation and how Paths, Edge, Districts, Nodes and Landmarks affect its image. In that sense, Lynch was thinking of “Image” as a picture that is seen in the mind on different perspectives of different observers. He stated that a highly imageable city should be well-formed, distinct and remarkable. The said image is a dynamic process that does not only differ from scale but by viewpoint and time. At this point in time, cities continue to grow according to the needs of the users but the form shall not be retained as simple when it started growing, rather, it continues to grow into complicated forms that is receptive to new formation to be able to create a new image, thereby, a clear city image allows the observers to perceive it as a whole.

Upon reading the book, a formulation came in to mind about the notion of what architecture should be. Architecture should not only be perceived, it must be experienced, just like the concept in the book of Kevin Lynch, Image of the City. Perceiving buildings is a complex process. It involves sensations such as seeing and feeling, more like a perception. Good architecture must be able to communicate with the users and its built environment. Through architecture, surroundings can be created that is not only well organized but tells a story about a certain time and place with certain type of symbolism that triggers emotions, memory and sensation of the observers which give them a kinesthetic experience that they are able to enjoy. This entails taking into consideration the relationship of the individuals and their designed environment. It should be able to convey to the observers or users and their lifestyle based on their perceptions and their culture, and historical traditions of the natural setting and of the complicated functions and movements of the city world. The clearness of structures and vividness of identity are the initial stages to the development of strong symbols. This could provide a ground for the clustering and organization of these meanings and associations. Such a sense of place itself enhances every human activity that occurs there and encourages the deposit of a memory trace. Aside from that, architecture provides an environment that will enhance the sense of security for the people. More importantly, architecture, through experience, will be able to create new purpose and new meanings to the end users and observers and provide them a new way of understanding space.

Cheers!
Deanne

Structural Concepts in Architecture

Posted on December 3, 2013 by deanne

So, this is how my students do it. We learn by doing. When it comes to teaching Theory of Architecture, I always want to be ready weeks before teaching the topic. With the busy schedule that I have, I only have a few time to really be ready for my lecture. However, having handled the subject for three years already, every time I enter the classroom, it all comes down to me naturally. My train of thought is there once I get hold of the topic I get to discuss for the day. Thanks to my mentor(s) for instilling to me the wisdom in teaching this subject. One does not have to memorize to be able to get the jist of something. You just have to simply understand and you can already deliver it by heart.

For this topic, we had to tackle the Structural systems in architecture for Theory of Architecture 2. My students barely have the knowledge regarding this topic. So what we did was for them to construct a skyscraper made out of barbecue sticks and apply the simple laws of physics. Of course, they were having such a hard time pondering upon how to their skyscraper would rise. After a few trial and errors, they were able to come up with these set of amazing output.

After they have come up with their final model, we gathered around to discuss each and every output. The critiquing part is where we exchange ideas and where I conduct my lecture as well. It turned out to be a very dynamic exercise for the students for it stimulated their cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills in studying architecture. I try my very best to teach architecture wherein my students and I learn together by doing these types of activities making the study of architecture dynamic, interactive and fun!

: Messy much?

: Joma and Karl and their sticks

: Gone is the poise when working on the model

: Gerard and his Skyscraper

: Gerard and his Skyscraper

: Focused on his Model

: by Johnniel

: Fe analyzing the system

: Concentration level- 1000!

: Opalyn and her Pink skyscraper

Music and Architecture

Posted on November 28, 2013 by deanne

Music. Ahhh. One of my first loves. It actually runs in the family. Growing up, we were expected to master one or more instrument. Be it piano, violin, harp, guitar, harmonica or whatever it is that produces music. We had to regularly practice and read the solfeggio after. I remembering growing up playing the piano and my mom would be in the garden and when I hit the wrong notes, she would yell “WRONG NOTE!” or “AGAIN!” or “That’s my girl!” when I play the piece right. As I grew up, the less time I had to engage in music, except when I listen to the radio, MTV, YouTube and the likes. But as I continued to pursue my career, little did I know that music would still play a big role in creating good architecture. Good thing that in the university that I stay in now, they offer a subject in the curriculum named “Arts in Architecture”. It is actually a study on the aesthetic and creative foundation of architecture through integration of architecture and fine arts particularly literature, poetry, music and dance. It aims to poetically explore creative possibilities in engaging to the origin of the said disciplines and their architectonic translations for the students to develop an understanding of the aesthetic and creative foundation in architecture and to provide opportunities to explore creative possibilities in engaging to the rudiments of literature, poetry, music, sculpture and dance and discover the different architectural morphology through the appreciation and study of the different forms of arts and to promote poetic attitude in creating architecture and to develop competence in creating architectural works with true artistic meaning.

In the age of K-Pop or J-Pop or whatever they call it nowadays, music has somewhat lost its meaning to some of the younger generations. That is why I had to reintroduce them to one of the worlds revolutionary bands during the ’60s in the music realm, The Beatles. Who wouldn’t know John, Paul, George and Ringo?

What they had to do was to dig into the lyrics of the songs they were assigned to. They have to study its rhythm, the notes and its melody. After that, they have to think of a way to come up with an architectural sculpture that is close to their understanding of the song assigned to them.

So they have come up with the following models.

Voila! Music in Architecture- The Beatles Collection!

: “A Hard Day’s Night” – by Estephanie Agutaya

: “A Hard Day’s Night” – by Estephanie Agutaya

: “Twist and Shout” by Chester Atienza

: “Twist and Shout” by Chester Atienza

: “Twist and Shout” by Chester Atienza

: “Penny Lane” by Gerard Artemio Villaruel

: “Penny Lane” by Gerard Artemio Villaruel

: “Penny Lane” by Gerard Artemio Villaruel

: ‘Eleanor Rigby” by Jose Ma. Rueda

: ‘Eleanor Rigby” by Jose Ma. Rueda

: by Fe Galimba

: by Fe Galimba

: by Johnniel Serrano

: by Johnniel Serrano

: by Johnniel Serrano

: by Mariel Margarette Burce

World Day of Architecture 2013

Posted on October 13, 2013 by deanne

Every year, the FEATI University College of Architecture celebrates the World Day of Architecture together with all the architects not only in the country, but globally. The theme for this year’s celebration is CULTURE-ARCHITECTURE because the UIA (Union Internationale des Architectes) believes that the link of architecture and culture are constant subject of analysis and discussion and that they hope to create new ideas of interpretation and illustrations of architects’ diversity, richness, imagination and capacity for invention through their designs and realizations. Globally, architects sees as October 7, 2013 to be the official date of WAD, however, COA decided to celebrate it on Sept. 19 and 20, 2013 since it coincides with the Final examination of the University. The college prepared a line-up of speakers to talk about Culture- Architecture: Philippine Architecture as a Living Culture: Arch. Walther Ocampo, Arch. Maundelito Florendo and Arch. Joel Rico.

Day 1. September 19, 2013

The College of Architecture faculty together with the speaker facilitated a whole-day workshop entitled “Mutation- The Survival of Architecture on the Age of Pluralism” conducted by Arch. Walther Ocampo. The students were divided into 5 groups that are comprised of 1^st year to 5^th year students. The challenge was to come up with a sketch model of the Ifugao Rice Terraces made up of packline boards and then conceptualize a design derived from a traditional Ifugao House. The students have to come up with a modern design of a Ifugao House but take into consideration to maintain the original functions of the house. At the end of the workshop, each group have to present their work and explain their design and concept in front of everyone.

: Arts in Architecture Plate

: Exhibit

: Mutation- Architecture in the Age of Pluralism

: Group 2- Team Baaah

: Group 5 – Team Burton

: Arch. Walther explaining the rationale

: Group 1- Ma-i Team

: Group 3 – Team Building

: Making of the contour

: Look! We have falcon visitors!

: A visit from the Dean of COA

: Conceptualization Stage

: This is how we roll

: Group 2

: Group 1

: Group 5

: Group 3

: WAD Day 2 NBC Rules 7&8

: Arch. Joel Rico on Reviving Heritage

: Dean thanking the students

: Dean with the COA students

: Critiquing of works

: The winner- Group 1 Mai-Team!

Day 2. September 20, 2013 (morning activity)

The COA morning speaker for the day was Arch. Maundelito Florendo. Arch. Florendo, is a product of EARIST Sampaloc Manila. After a few years of practice in architecture, he entered the academe as an instructor in EARIST and Adamson University and then eventually became a Dean in EARIST College of Architecture. He is also a member of the EARIST Board of trustees. Apart from that, he is also the past president of UAP Arkizonian Chapter, now president of the PIA Quezon City Chapter president and also a lecturer at The Brown Bauhaus Studio Architecture.

Arch. Florendo discussed about the Rules 7 and 8 of the Revised IRR of PD 1096 or the National Building Code of the Philippines. The topic is very essential and timely to the students of architecture because it is one of the main subjects that is being tackled in the Architecture Board Exam. It was well- presented through a PPT presentation with step by step 2D and 3D analysis and showed a lot of mathematical computation on how to consider the lighting and ventilation system of the building, how to compute for the Maximum Building Footprint, Allowable Building Footprint, allowable building Heights and the likes. Upon discussing the data and computations, it was thoroughly explained to the students how proper lighting and ventilation affects a certain design solution with regards to building types, building requirements, design/ aesthetics and zoning.

Day 2. September 20, 2013 (afternoon activity)

The COA invited Arch. Joel V. Rico, fpia as the afternoon speaker for the WAD celebration. He is a practicing architect for 15 years and an architectural historian/author, with passion for Philippine heritage structures, history and restoration/conservation with outstanding skills in Architectural conceptualizing & designing, research and actual construction methods. He is a graduate of the National University in Manila (1993 and one of his prominent projects is the Ciudad Real de Acuzar or Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan. He is also the national president of the Philippine Institute of Architects (2011-2013). Aside from being a practicing architect, Arch. Rico is also an instructor at De La Salle University-College of Saint Benilde.

Arch. Rico shared his topic “Reviving Heritage” to the students of COA some very insightful history of some of his projects he was able to work on, discussing the features and story behind each and every house. Passionate as he is in his field of specialization, he was able to impart to the students how he was able to start anew amidst the many controversies he went through at that time and taught them the value of reviving heritage.

The students were very inspired in hearing his stories about Philippine architecture and opened a new door of opportunity to not only go into design and construction but they realized there is also a career waiting for them in the field of architecture which is heritage restoration and conservation.

Casa San Pablo Educational Field Trip 2013

Posted on October 6, 2013 by deanne

Every year, the College of Architecture of FEATI University makes it a point to go out on a field trip as part of their Great FEATI Experience or The Great COA Experience to make the study of architecture more experiential in nature and is a tool for the enhancement of creativity of the students. This year, the College of of Architecture decided to conduct an educational field trip down south of Metro Manila- Nuvali, Sta. Rosa Laguna and Casa San Pablo, Laguna.

Living up to the thrust of the College of Architecture which is achieving sustainable and green architecture, the college went to Nuvali located in Sta. Rosa Laguna which one of the pioneers of sustainable planning development of the country. Some of the features of the place are as follows:

– Largest sustainable community in the country.
– The planning of the place promotes healthy and active lifestyle.
– The workspaces are integrated in the environment.
– It transforms the work landscape optimizing productivity and efficiency.
– Social, Environmental and Economic stability wherein facilities are creatively designed tort the needs of business while nourishing harmony, balance and interconnection between individual and communities, human interface and natural landscape.

: Nuvali, nuvali but you.

: Here fishy fishy!

: Nuvali 01

: Nuvali 02

: Nuvali 03

: Bike for fresh air

: errr… worms?

: Walkathon

: Timber decking

: Mr. Detail 🙂

: Penster

: Walkathon again

: Urban art

: More walking!

: Reminds me of Villa Savoye

: Villa Savoye-esque

: Concrete+ Glass + Steel = modern

: Explaining green

: Green is happiness!

: Lines

: Contrast of line

: Retaining wall

: Action star?

: Contrast of texture

: My babies.

: Paeng!

The second destination was at Casa San Pablo. It is a bed and breakfast country inn situated in a corner of San Pablo Laguna family compounds. It is owned by a couple, avid art collector and hobby enthusiast Boots Alcantara and his wife, An Alcantara, a writer and a magazine editor.

Casa San Pablo is designed in a very eclectic manner as majority if the furniture and elements are made or collected by the couple themselves which they gathered from the places they have travelled to. It is said that the aim of Casa San Pablo is for people to appreciate the small things and make you feel at home. Since the couple are frequent travellers and is a fan of bed and breakfast lodging, they had the idea that they wanted people to go their place and make the guests feel at home and that they experience the kind of hospitality they had from the places they’ve been to. On almost every corner of the Casa, there is a story behind it that makes it much more interesting.

What makes Casa San Pablo special is that it is a place where people from the city can regain their connection with nature and develop more sense of creativity. It is one of these places wherein you just want to let your inner creativity let loose. Art, sculpture (pottery making), poetry making, photography and music are just some of the things that you can do in the Casa that can boost your creativity.

Creativity is one of the important ingredients in taking up architecture that is why the students of the College of Architecture enjoyed the trip at Casa San Pablo for they felt that they have renewed they passion for the arts and of course, architecture for they had the opportunity to visit some of the rooms, each with different design approach, concepts and themes.

The field trip that took place this day helped develop their critical thinking and observation as well for some of them were asking the faculty and the tour guide many questions regarding the design i.e. Their take on eclecticism versus modern minimalist concept, details versus urban scale appreciation, simple landscaping versus massive urban scape, intimate versus social scale and the likes.

In conclusion, having field trips as such helps the students in developing their design skills and critical thinking because they are able to visually and physically experience the place itself. Immersing themselves in new places and new experience aids in the discovery and appreciation of what architecture really is.

visit their website for more info:

www.casasanpablo.com and www.nuvali.ph

Las Islas Filipinas de Acuzar 2013

Posted on April 17, 2013 by deanne

The FEATI University College of Architecture conducts field trips twice a year. This year, the college conducted a field trip at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac Bataan and Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan.

First stop was at Mt. Samat, Pilar Bataan. The students got the chance to visit one of the historical sites of the Philippines which is the Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) and got to know its role in the history of the country. They also got to see and the Memorial Cross which was is a sign of courage and heroism of the Filipino soldiers during the WW2. Because of this, the COA students were able to grasp the idea of how to design a massive monument that portrays solemnity, honor and valor.

(Click to enlarge image)

The second stop was at the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar at Bagac Bataan. The aim of the said tour was to educate the students of COA about architectural heritage conservation and appreciation of Philippine Architecture during the 18^th century up to the early 20^th Century.

It is a hands-on experience for the COA students as well as the faculty to be able to immerse themselves in an old town Philippine setting wherein they are able to meticulously study the architectural components of the several old houses that were showcased in the heritage resort.

During the trip, a tour guide was provided to be able to appreciate more of what the resort has to offer. It was explained to the college about the history of each and every house in the area. After the guided tour, the students were again convened by the faculty to discuss thoroughly on the missing aspects that the tour guide was not able to tackle, in terms of architectural aspects. It was explained to them on the old construction methods, material and the planning methods used in during the Spanish colonial era.

Tip: Try to look for Dexter the tour guide.

What was interesting about the tour was the students was able to develop critical thinking, because all of the houses were transferred from one province to the said resort, therefore, the students could not help but think if this is a good move, as the house loses its authenticity upon dismantling it and then reassembling it at the site.

All in all, this was a very good opportunity for the students and faculty to be able to learn more about pre-colonial houses and most importantly, about Filipino architecture.

If it’s not Baroque, don’t fix it!

Posted on May 5, 2012 by deanne

Cogsworth: As you can see, the pseudo-façade was stripped away to reveal the minimalist Rococo design. Note the unusual inverted vaulted ceilings.
[as he, Lumiere, and Belle walk past the knights in armor, they turn their heads to follow them]
Cogsworth: This is yet another example of the late neoclassic Baroque period. And, as I always say, “If it’s not Baroque, don’t fix it!”
[notices the knights with their heads turned]
Cogsworth: As you were!
[the knights turn their heads back forward]

-The Beauty and the Beast (1991)

I developed my interest in architecture eversince I was still a kid by watching cartoons and by tagging along my mom whenever she has to go somewhere related to her work. It was my idea of fun. While my mom was on business, I would go around the area checking on the structure and I find myself enjoying the view up to the littlest detail. Little did I know, I get to have a few friends from the place also! From there on, I got to establish my curiosity in architecture and interior design.

When I do my design work, I can honestly say that I am into modern minimalist concepts. I admire its simplicity and functionality. However, I also on the other hand, appreciate classical design. As people say, I am an old soul. When it comes to the classics, I really am into baroque style.

Baroque style evolved in Rome during the 16th Century falling under one of the renaissance phases. Characteristic of the Baroque architecture includes the following: Chiaroscuro (use of light and shade to produce dramatic effect), High frescoed ceiling, use of trompe l’oeil and the blending of painting and architecture, Fragmentary or deliberately incomplete architectural elements, external façade often characterized by a dramatic central projection, etc.

I was first introduced to this type of design from the movie “Beauty and the Beast”, and I had no idea then that it was called as such.