Honoring the Past Philippines’ Architects and their Legacy
Do you still remember the names of the architects in the Philippines who lived in the past? It may not seem a matter of importance to you or the future generation but their works helped shaped our cultural identity. They are the living proof of the remnants of our heritage throughout the years. Remembering the names of those who you do not interact with in a regular basis is understandably not an easy task. This is despite the fact that they were attributed as icons in Philippine history like Juan M. Arellano, the Renaissance man; Tomas B. Mapua, the first registered architect in the Philippines; and Juan Nakpil, the National Artist for Architecture in 1973.
On the other hand, the buildings designed by these well-known architects in the Philippines are impossible to forget. How can you forget something you can actually lay your eyes on? The Metropolitan Theater and Legislative Building of Arellano; Centro Escolar University and Manila Post Office Building of Mapua; and the Quiapo Church and the University of the Philippines-Diliman Administration Building of Nakpil.
But we can’t deny the sad reality that some of us can only see it as, well, plain buildings. A building made from concrete, steel, wood, or glass—nothing more, nothing less. Others just look at it on the surface, and strip it away of its cultural and historical significance, intentionally or not.
The worst fate that these structures end up facing is being demolished or destroyed. It could be because we see it unfit for the so-called development of the place, not even realizing that we have to sacrifice an important piece of our cultural identity for the sake of commercialization and modernization. That or it became a collateral damage during war which is inevitable and uncontrollable once it fell in the enemy’s hands.
Either way, it is not only the buildings that were taken for granted but also the great minds behind it: the past architects in the Philippines. Examples of old buildings that don’t exist anymore are the Rizal Theater in Makati; Avenue Theater in Rizal Avenue; La Insular Cigar and Cigarette Factory in Binondo; and the Y.M.C.A. (Young Men’s Christian Association) Building in Manila. Today, it is now occupied by a mall, a bank, a restaurant or a hotel.
Is it because it is an old, forgotten structure we’re going to sentence it with a wrecking ball just to give way to a country’s progress? Why don’t we follow the examples of Egypt, India, Cambodia, Italy and Greece? Their famous historical landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza, Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat, Colosseum, and Acropolis of Athens have been around hundreds or thousands of years. Even though the designers and builders remain unknown up to this day, each of these still stand tall waiting to amaze future generations. We are lucky we know who are responsible for designing or constructing our own structures, and they could serve as an inspiration to the budding architects in the Philippines.
This only proves the past can coincide with progress, akin to a diverse evolving ecosystem where everyone can live and grow together. Moreover, the historical buildings or monuments are the only legacy we can leave behind that defines who we are. It is as unique as a signature—our country’s signature we can present to the world.
On the other hand, the buildings designed by these well-known architects in the Philippines are impossible to forget. How can you forget something you can actually lay your eyes on? The Metropolitan Theater and Legislative Building of Arellano; Centro Escolar University and Manila Post Office Building of Mapua; and the Quiapo Church and the University of the Philippines-Diliman Administration Building of Nakpil.
 |
Source: outoftownblog.com
|
But we can’t deny the sad reality that some of us can only see it as, well, plain buildings. A building made from concrete, steel, wood, or glass—nothing more, nothing less. Others just look at it on the surface, and strip it away of its cultural and historical significance, intentionally or not.
The worst fate that these structures end up facing is being demolished or destroyed. It could be because we see it unfit for the so-called development of the place, not even realizing that we have to sacrifice an important piece of our cultural identity for the sake of commercialization and modernization. That or it became a collateral damage during war which is inevitable and uncontrollable once it fell in the enemy’s hands.
Either way, it is not only the buildings that were taken for granted but also the great minds behind it: the past architects in the Philippines. Examples of old buildings that don’t exist anymore are the Rizal Theater in Makati; Avenue Theater in Rizal Avenue; La Insular Cigar and Cigarette Factory in Binondo; and the Y.M.C.A. (Young Men’s Christian Association) Building in Manila. Today, it is now occupied by a mall, a bank, a restaurant or a hotel.
 |
| Source: flickr / Presidential Museum and Library PH (2010-2016)’s |
 |
Source: nationsonline.org
|
what a wonderful blog. I love the design of the house in the Philippines. Philippines Architects are the best in designing a house and buildings. Especially the architects in the past. Thumbs up.
ReplyDelete