Dolores “Dolly” Quimbo Perez, affectionately known as Dolly, holds the distinguished title of the first female landscape architect in the Philippines. Her pioneering efforts alongside contemporaries like Ildefonso P. Santos in the early 1960s laid the foundation for landscape architecture as a recognized profession in the country. Over a prolific career spanning five decades, Dolly’s contributions encompassed the design of numerous private gardens, commercial spaces, parks, and plazas, significantly shaping the Philippine landscape.
Early Life and Education
Born in Manila, Dolly pursued a Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the University of Santo Tomas, graduating in 1957. Recognizing the scarcity of professionals in landscape architecture within the Philippines, the then-dean, architect-planner Angel Nakpil, encouraged her to specialize in this field. Heeding this advice, Dolly earned her Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1962. This academic journey immersed her in modernist landscape design principles, influenced by luminaries such as James Rose, Garrett Eckbo, and Dan Kiley.
Notable Projects and Design Philosophy
Dolly’s design philosophy centered on harmoniously blending indoor and outdoor spaces, reflecting the modernist ethos of functionalism and simplicity. Her projects often featured clean lines, open spaces, and an integration of natural elements, creating environments that were both aesthetically pleasing and functional. One of her early significant commissions was the transformation of Luneta into Rizal Park, where she applied her U.S. training to develop a modern park characterized by expansive lawns, sculptural fountains, and well-designed playgrounds.
Beyond Rizal Park, Dolly’s portfolio includes the design of the Nicanor Reyes Memorial Square in collaboration with National Artist for Visual Arts Vicente Manansala, the landscaping of the Dambana ng Kagitingan in Mount Samat, Bataan, and the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. She also contributed to the development of Silay Park in Negros Occidental, the Children’s Park at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Taal Vista Lodge in Tagaytay, the Meralco Compound in Pasig, and the Manila Polo Club in Makati.
In the early 1990s, the Intramuros Administration commissioned Dolly to redesign Plaza Moriones in Intramuros. Her redesign, completed in 1993, transformed the space into a garden featuring flora typical of 19th-century gardens. The plaza’s walkways and low walls were framed in natural adobe and brick, aligning with the historical aesthetics of Intramuros.
Advocacy and Professional Development as the First Female Landscape Architect in the Philippines
Dolly was instrumental in elevating landscape architecture as a profession in the Philippines. In 1977, she founded the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA) and served as its president, championing initiatives that brought the profession to public attention and allied professionals. Her advocacy efforts culminated in the enactment of a law recognizing and regulating the practice of landscape architecture through the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Academic Contributions and Mentorship
From 1978 to 1987, Dolly imparted her knowledge to future generations as a faculty member at the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Architecture, teaching both undergraduate and graduate programs in landscape architecture. She served as the department chair from 1983 to 1985, emphasizing holistic human development, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of self-awareness in creative expression. Her mentorship nurtured the growth of the second and third generations of Filipino landscape architects, earning her the endearing title of “Mother of Philippine Landscape Architecture.”
Publications and Legacy
Dolly’s passion for integrating indoor and outdoor living extended to her writings. She authored two books: “Home Haven Heaven” (2007), discussing planning and building one’s dream house, and “Your Garden, Your Eden” (2009), exploring how plants can transform and bring life to domestic spaces. These publications reflect her deep understanding of residential space and functions, both indoor and outdoor, stemming from her background in both architecture and landscape architecture.
Personal Life
Beyond her professional achievements, Dolly was a devoted mother to six children and a loving wife to Spanky Perez. Her grace and elegant fortitude were evident in both her private and professional life, making her a steadying presence to her family and the broader professional community.
References:
Website article:
Alcazaren, P. (n.d.). Dolly Perez: The first lady of landscape architecture. The Philippine STAR. Retrieved from https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/456041-dolly-perez-the-first-lady-of-landscape-architecture?page=4
Medina, R. (2019, March 29). These 7 women are the pioneers of Philippine design. ANCX. Retrieved from https://www.abs-cbn.com/ancx/style/style-profile/03/29/19/these-7-women-are-the-pioneers-of-philippine-design
Books by Dolly Perez:
Perez, D. Q. (2007). Home haven heaven. Paragon Printing Corporation.
Perez, D. Q. (2009). Your garden, your Eden. [Manila]: Dolly Q. Perez.