Feature Stories - Filipina Architect Magazine

: May 24, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Restoring Faith and Heritage: The St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Project

In the heart of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, the majestic silhouette of the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral has long stood as a symbol of enduring faith, cultural pride, and architectural grace. With time and wear slowly eroding its structural integrity and visual grandeur, the call for a comprehensive restoration and revitalization effort was both timely and necessary. Rising to the challenge, JLP Rivas Architects & Associates, led by principal architect…

: May 12, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Humor, Heritage, and a Heart for Home: How “Sub-Saharan Mindanaoans” Left a Lasting Mark After Philbex Davao

When the lights dimmed and the crowd thinned at the close of Philbex Davao 2025, the echoes of architectural innovation and creative discourse lingered in the halls. But one exhibit, nestled amid the polished booths and grand design statements, struck a different chord—less about spectacle and more about soul. It was a curious blend of laughter, layered identity, and social commitment, wrapped in a title that made visitors do a…

: May 5, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Following the Blueprint: Architect Fiel Margeau Espina – Reventar’s Journey Through Legacy, Design, and Purpose

For some, the calling to architecture begins with a spark—a love for drawing, a fascination with space, a dream nurtured from childhood. But for Architect Fiel Margeau Espina – Reventar, the journey began with something quieter: a gentle nudge from her father, a legacy too deeply rooted to ignore, and the quiet decision to follow a path already walked by those she loved most. She didn’t always dream of becoming…

: April 14, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Women Who Build the Nation: Honoring the 10 Female Architects of the 50 Notable Awardees

As the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) marks its golden jubilee, it celebrates not just half a century of excellence in architecture, but the individuals who have helped define, shape, and transform the profession. Among the 50 Notable Architects Awardees recognized during this historic 50th anniversary, several visionary women stand out—not only for their technical brilliance but for their commitment to using architecture as a platform for advocacy, innovation,…

: April 14, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Sacred Pilgrimage: 10 Must-Visit Churches in the Philippines During Holy Week

Holy Week in the Philippines is a deeply revered tradition, blending centuries-old Catholic rituals with vibrant local customs. For many Filipinos, the season is not only a time of reflection and penance, but also an opportunity to go on a spiritual journey—most famously through the practice of Visita Iglesia, or the visiting of seven or more churches. Across the archipelago, grand cathedrals, historic basilicas, and quiet countryside chapels open their…

: April 14, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Borderless and Bold: UAP NATCON 50 Celebrates 50 Years of Transformative Architecture

In April 2025, the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) marked a golden milestone with its 50th National Convention—NATCON 50. Held from April 7 to 12 at the SMX Convention Center, the event gathered thousands of Filipino and international architects under the unifying theme: “Borderless.” More than a celebration, NATCON 50 was a call for global collaboration, redefined design frontiers, and architecture that resonates across boundaries—cultural, technological, and ideological. A…

: April 2, 2025 : Filipina Architect : 0

Featured Project: The Proposed Datu Lacsasa Masjid by Abdul Rafi Deron M. Pangandaman

In the heart of Marawi City, within the province of Lanao del Sur, an ambitious architectural endeavor is being envisioned—The Datu Lacsasa Masjid. Proposed as a legacy project for the descendants of Sultan H. Ibrahim “Lacsasa” Sango Deron, this mosque is designed to become a testament to faith, heritage, and unity. The vision behind this sacred structure, conceptualized by architect Abdul Rafi Deron M. Pangandaman, is deeply rooted in the…

: April 2, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Must-See Mosques in the Philippines: A Tour of Sacred Landmarks

List of Famous Mosques in the Philippines The Philippines, a predominantly Christian country, is also home to a significant Muslim population, primarily in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. As a result, several stunning mosques have been built across the country, each with its own cultural and historical significance. Here is a list of some of the most famous mosques in the Philippines: 1. Grand Mosque of Cotabato (Sultan Haji Hassanal…

: March 24, 2025 : Gracie Li : 0

Why RA 10066 (The Heritage Law) Actually Makes Daily Life Better

Let’s be honest—when we hear the word “heritage,” most of us immediately think: old buildings, dusty museums, antique stuff only history nerds care about. But surprise! Our heritage isn’t just some throwback thing from the past—it’s something that makes our everyday lives a whole lot richer, cooler, and even more livable. Thanks to RA 10066, also known as the National Cultural Heritage Act, we’re starting to realize that preserving our…