20/10/2026
๐๐ฅ๐๐ข ๐ก๐๐ช๐ฆ | Where Design Meets Purpose: UPHSD Calamba Celebrates World Architecture Day
By Vylotte Tapia and Elieza Acueza
The College of Architecture of UPHSDโCalamba Campus celebrated its annual World Architecture Day with the theme, "AEDIS: Where Place Finds Its Purpose", on October 15, 2026 at EMC.
The event began in the campus main lobby with an opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting, joined by School Director Dr. Ernesto Ramirez, Technology Cluster Dean Engr. Jerome Refran, Program Chair Ar. Larry Osacdin, UAP Laguna Past President Ar. Philip Reginald Lai, and the Top 1 and and Top 5 of Best Thesis of S.Y. '25-'26, Ivan Pua and Mae France Belando which officially marked the opening of the Archxibit, a design exhibition featuring the works of Perpetualite architecture students and the Top 5 students in architectural design research. The exhibition displayed creative plates, design concept boards, and the stories behind their obras. Students from other college departments passing through the main lobby viewed the architecture students' masterpieces. Some joined the coloring activity prepared in the exhibit area.
The celebration continued at EMC, where guest speaker Ar. Philip Reginald Lai delivered a talk and participated in an interactive question-and-answer session with the students. He emphasized that architecture is not only about designing buildings but also about social responsibility. He explained that architects must consider people's needs and how their designs affect society. โThe role of architecture is to make life better,โ he shared at the end of his discussion, attributed to Alejandro Alavena. This reflects how architecture aims to improve people's lives through functional and well-designed spaces.
Part of the event was also a quick presentation of Top 5 Students Best in Thesis of S.Y. 2025-2026, naming Ivan Pua, Chloe Falcotelo, Allan Baldicanas, Angelo Albo, and Mae France Beland, sharing their journey of making their design research. In a close interview with them, they shared some advice for the architecture students, Ivan Pua, the Top 1 advised to be more creative in planning an architectural research while Mae Belando, the Top 5, shared to think of better ways to improve ourselves and surround ourselves with good people. โHuwag kayong mabuhay sa expectation ng iba. Always compare yourself sa sarili mo lang din [dahil] โyon โyong magiging inspiration mo narating mo na pala dati [na] akala mo dati hindi mo kayaโ, Allen Baldicanas, the top 3 shared. โHuwag kayong susuko dahil babalikan niyo rin naman kapag bumagsak kayoโ, Angelo Albo, the Top 4, added as he reminded the current fifth-year architecture students. โHuwag kayong matakot na mag-explore ng something unique. May whole year kayo para mag-research, so doon niyo ilaan โyong time niyo [dahil โyon โyong magiging card niyo sa final defense]. Kung sa tingin niyo hindi niyo madedefend, hindi, binigyan kayo ng buong taon para i-solve โyong problem, so โwag kayong matakot, Chloe Falcotelo, Chloe Falcotelo, the Top 2, said as she closed the final interview.
As the celebration continued in the afternoon, Ms. Hannah Patricia Centeno shared insights in diving through the architectural profession. She discussed the sacrifices required to succeed, the lessons she learned throughout her academic and professional journey, and the challenges students may face as they enter the field. Her discussion gave aspiring architects a better understanding of the profession and the importance of dedication and perseverance.
Meanwhile, Arkilatisin, a thesis consultation session for fifth-year architecture students, was held at the EMC. During the session, students presented their architectural design research and received feedback from some professional architects of United Architect of the Philippines - Laguna who were invited to be part of the celebration. Present architects in the consultation session are Ar. Joymarie Barcelona-Raรฑola, Ar. Arniel Idos, Ar. Glen Romero, Ar. Analyn De Salit-Corpus, Ar. Manny Donna Banatin, Ar. Jay Hendrix Bathan, Ar. Jose Angelo Lagman. The consultation session helped them review their concepts and identify areas for improvement in their thesis projects.
While the thesis consultation was ongoing at the EMC, the Amazing Race also took place around the campus. Participants from first-year to fourth-year formed groups and competed by completing tasks assigned by station leaders at different stations. The activity encouraged teamwork, communication, and cooperation among students.
The celebration concluded allowing Perpetualite architecture students to learn from professionals, present their work, and participate in activities with their fellow students.
๐ธ: Grazielle Gasco, Desiree Oliver, Zildjian Villaflor, Tristan Garcia, and Maryrose Loyola
