THE NATIONAL

ARTISTS OF THE
PHILIPPINES FOR
ARCHITECTURE
 Philippine architecture is unique in that
it reflects its cultural heritage and the
demand to adapt to its environment.
Surveying the architectural styles in the
country reveals varieties that range from
traditional Filipino dwelling, the bahay
kubo, which is a small one-room hut built
using light woven materials, to modern
and stylish architectural designs that you
usually see in urbanized areas.
BIG IDEA
Philippine architecture
reflects the country’s
cultural heritage and
need to adapt to the
environment.
 The architecture of the Philippines reflects its
history and tradition. Churches and mosques
across the country, as well as buildings in the
metropolitan and rural areas have risen in
response to the growing demands of the
Filipinos. Moreover, the country is home to the
best-preserved planned Spanish colonial town
in Asia. During 300 years of Spanish
colonization, architecture in the country was
subjected to Spanish influences. The friars built
several grand churches all over the country
that continue to stand today.
 But who are the brilliant minds behind
the famous buildings and grand
skyscrapers in the country that you love?
There are many Filipino architects who
normally do not get the admiration unlike
other artists. Nevertheless, their talents
have immeasurable effect on all of us in
the long term. The following are four of the
best Filipino architects that have paved
the way for creative design and have
become leaders in this form of artistry.
National Artists
for Architecture
 Pablo S. Antonio
1901-1975
Year of Conferment: 1976
Pablo S. Antonio is one of the leaders in
modern Philippine architecture. His works
are simple and functional. Most of his
designs used clean and smooth lines. If he
used curves, these were made integral to
the structure. Moreover, Antonio’s forms
maximized the use of natural light and cross
ventilation.
Some of his famous projects include
the Far Eastern University Administration
and Science buildings, Manila Polo
Club, Ideal Theater, Lyric Theatre,
Galaxy Theatre, Capitan Luis Gonzaga
Building, White Cross Orphanage,
Boulevard-Alhambra (now Bel-Air)
apartments, and Ramon Roces
Publications Building (now the Guzman
Institute of Electronics).
BIG IDEA
Modest and functional
architecture can be seen in
the use of clean, smooth
lines and the utility of light
and ventilation.
 Leandro V. Locsin
1928-1994
Year of Conferment: 1990
Are you familiar with the Istana Nurul Iman? It is the
place of the Sultan of Brunei which has a floor area
of almost 2.2 million square feet. Leandro V. Locsin is
the visionary behind this majestic structure. He also
has changed the city with his distinguishing
architecture reflective of the Philippine art and
culture. His style of floating volume, and the duality of
light and heavy is unparalleled with other artists.
 With the span of 30 years, Locsin has
produced 75 residences and 88 buildings,
which include 11 churches and chapels, 23
public buildings, 48 commercial buildings,
six major hotels, and an airport terminal
building. The CCP Complex with all five
buildings – the Cultural Center of the
Philippines, The Folk Arts Theater , the
Philippine International Convention Center,
the Phil-CITE, and the Westin Hotel are all
credited to Locsin’s unequalled talent.
 Juan F. Nakpil
1899-1986
Year of Conferment: 1973
Juan F. Nakpil is another famous Filipino architect
that you should be proud of. He had a strong faith in
the Filipino architect, with the “belief that there is a
such a thing as Philippine Architecture, espousing
architecture reflective of Philippine traditions and
culture.” He designed the 1937 International
Eucharistic Congress altar and reconstructed Quiapo
Church in 1930. The additional dome and a second
belfry can be credited to his brilliant artist.
 Nakpil is also known as the artistic mind
behind the Geronimo de los Reyes
Building, Magsaysay Building, Rizal
Theatre, Capitol Theatre, Captain Pepe
Building, Manila Jockey Club, Rufino
Building, Philippine Village Hotel, University
of the Philippines Administration Building
(Quezon Hall) and University Library
(Gonzalez Hall), and the reconstructed
Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna.
 Ildefonso P. Santos, Jr.
1929-2014
Year of Conferment: 2006
Ildefonso Paez Santos, Jr. is one of
the most recognized landscape
architects in the country. Landscape
architecture enhances outdoor public
spaces, landmarks, and structures by
contouring the environment.
 He grew up in Malabon, and his first
contribution in the industry can be found in the
busy streets of Makati. If you visit the Makati
Commercial Center, the concept of outdoor
shopping with landscaped walks, fountains
and sculptures as accents is the product of
Santos’s clever ideas. Some of his famous works
include the prominent landscapes in Paco
Park, Tagaytay Highlands Resort, the Mt.
Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa,
Batangas, and Orchard Golf and Country Club
in Imus, Cavite.
BIG IDEA
Landscape architecture is
usually done by contouring
the environment to
enhance the appearance
of a certain place.
 Jose Maria Zaragoza
1912-1994
Year of Conferment: 2014
Jose Maria Zaragoza is an
architecture graduate from the
University of Santo Tomas. He is the
country’s 82nd licensed architect.
 The head of the National Committee on
Architecture and Allied Arts of the NCCA,
Gerard Lico, lauds Zaragoza’s works to have
“advanced the progressive ideas of modernism
in rebuilding the Philippines from the ashes of
war in the mid-20th century.” His works include
St. John Bosco Parish in Makati City, Santo
Domingo Church in Quezon City, National
Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, Meralco
Building, Greenhills Shopping Center and the
restructuring of the Quiapo Church interior.
 ESSENTIAL LEARNING
From the humble bahay kubo to the towering
skyscrapers in the city, the high-level craftsmanship of
Filipino architects are truly to be admired. Pablo S.
Antonio, Leandro V. Locsin, Juan F. Nakpil, Jose Maria
Zaragoza and Ildefonso P. Santos are just some of the
most dedicated and talented architects that Filipinos
can be proud of. Their brilliant contemporary designs
truly represent the country’s history, culture and
environment. These famous artists have been
recognized by the NCCA and the CCP for their
contributions to the industry.