ANTHOLOGY: ARCHITECTURAL FESTIVAL

When ex-president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada asked the question: "Nakakain ba ang Heritage?" The heritage advocates definitely weren't amused! The dilemma to save a building or completely restore it with a new one was thrust into the consciousness of people who have actually taken it for granted that architecture has stood as mute witnesses to major historical upheavals.

wood working seminar by Escuella Taller

Given that premise, I was delighted to learn that an Architectural Festival was going to be held at the Plaza Roma in Intramuros for an entire weekend. The scheduled dates were 17-19 June, 2016. I actually took the initiative to register online despite the fact that I am not an architect and was mildly surprised that my request was granted. You see, I am fascinated with buildings that have character. The older the better. I have very little knowledge of how buildings are erected but I appreciate the history that goes into a living, breathing space.

Arch Jeffrey of Escuela Taller giving masonry pointers to a  participant

I missed the opening but made an effort to go on the second day. I am glad I did. My first stop was at the registration booth. I got a confirmation text from an Architect Kevin Bacalla for my attendance on the opening day. The second day roster did not include my name in the list. But to their credit, they welcomed me anyway. I headed towards the tents to observe the events happening on that hot afternoon. I was glad to find Escuela Taller (Spanish pronunciation, please; talyer). There was one young lady trying to experience masonry: chipping away at a block of adobe doing her best to keep the plane as level as humanly possible. Architect Jeffrey was giving her pointers on how to attack the problem of protrusions on the adobe by hitting a chisel from a different angle.

jampacked forum on Critical Thinking

Another booth had a young architect giving a lecture to a huge group of students about work he has accomplished. His audience was caught up in the symposium. despite the air coolers in the half open tent. I eventually sought my refuge in my recent haunt... The Book Stop! It's a small kiosk of shelves filled with books and a bench and some stools that is open to the public. It was first introduced to the public in Glorietta in Makati, then moved to Plaza Roma. You'll find it somewhere in San Juan next. The rule is anyone can stop by, pick a book that interests him/her and spend the time reading. People are allowed to take books but replace it with another one. some brochures are free for the taking. Magazines? Take your pick! One can also donate unwanted books rather than throw them away. I've frequented this reading "room" a couple of times while waiting for my guests so it wasn't new to me.

Tosot Pavilion display

Manila Cathedral Restoration plans

Another pavilion had scale models and related material regarding restoration. It showed projects that have been completed as well as over-sized prints of new design blending in with the heritage structures. This was the pavilion was sponsored by Tosot.and it featured Intimate Architecture. Students were milling around and viewing great photos,,, i espied a visitor that was so comfortable with his surroundings I let him do his thing... a sleeping cat!

It was there I was entertained by a young lady. As it turns out, she is an architectural student on an apprenticeship with WTA (Architecture+design studio) the company spearheading the festival. She tried to introduce me to the company owner, a young architect named William T. Ti, but he had Singaporean guests he had to entertain so I ended up with another young architect tasked to head the whole event. Manolo Guanzon graduated from an architectural degree from the University of Santo Tomas and is also connected with WTA. Since this is the maiden festival, I forgive Manolo some of the oversight for planning a massive festival. 

The Book Stop

I even ran into a colleague at the CCP who gave Manolo his two cents worth as far as events were concerned. The event would have gone on until evening but I was too tired. So I headed home to prepare for another adventure the very next day... 

Architect Manolo Guanzon, event head

I look at events like this and I hope they get enough success to merit another next year... and hopefully, WTA spends extra money to make it a yearly summer event. This is an advocate's dream! With #AnthologyFestival, the preservation of our heritage looks bright!

Head Honcho Architect William Ti