The history and culture of the Philippines are reflected in its architectural heritage, in the dwellings of its
various people, in churches and mosques, and in the building that have risen in response to the
demands of progress and aspiration of the people.
How does this justify the point of Filipinos having their Architecture? These could be influenced by other
cultures as well and originally the Philippines did not have churches and mosques. The true natural
Filipinos were tribes’ men who believed in another religion that does not have any form of structure. It
really depends on the timeline you put into perspective to be able to prove if that the Filipino
Architecture does exist.
Although Philippine Architecture is varied in influence with other cultures. And with existence of linear
skyscrapers in our modern setting I still believe that we have still intact the Filipino culture in our
buildings and our historic buildings. Since I believe that these architectural marvels are a contrast to our
previous architectural ideas.
How does the modern-day structures such as skyscrapers coincide with the Filipino Architecture? What is
the basis of this in which we could see a distinct character in a building that could consider it as an
example of Filipino Architecture? There are numerous international Architectural styles that have distinct
characters into them usually comes from a historical or religious influence such as the known “Tori Gate”
of Japan or for example the “Pagoda” which involves Buddhist Architecture that could exist in countries
who have Buddhism in their religion.
I would like to say that the bahay kubo is the basis of some of buildings here in the Philippines. One of
the characteristics of the bahay kubo is that it was designed with heat, humidity and floods in mind. As
we all know that they are built from the ground with stilts in order to withstand these conditions that
are frequent here in the Philippines.
Another example that I would like to state is the Torogan house which is also a house that traces back to
our roots. During the time it was a symbol of social a status which was a home to some of our Datus.
Similar to the Bahay kubo, the Torogan is also elevated but its stilts are cuts from trees from huge girths.
Apart from the structural design the aesthetic of the house was designed with flowing geometries
representing the Maranao design. I still think that this is still evidence that there is a Philippine
Architecture in our roots.
How would you testify these “Bahay Kubo” as the sole proprietor of the Filipino Architecture? How does
this branch out into an Architecture that goes beyond the timeline where in these structures were built?
In the modern setting although we have modernized our buildings with vertical and large mass concrete
we I think that the essence of the Filipino architecture was still put into mind here. Buildings such as the
CCP complex were designed with the aesthetic exterior of the bahay kubo in mind while integrating
modern elements in our progressing society. Coconut palace is another example that is representing our
Filipino culture. The design of the represents the salakot which is a traditional headgear in the
Philippines. The suites of the second floor represents several regions in our country each of these suites
represents the materials that these regions produce.
To conclude we may have been heavily influenced by various nationalities and styles due to the
colonialization of our country but the Philippines has rich roots that we can serve as inspiration for the
future.
CCP was designed with the “Bahay Kubo” in mind. However, if you define architecture, it is the art and
science of designing buildings and it is also the style of design and method of constructing buildings and
other physical aspects. If we specify the Cultural Center of the Philippines as part of Filipino Architecture,
and relating it to the definition of architecture itself, yes it was designed by a Filipino Architect. However,
the style of design and method constructing it as you have said in the ancient houses in the Philippines, is
different. Taking note that method of construction of bahay kubo is depending on bamboo/kawayan and
banded together by tree strings and the CCP architectural style which is mostly inspired from
International style, hence the rectilinear forms, plain, rigid surfaces and glass. Which completely loses
the essence of “Philippine Architecture”.
