CHAPTER I

The Problem and Its Setting

1.1

Introduction
Primer de Fuego is a Spanish word which means the First of Fire, a fire that

symbolizes the birth of the first patriotic icon which started the revolt against the Spanish
regime.
Dr. Jose Rizal was born on June 19, 1861 and died at the age of 35 on
December 30, 1896. Rizal spent his early years in Calamba, Laguna. From an early age,
Jose showed a precocious intellect. He learned the alphabet from his mother at the age
of three (3), and could read and write at the age of five (Szczepanzki, 2016).
The home town of Rizal, Calamba, played a major role in the Philippine history
and yet, there are a few places in Calamba to commemorate its historical value. Two of
these establishments are the Rizal Shrine located along Mercado Street and Rizal Street
in Calambas Poblacion 5 and the tallest Rizal Monument located at The Plaza in front of
the Calamba City hall along Bacnotan Road.
The Rizal Shrine is a reproduction of the two-story, Spanish-Colonial style house.
The house is designated as a National Shrine (Level 1) by the National Historical
Commission of the Philippines. It is a typical rectangular bahay na bato, a reminiscent of
upper-class Filipino homes built during the Spanish Colonial Era (Zaide & Zaide, 1997).
According to the reviews of different persons posted at the website of Trip
Advisor (www.tripadvisor.com), Rizal Shrine is the main tourist attraction in Calamba. It
houses several writings of Rizal and other historical relics. However, others claimed that
various alterations have been made including the repainting of the house and that the
shrine is small. Respondents also said that the officials were having a hard time
controlling the volume and the behavior of the visitors.

Thus his proposal entitled Museo Primer de Fuego (Museum of the First of Fire)
will be added to house the citys historical culture and arts as well as its future
endeavors. The proposed museum will focus on various microclimates to help the
preservation of is artifacts. It will also cater ecotourism and provide amenities such as
multi-purpose convention center, restaurant, artisans village, and the like.
1.2

Background of the Study

Calamba is constrained on the east by Laguna de Bay one of the largest inland

waters in Asia. It is demarcated by Cabuyao on the northern part. It is adjacent to Los

Baos on the southern portion. The western part on the other side brings the city near to
the towns of Tanauan and Sto. Tomas Batangas
As hometown of the countrys national hero, Calambas role in the history can
never be revoked nor discounted. It is the tourist prime attraction, both local and foreign.
Moreover, the label Hot Spring Capital of the Philippines brought additional personality
and now considered a tourist haven of Laguna.
To uplift more the tourism industry, the following programs and projects are
considered: the development of heritage tourism, promotion of tourism circuit,
development of tourism related establishments, development of hot spring district,
identification of tourism development sites are expected to keep tourism at maximum
level.
Business opportunities surround all the corners of the city. Being a host to both
local and multi-national companies, it was identified as a major economic growth center
in Laguna. With the citys well developed facilities and utilities, investors prefer to
operate in the city. Based on the records furnished by Business Permits and License
Division, an average of 1,459 businesses open up yearly (Calamba City SEP, 2007).

1.3

Theoretical Framework
Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.
-

Frank Gehry

I dont believe architecture has to speak to much. It should remain silent and let
nature in the guise of sunlight and wind.
-

Tadao Ando

What would it be of the architecture for tomorrow, and will it be the same as
yesterday or will never change as we see it today?
Change is inevitable. That is why architects design for the future. A building must
speak of its timelessness considering its past, present and future, yet it does not have to
be loud because it might affect its surroundings. Environment plays an important role in
architecture. Any harm done to it can ruin the structure and the people living inside the
building.
Frank Gehry emphasizes on the timelessness of the building. The sustainability
of the building and the adaptability within its environment is the focus of the design.
Furthermore, Tadao Ando also expressed that architecture should incorporate and put
into consideration the existing climate and setting of the structure in every design.
1.4

Conceptual Framework
The concept of the project derived from the history of Calambas name. A huge

clay pot used for carrying and storing water will shape the structure. The design will also
have an integration of history and modern design, from Hispanic and modern
architecture.
The design of the project will express the historical significance of Calamba and
at the same time, it will also have a contemporary approach through its building design
emanated from the concept of a clay pot. The quality of hard works and productivity is

well reflected in the exterior and interior design of the development. This design although
applied with different building technologies will be 100% Filipino
1.5

Statement of the Problem.