FAMOUS FILIPINO

ARCHITECTS
AND THEIR WORKS

Requirement no.

Pr-requirement-02
subject

Ar a501 comprehensive module

 Juan Felipe D. Nakpil

description
Juan Felipe D. Nakpil, a pioneering figure in Philippine architecture,
is celebrated for championing a distinct national architectural identity rooted in
tradition. His significant contributions include facilitating the participation of
private Filipino architects and engineers in government projects, while his
buildings embody a harmonious fusion of strength, function, and beauty.

Birth and death date of the architect

May 26, 1889 – May 7, 1986

title
National artist
for architecture (1973)
 Rizal theater

description
The Rizal Theater, designed by National Artist for Architecture Juan
Nakpil as an elegant example of art deco, was initially intended to be part of
the Rizal Memorial Cultural Complex but faced funding challenges. In the
1980s, due to the decline in viability for stand-alone movie theaters, the Rizal
Theater was demolished and replaced by the Makati Shangri-la Hotel in 1993.

location

Makati
Architectural style Year constructed

Art deco 1961

 Capitol theater

description
The Capitol Theater was an Art deco theater in Manila, Philippines.
It was built during the 1930s along Escolta Street, part of the city's primary
commercial district, together with the Lyric Theater. It was designed with a
double-balcony by National Artist Juan Nakpil and that was considered a rare
feat during that era.

location

Escolta, manila
Architectural style Year constructed

Art deco 1935

 Minor basilica and national shrine of Jesus Nazareno

Quiapo church

description
The Quiapo Church, officially known as the Minor Basilica and
National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, is a prominent basilica located in Manila,
Philippines, and is home to the miraculous Black Nazarene statue of Jesus
Christ. Popularly referred to as Quiapo Church, it is situated in the Quiapo
district and canonically named the Saint John the Baptist Parish.

location

Quiapo, manila
Architectural style Year constructed

Mexican baroque 1588

 Up library administration and library building

Quezon hall

description
Quezon Hall, designed by Juan Nakpil, reflects neoclassical influences with
large pillars and an open portico. Nakpil incorporated elements from architect Eliel
Saarinen's work but added unique details, evident in other campus buildings, such as
the library and College of Engineering, showcasing a grand Hellenistic style.
Additionally, Nakpil implemented a system using floor glass blocks to provide natural
light in the basement rooms of Quezon Hall.

location

Quezon city
Architectural style Year constructed

neoclassical 1950
 Pablo s. antonio SR.

description
National Artist for Architecture Pablo Sebero Antonio, born at the
turn of the century, is renowned for pioneering modern Philippine architecture
characterized by clean lines, smooth curves, and a focus on functionality over
form. His major works reflect his commitment to simplicity, functionality, and the
thoughtful integration of natural light and ventilation.

Birth and death date of the architect

Jan. 25, 1901– Jun. 14, 1975

title
National artist
for architecture (1976)
 Feu administration
And science building

description
The FEU Administration Building, designed by Arch. Antonio Sr., is
situated on the opposite end of the campus quadrangle from the Nicanor B.
Reyes Sr. Hall. The building features a geometric façade, horizontal windows,
and a balcony with a viewing deck on the second floor, while the Administration
lobby showcases Carrara Marble flooring, the same material used by
Michelangelo in La Pieta and in New York's Grand Central Station.
location

SAMPALOC, MANILA
Architectural style Year constructed

Art deco 1939-1950

 MANILA POLO CLUB

description

It is a prestigious private club located in Forbes Park,

Makati, Philippines. Recognized as one of Antonio's best works and
a National Artist Architectural Marker.

location

FORBES PARK, MAKATI

Architectural style Year constructed
Art deco
MID-CENTURY MODERN 1961
 IDEAL THEATER

description
The Ideal, completed in 1933, showcased an art-deco
architectural style, popular in the 1930s, characterized by smooth curves
and finishes. Situated along Avenida de Rizal, it became one of the city's
premier theaters, influencing the construction of rival theaters like the
State, Ever, and Avenue owned by the Rufino family in the same area.

location

AVENIDA, MANILA
Architectural style Year constructed

Art deco 1933

 Life theater

description
The Life Theater, later named the Teofilo Villonco Building, was an
Art Deco movie theater in Quiapo, Manila, designed by Pablo Antonio. Owned
by Remy Villonco, it was reserved for blockbuster movies and was demolished
from April to June 2017. The facade remains intact and will be incorporated
into the design of the new 33-storey Foinix Center commercial building,
constructed in 2018.
location

Quiapo, manila
Architectural style Year constructed

Art deco 1941

 Leandro v. Locsin sr.

description
Leandro V. Locsin, a prominent architect, left an indelible mark on
the urban landscape by blending oriental and occidental influences in his
distinctive Philippine Art and Culture-inspired architecture. Known for his
mastery of space and scale, Locsin's portfolio includes 75 residences, 88
buildings, and notable works like the CCP Complex, featuring five iconic
buildings he designed.
Birth and death date of the architect

Aug.15, 1928– Nov.15, 1994

title
National artist
for architecture (1990)
 Tanghalang pambansa

description
The Tanghalang Pambansa is the main venue of the Cultural Center
of the Philippines, designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin, featuring three
major performing arts venues, a film theater, galleries, a museum, and a
library. Its architectural design, known as the floating volume, is a key example
of Locsin's style and is recognized as an important cultural landmark by
Republic Act No. 10066.
location

Roxas boulevard, manila

Architectural style Year constructed
brutalist
(Floating volume)
1969
 Folk arts theater
Tanghalang Francisco balagtas

description
The Tanghalang Francisco Balagtas, originally named Folk Arts
Theater, is a proscenium amphitheater commissioned by First Lady Imelda
Marcos in 1974 for the Miss Universe Pageant. Built in just seventy-seven days
with a seating capacity of 8,458, it was designed by Leandro V. Locsin and was
originally intended to accommodate 10,000 audience members.

location

Roxas boulevard, manila

Architectural style Year constructed

brutalist 1974
 Westin hotel
Sofitel Philippine plaza

description
The Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, part of the Sofitel hotel chain, is
a luxury hotel located in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. Originally built as
the Philippine Plaza, it was constructed at the request of First Lady Imelda
Marcos for the 1976 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and
the World Bank.

location

Bay city, pasay

Architectural style Year constructed

brutalist 1974
 Philippine international
Convention center

description
The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) is a
convention center located in Pasay, Metro Manila, hosting various local and
international events. It previously served as the office of the Vice President of
the Philippines and housed the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office before
its construction completed in just 23 months.

location

Pasay, manila
Architectural style Year constructed

brutalist 1976
Idelfonso p. santos jr.

description
Ildefonso Paez Santos, Jr., a pioneer of landscape architecture in
the Philippines, has dedicated four decades to creating numerous parks,
plazas, gardens, and outdoor spaces that have enriched contemporary Filipino
life. Notable projects include the innovative Makati Commercial Center and the
seminal public landscape in Paco Park.

Birth and death date of the architect

Sep. 5, 1929– Jan. 29, 2014

title
National artist
for architecture (2006)
 Paco park

description
Paco Park in Manila, Philippines, was once a Spanish colonial
cemetery for affluent families. It expanded to bury victims of the 1822 cholera
epidemic. Notable for its two circular walls from the Spanish era, it houses the
St. Pancratius Catholic chapel.

location

Paco, manila
Architectural style Year constructed
Landscape
architecture 1966
 Bantayog ng
Mga bayani

description
“Bantayog ng mga Bayani” in Quezon City, Philippines, serves as a
monument, museum, and historical research center dedicated to honoring the
martyrs and heroes who fought against the dictatorship of President Ferdinand
Marcos. It stands as a tribute to those who played a significant role in the
struggle against Marcos' regime.

location

Quezon city
Architectural style Year constructed
Landscape
architecture 1986
Jose Maria V. Zaragosa

description
José María V. Zaragoza, a prominent figure in Philippine
architecture, is renowned for his extensive portfolio of modern buildings that
cater to both spiritual and secular needs. Graduating in 1936 and later
specializing in religious architecture through studies in Rome, he became the
82nd licensed architect in the Philippines, contributing significantly to mid-
century Catholic church design.
Birth and death date of the architect

DEC. 6, 1912– Nov. 26, 1994

title
National artist
for architecture (2014)
 Meralco THEATER

description

The Meralco Theater, formerly known as the Meralco Auditorium, is

located at the Meralco compound on Ortigas Avenue in Pasig, Philippines.
Inaugurated on March 22, 1969, the theater was designed by Filipino architect
José María Zaragoza and is part of the larger Meralco Building, creating a
landmark in the Ortigas Center CBD.

location

ORTIGAS, PASIG
Architectural style Year constructed
BRAZILIAN
ARCHITECTURE 1965
 PHILBANKING BUILDING

description

The Philbanking Building, designed by National Artist Jose Ma

Zaragoza in 1965, was inspired by his trip to Brasilia in 1960, where he
collaborated with Oscar Niemeyer on projects for the city. The building reflects
Zaragoza's experience and influence from the modernist architecture of
Brasilia.

location

STA. CRUZ, MANILA

Architectural style Year constructed
BRAZILIAN
ARCHITECTURE 1965
 COMMERCIAL BANK AND
TRUST COMPANY BUILDING

description
The Commercial Bank and Trust Company (Comtrust) Building in Binondo,
Manila, initially served as the office for the commercial banking firm Comtrust in 1969.
After a merger with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) in 1981, the building
became the BPI Escolta branch, and in 2019, it was recognized as an Important
Cultural Property by the National Museum of the Philippines, with a marker unveiling
scheduled for August 30, 2023.

location

BINONDO, MANILA
Architectural style Year constructed

BRUTALIST 1969
 St. Joseph CONVENT
OF PERPETUAL ADORATION

description
The church is nestled between the many historical and modern mansions
along Doña Hemady Avenue, of the New Manila district of Quezon City. Zaragoza’s
modernist International Style is evident throughout the St. Joseph Convent of Perpetual
Adoration chapel, with its clear lines and masterful use of natural light. The stained
glass windows feature the Annunciation and the Pentecost at the north aisle, and the
Baptism and Temptation of Christ at the south aisle.

location

QUEZON CITY
Architectural style Year constructed
MODERNIST
INTERNATIONAL STYLE 1965
 Francisco T. mañosa

description
Francisco "Bobby" Mañosa, born in Manila in 1931, co-founded the
architectural firm Mañosa Brothers in 1954 with his brothers and later
established Francisco Mañosa & Partners in 1976. Influenced by Filipino
values, climate, and indigenous materials, he created notable works such as
the Tahanang Pilipino (Coconut Palace) and others, leaving a lasting legacy in
Philippine architecture
Birth and death date of the architect

Feb. 12, 1931– Feb. 20, 2019

title
National artist
for architecture (2018)
 Tahanang pilipino
(Coconut palace)

description
The Coconut Palace, also known as Tahanang Pilipino, is a government building in
Manila, Philippines, situated in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex. Constructed from
various Philippine hardwoods, coconut shells, and engineered coconut lumber called Imelda
Madera, the palace features suites named after different regions of the Philippines showcasing
regional handicrafts; it initially served as a venue for wedding receptions before becoming the
official residence of the vice president.

location

f. ma. Guerrero, manila

Architectural style Year constructed
Filipino
Vernacular architecture 1978
 San Miguel Corporation
Headquarters Building

description
The San Miguel Corporation Head Office, an iconic structure in
Ortigas business district completed forty years ago, features a distinctive flat
ziggurat design inspired by the Banaue rice terraces. Designed by the Mañosa
brothers' firm, it stands out in the skyline, symbolizing one of the first green
buildings in the country.

location

Ortigas center, Mandaluyong

Architectural style Year constructed

Green architecture 1976

 LUIS MARIA Z. ARANETA

description
Pioneer heritage conservationist, collector, architect-decorator and
style savant, Luis Ma. Araneta gave meaning to the saying, “one’s trash,
another’s treasure.” He designed the Lourdes Church and Makati Medical
Center and was a passionate patron of the arts. His lavish Forbes Park
residence featured the works of masters -- Luna and Hidalgo -- and
ecclesiastical antiques.
Birth and death date of the architect

Jul. 9, 1916– Apr. 22, 1984

title
PIA BOARD OF DIRECTOR
PHILIPPINE Institute OF ARCHITECTS
 Times theater

description

The Times Theatre was built in 1939, and it was designed by architect Luis
Z. Araneta. The theatre interior, though unmaintained, still has the Art Moderne bas
relief. The stairs leading to the balcony is a cantilevered slab, and veneered with black
marble. There were some renovations, but it still exudes the image of the period when it
was built. The Times Theatre is mainly patronized by gay men.

location

Quiapo, manila
Architectural style Year constructed

Art deco 1939

 Manila doctor’s
hospital

description

Manila Doctors Hospital, founded in 1956, is a leading private tertiary

hospital offering holistic and globally competitive healthcare to local and international
clients. Owned by Manila Medical Services, Inc., it is the health care affiliate of
Metrobank Foundation, Inc., strategically located in Manila's business district and
symbolizing the resilience and dynamism of the nation's capital.

location

manila
Architectural style Year constructed

- 1956
 JUAN MARCOS ARELLANO
Y. DE GUZMAN

description
He is considered one of the most important architects in Philippine
history, famous for his Neoclassical and Art Deco designs. He designed many
iconic buildings in Manila, including the Metropolitan Theater, the Manila
Central Post Office, and the Legislative Building (now houses the National
Museum of Fine Arts). Arellano retired in 1956 and went back to painting. In
1960, he exhibited his work at the Manila YMCA.
Birth and death date of the architect

Apr. 25, 1888– dec. 5, 1960

title
PIA 5TH PRESIDENT
PHILIPPINE Institute OF ARCHITECTS
 Metropolitan
theater

description
The Manila Metropolitan Theater, a historic Art Deco building
designed by architect Juan M. Arellano, was inaugurated on December 10,
1931, and is considered a forefront example of Art Deco architecture in the
Philippines. Damaged during the Battle of Manila, it underwent various
restoration efforts and reopened on its 90th anniversary in 2021.

location

Ermita, manila
Architectural style Year constructed

Art deco 1931

 National museum of
Fine arts
(old legislative building)

description

The National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila, Philippines, formerly

the Old Legislative Building, was established in 1998 and is owned by the
National Museum of the Philippines. Housed in a neoclassical structure built in
1921, it once served as the home for the Philippine government's legislative
bodies until 1997.

location

Padre burgos ave. , Manila

Architectural style Year constructed
neoclassical
architecture 1921
 Manila central
Post office

description

The Manila Central Post Office, a key postal facility and headquarters of the
Philippine Postal Corporation, is situated along the Pasig River in Lawton, Ermita.
Originally designed in neoclassical style by Juan M. Arellano, Tomás Mapúa, and Ralph
Doane, the building, severely damaged during World War II, faced another significant
fire on May 21, 2023, causing substantial destruction.

location

Ermita, manila
Architectural style Year constructed
neoclassical
architecture 1928
 Carlos d. arguelles

description
He was a Filipino Architect known for being a leading proponent of
the International Style of architecture in the Philippines in the 1960s.
Born in Manila, he was the fifth son of Tomas Arguelles, a known pre-war
Filipino architect, and Carmen Corcuera. Carlos followed in his father's
footsteps and graduated in 1940 from the architecture program in the
University of Santo Tomas.
Birth and death date of the architect

Sep. 15, 1917– Aug. 19, 2008

title

Eagle scout awardee

Philamlife building

description

The Philam Life branch in the Philippines has implemented a multi-

storey reinforced concrete block with aluminum brise-soleil, gray-tinted glass
curtain walls, and concrete columns to control light and heat, enhancing the
facade's grid. This design is necessary to address sun baffles and ensure the
building's functionality in the Philippines.

location

Ermita, manila
Architectural style Year constructed
International
style 1961
 Manila Hilton hotel

description
Architects Carlos Arguelles and Welton Becket were chosen to design the
Hilton project in Manila, blending the Hilton chain's image with local influences. With
Becket's experience in Hilton designs and Arguelles' local expertise, the project
integrated various design elements, marking the first time in Manila that architectural
expression encompassed the tower's top, podium facades, landscape, and interior
design within a unified concept.

location

Pasay, manila
Architectural style Year constructed
International
style 1968
 pnb Building

description
PNB occupied the building until 1996 when the banking firm was privatized.
The PNB was the main government finance body prior to the establishment of the
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Philippines' central bank. It then housed the City
College of Manila before it was abandoned. In January 2015, the building sustained
damages from a fire which lead to the owner of the building, the Manila City
Government to demolish the building.

location

Escolta, manila
Architectural style Year constructed
International
style 1962
 Dbp building

description

Construction of the DBP Head Office Building began, and was

completed in 1971. DBP-funded projects continued to drive growth in several
industries, accounting for 94 percent of the nation’s textile outputs, 90 percent
of cement, 88 percent of steel, and 80 percent of all its pulp-mill capacity.

location

Makati city
Architectural style Year constructed
International
style 1969
 Froilan l. hong

description
Froilan Bautista Hong has pioneered Climate Design and Green Architecture.
In Planning, he focuses on the symbiotic relationships of people, activities,
settings, environment, ecology and resources.
He became the National President of UAP (United Architects of the Philippines)
in 1987-1988

Birth date of the architect

Oct. 5, 1939
title

Uap Likha gold medal awardee

Manila film center

description

The Manila Film Center, situated in the Cultural Center of the Philippines
Complex, was designed by architect Froilan Hong and served as the primary venue for
the First Manila International Film Festival in 1982. Controversy surrounds the building
as a fatal accident on November 17, 1981, resulted in at least 169 workers falling and
being buried under quick-drying cement during its construction.

location

Pasay, metro manila

Architectural style Year constructed

brutalist 1981
 Felino a. Palafox jr.

description
Felino "Jun" A. Palafox, Jr. is a Filipino architect, urban planner,
environmental planner, educator, author and a philanthropist,. He is the
Principal Architect-Urban Planner and Founder of Palafox Associates. In 1977
he started working as Senior Architect and Planner for the government of
Dubai. The work continued until 1981.

Birth date of the architect

March 16, 1950

title
People of the year
(people asia magazine, 2009)
 Rizal tower

description
Rizal Tower, situated in Rockwell Center, Makati, is the 37th tallest
residential skyscraper in the Philippines with 47 stories. Managed by Rockwell
Property Management Corporation, it offers amenities such as a swimming
pool, library, function room, helipad, access tunnel to Power Plant Mall, and
three gardens in a tropical landscape.

location

Rockwell center,makati
Architectural style Year constructed

contemporary 2000
 Carlos antonio
Santos-viola

description
Carlos Antonio Santos-Viola was a prominent Filipino architect. He
was a founding member of the Philippine Institute of Architects in 1938 and
held various positions within the organization until reaching the Chancellorship
position. He is best known for designing and building churches for the Iglesia ni
Cristo (INC) religious group

Birth and death date of the architect

Apr. 8,1912– jul. 31,1994

title
One of the founders of
PHILIPPINE Institute OF ARCHITECTS
 Iglesia ni cristo
Templo central

description
The Central Temple is the main temple of the Christian sect based in the
Philippines, the Iglesia ni Cristo. Located beside Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon
City, it was completed on July 27, 1984, and is the largest place of worship in the
country with a capacity of 7,000 people. It was constructed within the grounds of the
INC Central Office and includes a sanctuary, baptismal pool, and a 20-ton pipe organ
installed in 2014 for the temple's 30th anniversary celebration on July 27.

location

Quezon city
Architectural style Year constructed

Neo-gothic 1984
Antonio manalac toledo

description

Similar to other architects, Toledo studied abroad at the age of 16

and graduated in the year 1911 with a Degree in Architecture from Ohio State
University. His notable works were Leyte Provincial Capitol and Manila City
Hall. He is also considered one of the pioneers in Philippine architecture.

Birth and death date of the architect

Jun. 14, 1890 - 1972

title
One of the pioneers of
Philippine architecture
 Manila city hall

description
The Manila City Hall, situated in Ermita, serves as the official government
seat for the City of Manila, housing the Mayor's office and the chambers of the Manila
City Council. Originally conceived as part of a national government center envisioned
by Daniel Burnham in the 1900s, only some buildings, such as the Old Legislative
Building and Agriculture and Finance Buildings, were constructed as part of the
incomplete plan.
location

Ermita, manila
Architectural style Year constructed

neoclassical 1941
 National museum of
Natural history

description
The National Museum of Natural History, located in Rizal Park, Manila, was
originally the Agriculture and Commerce Building constructed in 1940, designed by Filipino
Architect Antonio Toledo. After being occupied by the Department of Tourism, it was repurposed
under the National Museum Act of 1998, becoming the National Museum of Natural History,
following the conversion of the Finance Building into the National Museum of Anthropology and
the Legislative Building into the National Museum of Fine Arts.

location

Ermita, manila
Architectural style Year constructed

neoclassical 1941
 Tomas Bautista mapua

description

Tomas Bautista Mapua, a Filipino architect, educator, and

businessman, served as the founder and inaugural president of the Mapua
Institute of Technology (MIT). He was one of the pensionado students sent to
the United States to pursue both his high school and college education.

Birth and death date of the architect

Dec. 12, 1888 – Dec. 22, 1965

title
The founder of
Mapua institute of technology
 St. la salle hall

description

St. La Salle Hall, constructed in the Neoclassical style in the Philippines

from 1920 to 1924, originally served as the new campus for De La Salle College,
accommodating its growing student population. Later expanded in the 1990s, the four-
story structure now houses various university departments, including the College of
Business, School of Economics, and several offices and laboratories.

location

Malate, manila
Architectural style Year constructed

neoclassical 1924