UAP ALABANG CHAPTER

27th Turn Over and Induction of New Officers

 

 

We celebrate traditions and occasions for many reasons, most of the time to make a mark and announce to the greater population events that have importance to everyone.  For me these traditions and occasions serve as a reminder, of acknowledging the past, and opportunities to improve for the future.  The 27th Turnover and Induction of the United Architects of the Philippines Alabang Chapter is such an event.  And as a member, it gives me an opportunity to witness the growth and evolution of this group of professionals brought together by a profession unlike any other.

 

Held last August 13, 2012 at the Belleuvue Hotel in Alabang Muntinlupa, members old and new trooped to welcome and induct the newest set of officers for the incoming 2012-2013 fiscal year.  This year’s team is led by Arch. Jose Elmer Borlaza who replaces outgoing President Arch. Gerard Ian Ilagan.

 

It was night of great entertainment provided by the chapter’s very own, with vocal and instrumental stylings from Architects: Jose Joe Miranda, Choie Funk, Joseph Javier, Manny Pintado & Paul Chanco.  The performances showed that architects do more than creating frozen symphonies in concrete and steel, they also rise to the occasion at par with the best entertainers, atleast to my mind.

 

The keynote address was given by Arch Dominic Galicia, of the national Commission on Culture and the Arts, and the Heritage Conservation Society, as well as the Principal of his own practice, Dominic Galicia Architects.  Using projects from his office as well as pictures of buildings of note like the old PNB building and the now demolished Hai Alai Building in Manila as well as other images from abroad, he brought his message of the Architect as a proponent of Civic Engagement forcefully and eloquently to the audience.  As I listened, it made me aware and re-evaluate my own work, and I’m sure those among us who heard his talk, about what our buildings give to the environment around it?  Do we contribute to the beauty of the place and facility to the pedestrian not just the car occupant? Do we contribute to the story of our people and show who we are and what we do as a people?  These and more made his speech an highlight of the evening.

 

Present that evening was Arch. Rozanno Rosal the incumbent United Architects of the Philippines National President who spoke regarding the direction and programs of the National Officers.  In his signature voice we were given a glimpse of the ongoing concerns and programs of the UAP to make our profession relevant, up to date & of service to the nation.  Together with him were Architects: Armando L de Guzman; Vice President for Area A, Lora Rivera; National Vice President, Teofilo A. Vazquez; Area B Director.  They charged and administered the oath of office to the incoming officers and board members.

Arch. Elmer Borlaza gave his Inaugural Address as President of UAP Alabang Chapter with his theme of “The Architect – A Complete Package, an Interplay of Civic Engagement & Architectural Practice”.  I look forward to the talks and programs aimed at improving our skills as designers, builders & professionals.

 

It was heartwarming to hear from outgoing President Gerard Ian Ilagan as he thanked his officers and board members for the activities and service of the past year in his valedictory address, and for the body to witness to his induction into the President’s Club.

 

Winding up the evening with the closing remarks of Arch Leo de Guzman, and the raffle.  We froze our attendance with a pictorial courtesy of Arch Richard Sison.

 

That evening of tradition marked the passing of a torch, and turning of a new page for the UAP Alabang chapter, a testament to the perpetuity of our profession and the camaraderie of those united in architecture.