Why Celebrating World Expo Matters: A Closer Look at the Philippine Pavilion in Osaka 2025

Written by: Mae Cabaña

Architecture has long taught us that there is always beauty in spaces and structures. It is not merely about designing and constructing buildings — it serves a deeper purpose: to transform human life through the beauty of art. In every beam, curve, and contour, there lies a story of identity, history, and hope. This deeper meaning is what drives many individuals, organizations, and nations to celebrate architecture through global platforms such as the World Expo. These events go beyond visual spectacle; they become vessels for ideas, conversations, and cultural pride. One shining example is the Philippine Pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka, which officially opened to the public on April 13, 2025.

Titled "Woven," the pavilion embraces the theme "Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future." More than just a structure, the pavilion is a powerful symbol of how culture and craftsmanship intertwine to shape our shared future. It aims to promote the Philippines as a country rich in heritage, creativity, and resilience, while contributing to global conversations on sustainability and inclusivity. In an exclusive interview with Architect Carlo Calma Consultancy, the lead designer of the Philippine Pavilion, it was shared that the heart of the design lies in a powerful message: by embracing diversity and interconnectedness, humanity can shape a future that uplifts all living beings. This echoes the very essence of Expo 2025 Osaka's vision — to build a better, more inclusive world for all.

Through a richly immersive and multisensory experience, the pavilion invites global audiences to explore the Philippines. From its natural landscapes to vibrant cultures, visitors are encouraged to witness a deep sense of connectedness firsthand and discover the many reasons to fall in love with the country. The pavilion's design draws inspiration from the metaphorical concept of weaving. Its architecture reflects the sturdy structure of warp and weft— the foundational elements of weaving—symbolizing the strength of unity and collective creativity. Over a thousand pieces of woven rattan act as symbolic "threads," exemplifying how traditional techniques can transcend scale and function, from furniture-making to full-scale architecture.

It also stands as a testament to the future of handicraft in a digitized world. In celebrating Filipino craftsmanship, the pavilion honors the labor of love embedded in every handmade detail. Extending elements at its edges give the illusion of ongoing motion— an architectural expression of continuous growth and progress. Adding a vibrant layer to the pavilion's natural-colored façade are 212 woven textiles, each encapsulated in weather-sealed frames. These textiles sway with the wind, gracefully symbolizing the Philippines' enduring resilience and living traditions. It is a beautiful tribute to the country's indigenous communities and their rich cultural contributions.

The Philippine Pavilion is not only a marvel of design but also a collaborative masterpiece brought to life by some of the country's most visionary talents. Leading the architectural concept is Carlo Calma Consultancy, while the immersive guest experience was designed by Tellart. The creative production was spearheaded by Chochay Garcia, with Cat Inc. serving as the executive architect and overseeing project management. Together, these passionate creatives and professionals have woven together not just architecture and design but also a deeply moving story of Filipino identity, innovation, and global relevance.

World Expos are not just exhibitions— they are global stages where nations come together to tell their stories, exchange knowledge, and co-create visions for the future. For the Philippines, "Woven" is more than a pavilion. It is a statement of pride, creativity, and shared humanity. In celebrating events like the World Expo, we are reminded of the power of art, culture, and architecture to connect people across borders. And in the case of the Philippine Pavilion, we are invited not only to witness this connection but to feel it, live it, and carry it forward— woven into the very fabric of our future.

References: Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition. (n.d.). Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition. https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/

Kasingsing, M. P. (2024, July 15). Woven Wonder: The Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025
Osaka by Carlo Calma Consultancy - Kanto - Creative Corners. Kanto - Creative Corners.
https://kanto.ph/voices/philippine-pavilion-osaka-2025-carlo-calma/
Philippines Pavilion | Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Official Website. (2025, January 24).
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Official Website.
https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/official-participant/philippines/

Borderless and Limitless: 50 Years of UAP Empowering Philippine Architecture

Written by: Mae Cabaña

The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), the country's integrated and accredited professional organization for architects, marks a historic milestone as it celebrates its 50th anniversary from April 7 to April 12, 2025, in SMX Convention Center. With the theme "Borderless", the six-day celebration was filled with inspiration and hopes to empower architects in embracing technology, to maximize networking and collaborating with their fellow professionals across the world, and lastly, to adapt to the constant evolution of our world. The golden anniversary highlights the organization's unwavering commitment to shaping Philippine architecture and empowering Filipino architects across generations. Established in 1975 through the unification of three prominent architectural organizations— the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA), the League of Philippine Architects (LPA), and the Association of Philippine Government Architects (APGA)— the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) has since evolved into a dynamic force in the field. Recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), UAP serves as the official Integrated and Accredited Professional Organization of Architects (IAPOA) in the Philippines.

The golden anniversary featured a blissful week-long lineup of events, including architectural exhibitions, fellowships, seminars, music festivals, and awarding ceremonies. The event served not only as a grand reunion of industry professionals but also as a platform to reflect on the endless evolution of architecture in the country. One of the major highlights of the celebration is the Construction Exhibit 2025 (CONEX), held at the ground floor of the SMX Convention Center. The exhibit features cutting-edge design and construction innovations from both local and international suppliers and manufacturers. Open to the public free of charge, CONEX welcomes students, architects, developers, contractors, engineers, and industry professionals to discover the latest advancements in building technology. Throughout its five-decade journey, UAP has consistently advocated for the promotion of architecture as a socially relevant and culturally rooted profession. Its various initiatives, including the Architecture Week, Green Architecture Movement, and Bayanihan

Arkitektura, demonstrate the organization's focus on sustainability, heritage conservation, and nation-building. The golden year also highlights the importance of mentoring and empowering the next generation of architects. According to the data of Property Report, there are now over 200 chapters around the world. UAP continues to provide opportunities for professional growth through continuing education programs, international linkages, and community outreach efforts. As it steps into the next 50 years, UAP aims to strengthen its role in shaping a more inclusive and responsive built environment. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to uphold professional standards, advocate for ethical practices, and promote architecture as a valuable pillar of national development. "Mabuhay ang UAP. Mabuhay ang Arkitektong Pilipino!" said Arch. Antonio A. Valdez, Executive Director of CCAE (Commission on Conventions, Assemblies & Exhibits) The celebration of UAP's 50th anniversary serves not only as a tribute to its rich legacy but also as a call for unity, resilience, and innovation among Filipino architects— laying the foundation for the next chapters of architectural excellence in the Philippines.

References: Panganiban, B. (2025, April 7). United architects of the Philippines celebrates its 50th year - Property Report. Property Report.
https://propertyreport.ph/news-and-events/2025/04/07/39621/united-architects-of-the-philipp ines-celebrates-its-50th-year/
News, M. (2024, November 22). UAP's 50th National Convention to be held April 7-12,
2025 - Mabuhay News. Mabuhay News.
https://www.mabuhaynews.net/uaps-50th-national-convention-to-be-held-april-7-12-2025/
Program - NATCON 50. (2025, March 25). NATCON 50.
https://natcon.unitedarchitects.ph/program

Bridging Architectural Gaps: The Malolos-Clark Railway Project in Empowering the Philippine Transportation System

Written by: Mae Cabaña

As the Philippine population is constantly growing, the demand for transportation also rises. Many Filipinos are still struggling to commute to their respective work, school, and other agendas, just because of the lack of efficiency and resources when it comes to our country's transportation system. According to FAST Logistics Group, the country's leading logistics provider, the Philippine public transport system is suffering from inadequate infrastructure. The lack of road networks and poorly maintained facilities hinders the efficient movement of goods and services and increases risks for potential damage to goods in transit. It also affects the overall accessibility and mobility of people, limiting their opportunities to participate in economic activities.

That said, architecture plays a vital role in shaping the Philippines' transportation system. Concrete planning, designing, and constructing transportation infrastructure is essential. Architecture will always and always be connected with developing or even hindering the mass transportation in the country.

Despite this crisis, the Philippines has stepped its way forward to evolve the mass transportation system in the Philippines — the Malolos-Clark Railway Project. The Malolos-Clark Railway Project (MCRP) is a 53.1 km-long railway line being constructed to connect Malolos, Bulacan, to the Clark Economic Zone and Clark International Airport (CIA) in central Luzon, the Philippines (Railway Technology, 2024). This project aims to transform the lives and experiences of the commuters through reducing their travel time, boosting connectivity, and even enhancing their productivity using disaster-resilient design and high-technology construction methods. As Railway Technology mentioned, the project is an aspect of the 163-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, which will link Calamba City, Laguna, and Clark, Pampanga. The program is an essential part of the Philippine government's "Build, Better, More" effort, which is a comprehensive infrastructure development program.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), a leading multilateral development bank, has approved $1.45 billion serves as the Malolos–Clark Railway Project's second and final tranche of its multitranche financing facility. As mentioned by Pavit Ramachandran, the ADB Philippines Country Director, during their personal interview with BusinessWorld last April 10, the Malolos–Clark Railway Project is one of ADB's biggest project financing in the entire Asia and Pacific region. They are proud to partner with the government in making the vision of a world-class mass transportation system in the country a reality. This major transformative project will spur more investments, create jobs, and contribute to sustaining the country's growth momentum.

Pavit also added that the Malolos-Clark railway will feature three types of commuter service — regular commuter trains, express trains with stops at high-volume stations, and the country's first airport express trains. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) envisions a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty in the region.

Through this initiative and innovation, Philippine mass transportation will elevate beyond time, and so will architecture. This is just one of the living proofs that architecture is powerful. Architecture is a dream. As architecture rises, we also rise. Architecture is for all.

References: CEDTyClea. (2025, April 16). ADB approves $1.45-B loan for Malolos-Clark railway project - BusinessWorld Online. BusinessWorld Online.
https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2025/04/16/666455/adb-approves-1-45-b-loan-for- malolos-clark-railway-project/
Accelerating Mobility - Challenges and Solutions in the Philippine Transport Sector - FAST Logistics Blog. (2024, May 20). FAST Logistics Blog. https://blog.fast.com.ph/accelerating-mobility-challenges-and-solutions-in-the-philippine-tran sport-sector/

Flow and Evolve: How Architecture Shapes the Pasig River

Written by: Mae Cabaña

Once a lifeline of trade and travel, the Pasig River has witnessed centuries of transformation in Metro Manila. Along its banks rose grand colonial structures, churches, and early urban settlements — proof that architecture and the river have long been intertwined. Today, however, the river struggles under the weight of pollution, neglect, and rapid urbanization.

Yet it is humanity's responsibility to care for our environment. Architects and urban designers are now looking to the Pasig River as a starting point for sustainable development. Riverfront parks, eco-friendly walkways, and resilient structures are emerging as models for how cities can reconnect with nature. These projects not only restore the environment but also give back to the people, for the country, always.

Architecture holds the power to reshape how we see and experience the Pasig River — not as a lost cause, but as a living space worth saving. Through thoughtful design and community-centered planning, the Pasig River can once again become a source of life, culture, and connection in the heart of the city. Its worth will never be defined by pollution, but by its deep influence and lasting connection to the Filipino people. Remember, for nature to take care of us, we must first take care of it. Save the Pasig River.

AIrchitecture: The Role of AI in Shaping the Future of Architecture

Written by: Mae Cabaña

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is slowly dominating the world nowadays. Who doesn't want to finish their work more efficiently, with less strain and stress? That's one of the main reasons why more and more people are learning to embrace AI especially in a generation where technology surrounds us in almost every space. From smart assistants to personalized algorithms, AI is becoming a quiet partner in our everyday lives, helping us do more in less time.

In the architecture industry, the influence of AI is increasingly evident. Architects are beginning to acknowledge the value of integrating AI in both design and project management. Des Fagan, Head of Architecture at Lancaster University and a member of RIBA's expert advisory group on AI, shared that architecture is currently undergoing an R&D phase when it comes to AI. While future efficiency gains are not yet fully proven, the potential is massive (Fagan, 2023). Programs like Midjourney, Autodesk's Spacemaker, and even ChatGPT are being explored for early-stage conceptual designs, site analysis, and even client presentations, enhancing, not replacing, human creativity. However, the human touch remains irreplaceable. AI can offer tools and insights, but it lacks the cultural understanding, emotional depth, and ethical judgment that human professionals bring to their craft. In design disciplines like architecture, which often deal with community impact, historical context, and human emotion, AI should be a collaborator, not a commander. As Michael Ford, author of Architects of Intelligence: The Truth About AI from the People Building It, explains, "We don't want machines with our type of intelligence. We actually want machines whose actions can be expected to achieve our objectives, not their own."

As students, future professionals, or current practitioners, we must be willing to explore AI not with fear, but with intention. Let's educate ourselves on how to use it responsibly, balancing efficiency with ethics, innovation with empathy. The future of architecture and many other industries will be shaped by those who can work with technology, not just around it. So let's start the conversation: How can we use AI to build a future that still feels human?

References:
Artificial Intelligence: how are architects using AI right now and what are they using it for? (2024). Architecture.com.
https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/artificial-intelligence-in-architecture?srsltid=AfmBOopubi3iE2LemIaPRIO2hQ_43xbXCEDe0tJtnOXZ0p5HqF-QM677
Holmes, J. (2023, June 20). Vision Setting and Problem Solving: AI in Architecture Is Changing Design. Autodesk.com. https://www.autodesk.com/design-make/articles/ai-in-architecture

What A Progressive Leader Looks Like: Mayor Vico Sotto Begins Construction of New Pasig City Hall

Written by: Mae Cabaña

What does a city hall look like when it's built not just for government work, but for the people it serves? That's the vision behind the New Pasig City Hall Campus, now under construction under of the re-elected Mayor Vico Sotto's leadership. With a ₱9.6-billion budget, this project aims to be more than just a set of offices. It's being designed as a public space—safe, sustainable, and rooted in the needs of Pasigueños. The current city hall building was found to be unsafe. A structural study showed over 60 columns and more than 400 beams were weak, and the building could be seriously damaged in an earthquake. "We can't risk people's safety," Mayor Sotto said during the launch, Inquirer reported.

From a story by the Kanto Ph, the new complex will have solar-powered buildings, open walkways, greenery, and dedicated areas for senior citizens and emergency response. What's special is how it brings together architecture and public service: instead of isolating government spaces, it invites people in. The famous Mutya ng Pasig tower will even be turned into a viewing deck—preserving a piece of history while adapting it for modern use.

Some have questioned the budget. Based on the report of Daily Tribune, a contractor asked for full transparency on how the project was awarded, while a local politician proposed a cheaper alternative. Still, Mayor Sotto assured the public that no services will be cut and that the funding comes from years of careful budgeting and savings. For now, city hall operations have moved temporarily to Bridgetowne in Barangay Rosario. Construction is expected to finish in two years. But the bigger goal, the mayor says, is a 10-year plan to make Pasig more walkable, green, and welcoming. This project reminds us: architecture isn't just about buildings, it's about who we build them for.