FRANCISCO “BOBBY” MAÑOSA

Master of Architecture

Biography • Born in Manila to a family of architects

• Graduated BS in Architecture in 1953 in University of Sto. Tomas

• Passed the board examination for Architects in 1954

• In 1957, Arch. Manosa finished a Landscaping Course in Tokyo University in Japan

• From 1962 to 1976, he was a partner of Manosa Brothers and Associates, a design firm composed of his architect brothers

Awards and Recognitions• Papal Awardee of the Noble Knighthood of the

Pontifical Order of St. Gregory the Great in September 1982

• Recognized by the Professional Regulations Commission as the Most Outstanding Professional of the Year in September 1994

• Recipient of the 7th LIKHA Gold Medal Award given by the United Architects of the Philippines in April 2003

• The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) bestowed upon him the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining in the field of Architecture in June 2004

• One of The Five Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) by the Philippine Jaycee Senate and Insular Life in December 2004

PHILOSOPHIES

“I design Filipino”“Architecture must be true

to itself, its land, and its people.”

“Three factors make architecture truly Filipino, Filipino values, Philippine

climate and the use of indigenous materials”

FAMOUS WORKS

Amanpulo Beachside Casitas

• Location: Pamilican Island, Palawan

• Design Concept: Bahay Kubo

• Square in plan but diagonally split to form two rooms.

• Glass doors maintain a feeling of openness

• Outside benches also allow the deck to be used at all times of the day to meet and converse with a larger group of people extending a living space beyond the bedroom.

• Year Established: 1993

Pearl Farm Beach Resort

• Location: Samal Island, Davao

• The area is blessed with various natural attractions and flourishing flora and fauna.

• Design Concept: Maranao/ Samal ethnic tribe

• The interiors of the different houses focus on the Yakan, Tausug, Maranao and Badjao culture and craft

Coconut Palace

• Also called Tahanang Pilipino• Location: CCP Complex,

Manila• Design Concept: Coconut

Tree• The coconut triumphs as the

ultimate “Tree of Life”. From its roots to its trunk, its bark, fruit, flower and its shell, all have been the source of design forms, elements, and ornaments throughout the structure.

• Inspired by the salakot hat of the farmer

• Year Established: 1978

St. Joseph Church

• Also Known as the Bamboo Organ Church

• Location: Las Pinas, Manila• Design Concept: Bamboo

Organ• It underwent extensive

reconstruction which involves meticulous design and authenticity

• Year Completed: 1974

Lanao del Norte Provincial Capitol

• Location: Tubod, Lanao del Norte

• A personification of Muslim Architecture

• Design Concept: Environment

• Plant boxes, recessed slanted windows and wide overhangs ensure that even without air-conditioning, the building interiors will remain cool and comfortable for the users.

• All building materials used are local to the region and from sustainable sources thus protecting the environment.

Canyon Woods Clubhouse

• Location: Laurel, Batangas• The development created a

mountain resort which looked at the log cabin as a prototype.

• Infused with distinct Filipino characteristics that is responsive to the clients needs, the local culture and the environment.

• As such the Canyon woods Clubhouse is a uniquely Filipino Building. The distinct roof lines mimic the local houses while the exterior rustic treatment is influenced by western prototype.

Mary Immaculate Parish

• Location: Las Pinas• Design Concept: Nature• Situated within a forest of mango

trees• Sheltered by an anahaw/cogon

combination tent roof. It is basically a suspended roof structure and open at all sides.

• The church is nestled in nature’s bosom and the surrounding are integrated with the church itself.

• The interiors make novel use of capiz shells in the form of doves in flight in the interior not only illuminating the space but adding a sense of movement that makes this place unique.

San Miguel Building

• Location: Ortigas, Pasig City

• Year Built: 1976• The unique and

memorable San Miguel Building in Ortigas is among the institutional landmarks that Mañosa created.

• It reflects the Philippine National identity

Sulo Restaurant

• Location: Makati City• First built in 1962, it was

rebuilt in 1978 after it caught fire.

• It’s architecture was markedly Muslim inspired and its various function rooms influences from north to southern Philippines.

• The structure was brought down in 1985 to make way for the expansion of the Makati Commercial Center.

Mactan Shangri-La

• Location: Cebu, Philippines • An “ocean-to-shore” theme

of warm, golden sand and fresh turquoise ocean hues to integrate seamlessly into the resort’s existing structure and seaside location.

• Tropical elements such as coral and seashells inspire room accents. 

CONCLUSION

Architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa has taught us to explore the potential of indigenous materials here in the Philippines. In order to earn the respect of his colleagues, he modernized our very own bahay kubo and raised it further to greater heights. When it comes to travelling around the world, we should follow his example for evangelizing the magnificence of Filipino architecture. Many Filipinos also admire him for his knowledge and decades of unparalleled experience. Architect Bobby Mañosa’s vigour never fades. We should always keep in mind that we are Filipinos; therefore, we design in Filipino styles. In 6-7 years, if we become Architects, we must remember that in spite of all the works, we can still manage to be the kids’ best playmate, just like what Architect Mañosa does right now. He has also said that he never worked a day in his life, he just had fun. He shared a quote from a song in a Disney movie, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun, and if you find that fun - the job’s a game!” Architecture to him has always been a game. And like all those games, you win some, and you lose some - but it’s always fun.

…

…As long as we live, we’ll design Filipino. We should

never forget Architect Bobby Mañosa’s remarkable stories, particularly on how he helped in shaping Filipino architecture.  Mr. Mañosa is now in his eighties yet we see Peter Pan in him, the Neverland hero who never gets old. In the years to come, the things that should be seen in us are the spark of energy, the good sense of humor and the child-like behaviour in every action we’ll make. Known as the most outspoken champion of an indigenous Filipino architecture, Mr. Mañosa’s nationalism, complemented with his kind-heartedness, makes his name much bigger than the landmarks he created, much enchanting than the world-renowned resorts he designed, and as revering as the churches of different faiths he built. “Architecture must be true to itself, its land and its people.”

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