IF he had to go back to the time when he was about to enroll in college, there were moments when his childhood dream of being an architect would seem to vanish into thin air. Michael Luigi Manzano, a graduate of the Cebu Institute of Technology University (CIT-U) and the sixth placer in the recent Architects Licensure Examination (ALE), was ready to enroll in another course but a much-needed enlightenment came to him.
“My mom suggested that I talk to architect June Bayaton, our department chair, to enlighten me about architecture again since it was my childhood dream back then to really be an architect. Gladly, I never had any regrets taking up this course,” Luigi confided. He admits that he felt excited every time his teachers gave their class a new design project plate. He may have had his few frustrations about the course, but “at the end of the day, I still feel great knowing that every day, I get to learn a lot of new things. It just never stops,” he said.
Luigi, who usually made it to the Dean’s List in CIT-U, admits that he had no “commendable” study habits as a student.
“I barely wrote notes because I couldn't catch up with the discussions. Most of the time, I already studied in school,” he said. But he always studied and did school works with his friends as they would share notes and discuss the topics that were tackled during their classes.
Passion for his craft is truly written all over him. In his quest for good design approaches for his plates as a student, he researched and read a lot of architectural magazines. He said that he had to deal with his pessimistic side sometimes but he always made sure that he did not wave the white flag so easily. Add some encouragement and inspiration given by his family and mentors, it is no surprise why he was among the top placers in the ALE last June.
As a new and passionate architect, Luigi gives his thoughts on some issues that currently affect his profession and at the same time, spreads awareness about them and their impact on the Cebuano community as a whole:
On the beautification, preservation of local historical landmarks.
“Local landmarks are the physical epitome of a city’s identity. If we don’t protect them, then I believe we are lost as a city. Many of us take these for granted but I think it is as important as road widening or housing projects. Without us protecting and strengthening the heritage of the city, then we are weakening the city’s identity and purpose, and eventually, ourselves. Sadly, I have seen a growing number of dilapidated historical heritage structures and other landmarks in the city. These landmarks could generate income, educate and create centers for development.”
On disaster-resilient design.
“Flexibility (in design) is key. Today, architects are capable of providing safer structures that secure lives and valuable properties from the changing climatic forces. Disaster preparedness is very critical and it makes me excited to see design competitions that initiate awareness on this issue. Aside from designing more energy efficient and disaster responsive buildings, I think architects can do something better by being more creative in educating people. To be truly sustainable, we only have to meet halfway, the needs of the people and the needs of the environment. This way, we can lessen our impact on the environment and eventually save ourselves from destruction.”
On Cebu and Mega Cebu.
“Without a united vision, I think that would be a downfall in our quest for a livable city. I believe Mega Cebu and its plans will be the answer to solve many relevant issues. We do not need band-aid solutions. We need long-term ones, something that looks into the cities in a broader picture. I think we really need to be an active part in this campaign. Cebu needs to synergize all of its cities to work much better, sustain its people and be more livable as a province in the years to come.”