MAÑOSA, NATIONAL ARTIST FOR ARCHITECTURE AND ALLIED ARTS, 88

NatiONaL artist for architecture Francisco t. Mañosa has passed away, leaving a legacy of original architecture using Filipino forms that stand as a testament to his love of country and his immense skill and talent in the field of architecture. He was 88. the news of his demise was announced by his son, Gelo, in a Facebook post that day.

Mañosa had been named National artist for architecture and allied arts in 2018. Mañosa had, over six decades, “designed Filipino,” as the National Commission on Culture and the arts put it in their website page on him. “From the 1960s in his landmark design of the Sulo Hotel until his retirement about 2015, he courageously and passionately created original Filipino forms, spaces with intricate and refined details.” the NCCA website also says that “what is most valuable is that Mañosa was in the heart and soul of a Philippine architectural movement. He has developed a legacy of Philippine architecture, which is essential to our Filipino identity and at the same time, deeply appreciated and shared in our world today.”

Mañosa’s major works include the following structures:

San Miguel Building, Ortigas Center, Pasig City (designed with the Mañosa Brothers)

Chapel of the Risen Lord, Las Piñas City Our Lady of Peace Shrine, EDSA, Quezon City

World Youth Day Papal altar, Quirino Grandstand, Manila, 1995

Metrorail transit System Stations for LRT 1, circa 1980s

Quezon Memorial Circle Development Plan

Lanao del Norte Provincial Capitol, tubod, Lanao del Norte

tahanang Pilipino (Coconut Palace), CCP Complex, Manila

amanpulo Resort, Palawan Pearl Farm Resort, Samal island, Davao, completed 1994

La Mesa Watershed Resort and Ecological Park, La Mesa Dam, Quezon City

Mañosa’s legacy looms large across the capital of the country, and they stand as testaments to their architect’s creativity, genius and love for the Philippines and her people.