The Philippine Architecture Festival (PAFNAM) 2025 recently transformed Robinsons Place Malolos into a vibrant hub for the profession, marking a three-day national celebration that ran from December 4 to 6. This year’s theme, "Habi at Haligi: Weaving Strength and Sustainability in Architecture," served as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to balance structural integrity with environmental consciousness. For the ALPHA Architects team, this event held a special significance as we were present and fully engaged throughout the entire duration of the festival. Under the leadership of Ar. Ving, who currently serves as the Chapter President, our team took an active role in volunteering and assisting the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Barasoain Chapter in hosting this prestigious gathering.
The success of such an expansive undertaking was made possible through the seamless collaboration of various stakeholders. We were fortunate to work alongside esteemed event partners including the Malolos City Government, Rain or Shine, Robinsons Place Malolos, and Davies, with P1 Prime serving as our official print partner. The energy of the youth was also palpable throughout the mall, thanks to the invaluable support of our collaborating partners, UAPSA-BulSU and UAPGA-Bulacan, whose members brought a fresh perspective to every activity.
The festivities commenced on Day 1 with a grand opening program and a spirited parade that marched from the Malolos City Hall to Robinsons Place Malolos. It was an inspiring sight to see a sea of delegates from UAP Area A2A, joined by the National Board of Directors from UAP CGEA and CCC, walking together in solidarity. The atmosphere was further electrified by the rhythm of the event's marching band and the surprise appearance of special guests Gabe Norwood and Stanley Pringle from the Rain or Shine Elastomeric Painters, adding a touch of celebrity excitement to our professional gathering.
Transitioning into the second day, the focus shifted toward the evolving landscape of architectural communication and digital presence. The day featured an insightful panel discussion with distinguished content-creator architects, Ar. Anjo Malabana, Ar. Dax Tapay, and Ar. Isiah Magno. The session drew a massive crowd of students and aspiring architects, creating a dynamic forum where the speakers shared their expertise on how modern media can be used to advocate for better design. It was a day filled with knowledge-sharing and meaningful dialogue, bridging the gap between established practitioners and the next generation of builders.
The festival concluded on Day 3 with a strong emphasis on public service and community engagement through the "Itanong mo kay Arki" consultation. This initiative opened the doors for mall-goers to approach architects directly with their questions and concerns, demystifying the profession and making architectural advice more accessible to the general public. As the event came to a close, we looked back on a three-day journey that truly translated the colorful and wonderful nature of our profession. Being part of PAFNAM 2025 allowed ALPHA Architects not only to contribute to the success of the UAP Barasoain Chapter but also to reaffirm our commitment to a future where architecture is both a pillar of strength and a woven tapestry of sustainability.
This event was a proud moment for ALPHA Architects. It allowed us to demonstrate our core values of integrity and improvement while celebrating the "colorful and wonderful" profession we share with our colleagues across the Philippines. We are grateful for the opportunity to have served the UAP Barasoain Chapter and look forward to many more years of building both structures and communities.