DESIGNING FILIPINO: The Architecture of Francisco Mañosa

Francisco "Bobby" Mañosa is an influential architect noted for his use of native materials like bamboo and nipa in contemporary architectural designs. Noted for his passion to put art elements that can speak of the Filipino idealism, culture,and tradition, he was conferred National Artist award by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2009.

Architect Mañosa is a graduate of University of Santo Tomas. He is a member of the National Commission on Culture and Arts, a trustee of the Katutubong Filipino Foundation, and a Fellow of the United Architects of the Philippines.
As the founder of Francisco Mañosa & Partners, Architect Mañosa sets the philosophy and direction of the firm. Having been described as "The most outspoken champion of Indigenous Filipino Architecture" (Mimar, 28, June, 1998), Mr. Mañosa has championed the cause of "Philippine Architecture for Filipinos," bringing local architecture to new heights, both nationally and internationally.
In his practice, he explores the use of indigenous materials infused with current technological trends to being a new dimension to design. He experiments with traditional forms and transforms them to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements of the project. As a professional, the Philippine Regulatory Commission has singled out Bobby for his adherence to the profession's code of ethics and his contributions to architecture in the Philippines.

Coconut Palace

Amanpulo Resort

He has worked on the Tahanang Pilipino at the CCP Complex, the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue, the Mary Immaculate Parish Church in Las Piñas City, the restoration of the historic Las Piñas Church, the stations of the Metrorail Transit System or Light Rail Transit in Manila, the development of the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City; and the development, restoration, and landscaping of Corregidor Island. He was a 2004 Gawad CCP Para sa Sining awardee.
Bobby was cited by Asia Week Magazine as one of the seven visionary architects in Asia, an important testament to his growing international reputation as manifested by projects in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Australia, and the U.S.A.
Aside from managing his firm, he is also active in the lecture circuit. He has delivered numerous lectures and papers in the top universities in the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.