UAP Brunei celebrates World Architecture Day & General Membership Meeting No.4 for FY2020-2021

The United Architects of the Philippines Brunei Chapter held their Third General Membership Meeting for FY2020-2021 last 9th October 2020.

The 4th GMM in partnership with NorthstarSdnBhd was held at Simpang 584, JalanTutong, Bandar Seri Begawan, Negara Brunei Darussalam. Led by its Incoming Chapter President, Arch. Romeo J. Nabong II, UAP, FRIA, EAROPH updated the membership with the activities and task accomplished during the month of September 2020.

During the first part of the GMM, Chapter President, Arch. Romeo J. Nabong II, UAP, FRIA, EAROPH gave a quick recap on the task and activities completed by the Chapter during the past month; GMM No.3& Unveiling Ceremony of the UAP Brunei Chapter Signage held last 11th September 2020, UAP Area B Consultative Meeting, held last 25th September 2020, UAP Brunei’s Agricultural Activity: Come with Me, Plant a New Tree held last 27th September 2020, at NorthstarSdnBhd, Simpang 584, JalanTutong, Bandar Seri Begawan, Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Immediately after the Chapter President’s Report, Architect Eric S.J. de Castro – Chapter Treasurer FY2020-2021 discussed with the membership the Current Financial Report (as of 9th September 2020). CT Arch. Eric also mentioned the remaining collectibles for the Chapter.

On the Second Part of the meeting, in conjunction with the World Architecture Day 2020, the membership watches a webinar led by Enderun CAD: College of Architecture + Design, the guest speakers are Ar. Felino “Jun” Palafox. Jr.,

Interior Designer Chat Fores, Ar. GeloManosa and Ar. Jojo Tolentino, the webinar was hosted by MackyMaceda.

Architect Palafox discussed the significant impacts of smart city planning which highly encourages the utilization of efficient processes and essentially integrating social, environmental and economic goals in order to provide a higher quality of life for the citizens, businesses, and visitors. He said, “The road corridor should be one-third each for landscape, for people, and for vehicles. Those with less in wheels should have more in roads.”

In order to make our cities more walkable and likeable, Architect Palafox explained the importance of having a smart mobility and transportation system. This helps in reducing congestion while promoting faster, environment-friendly and affordable transportation options for all, perfect for today’s social distancing measures.

Architect GeloMañosa presented the post-COVID changes in architectural structure. One of which, he explained, “I do foresee that foyers and mudrooms can be used as disinfectant or sanitation rooms prior to entering the house. Alternatively, the integration of large foyers, complete with cabinets, shoe racking systems, lavatories, prior to entering the house, can be an acceptable conversion for some residential houses.” He also agreed with the less is more concept, “People learned during the ECQ that we can actually survive with a lot less; a lot of less luxuries in things. People shed a lot more things they don’t need. Space will be at a premium.”

In terms of finding the balance in a post-COVID scenario for the hospitality industry, Architect Mañosa added, “In leisure, we already see that traveling to visit friends and relatives has started to return first. Travel restrictions combined with economic uncertainty will translate into higher shares of domestic and close to home travel. Visiting other parts of the country or going to second homes will dominate the landscape while longer international leisure trips will be slow to return and travelers will expect greater flexibility when it comes to flight, hotel cancellations or change order fees.”

“In line with the movement of architecture, interior design has to move forward as well and with the current situation, we’re spending one-hundred percent of our lives at home. With these in mind, we have to adapt, adjust and make our spaces more functional without sacrificing the purpose of our house,” said Interior Designer Chat Fores when she discussed having a smart interior living.

With technology being the one of the most vital tools in today’s business continuity, Architect Jojo Tolentino explained the role of technology in design. “Digital transformation is important in our business. It’s an idea that its time has come. We have to find ways on how we can transform our business digitally. In the past, it was just an option but now, it’s the norm and that’s the future of doing business. We can procure skills, provide our expertise and our service anywhere in the world. What’s important is mindset. Change is difficult but we need to develop a growth mindset so that things evolve, and the practice has to progress.”

Read more: https://pop.inquirer.net/97478/the-future-of-architecture-and-interior-design-talk-through-on-enderun-colleges-webinar

And lastly the floor was then given to the Committee on Education led by Director. Arch. Jimmy D.G. Villanueva, Arch. Hernando L. Hautea Jr. and Arch. Allan B. David who presented the upcoming programs headed by their committee namely;

“Sketchup Software Tutorial” (refer to attached event poster)

After this, Arch. Francis D. Nicdao& Arch. Marious “Jojo” c. Anyayahan briefed the membership for the proposed CSR Activity for Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam – a non-government charity organization, the Chapter will undertake a Mural Painting Session/s for the PWD Area. Details currently in the works.

This was then followed by Chapter President, Arch. Romeo J. Nabong II, UAP, FRIA, EAROPH added that FA is requesting assistance from the Chapter for the arrangement of the Stage & Photo Booth area for the upcoming event.

An Adhoc Committee to be assembled, details are currently in the works.

Vice President on Programs and Development – Architect Albert M. Abarintos mentioned the upcoming events for the Chapter and he has encouraged the members to clear up their calendars and support the activities. Below are the Activities line-up for the month of October & November.

Sketchup Software Tutorial at Northstar Development Sdn Bhd

18th October 2020 – 7:00 pm

Sketchup Software Tutorial at Northstar Development Sdn Bhd

25th October 2020 – 7:00 pm

UAP Brunei BOD Meeting No.5 at Northstar Development Sdn Bhd

3rd November 2020 – 7:00 pm

UAP Brunei GMM No.5& NAW at Northstar Development Sdn Bhd

24th November 2020 – 7:00 pm

UAP Brunei BOD Meeting No.6at Northstar Development Sdn Bhd

1st December 2020 – 7:00 pm

Filipino Association Year-end Party at (TBA)

4th December 2020 – 7:00 pm

Architect Jonathan J. Amado receiving the Service Award Certificate for his notable dedication to the Chapter as the Director of External Affairs FY2019-2020.

During the last part of the GMM, Chapter President Ar. Romeo J. Nabong II also mentioned to the members the soon to be held National Conference which is a 3-Day event and was previously only opened to the Chapter Presidents.

The General Membership Meeting started at around 7:15 PM and ended at 10: 15 PM.