MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Against the breathtaking backdrop of Manila Bay, a glittering assembly of the country’s foremost cultural figures, design advocates, and architecture enthusiasts gathered at the stunning waterfront venue Elan by the Bay to celebrate the much-anticipated launch of “Living Practice, Lasting Form: Contemporary Filipino Architecture.” This monumental coffee table book pays tribute to the masterworks of four titans of Philippine architecture: Eduardo Calma, Anthony Nazareno, Ramon Antonio, and Alfred Weineke.
The evening was nothing short of a homecoming for the nation’s design community. As the sun set over the horizon, Elan by the Bay’s elegant spaces and panoramic views provided a fitting stage for a project that seeks to elevate Filipino architectural excellence to the global stage. The event saw the design community, supporters, family and close friends of the four masters gather for their a shared passion for great Filipino design.
Guests were treated to a beautifully curated dinner that echoed the book’s themes of Filipino craftsmanship and beautiful living. Tributes flowed freely, with former colleagues, protégés, and friends taking the stage to share anecdotes that revealed the deep, close-knit bond within this community that underscored that “Living Practice, Lasting Form” is not just a documentation of buildings, but a chronicle of relationships and mutual respect.
Designed with meticulous care by the acclaimed Two Whole Punch and brought to life through stunning imagery by Tarzeer Pictures, the volume promises to be a definitive archive of contemporary Filipino architecture through the lens focused on these four great flagbearers of Filipino Design. While the book is currently available for pre-order, its official release is slated for February 2027.
For those inspired to own this landmark publication, more details and pre-order opportunities can be found by following @thelivingpractice on Instagram.