National Artist for Architecture Bobby Manosa, 88 The National Commission for Culture and the Arts joins the nation in mourning the passing of National Artist for architecture and allied arts Francisco “Bobby Manosa.” He was 88.
Manosa was a prime mover in Philippine architecture, adopting “Filipinism” as his style, and designing structures that are “true to itself, true to the land, and true to its people.”
With 60 years of actively designing masterpieces incorporating indigenous designs, Manosa embodied the sensibilities of the Filipino people despite the proliferation of Western influence in architectural design trends. The elements of the bahay kubo and the bahay na bato were prominent in his works as well as other indigenous materials like bamboo, rattan, and coconut among others. His works also expanded to designing furniture and fixtures enhancing the intricacy of his architectural designs throughout the years.
Manosa also pioneered sustainable designs before it broke ground in the Philippines including the concept of “edible garden” or plants surrounding the external walls of his structures. Among his landmark structures and masterpieces are: the Coconut Palace; San Miguel Building, Ortigas Center, Pasig City (designed with the Mañosa Brothers); the Bamboo House in Ternate, Cavite completed in 1981; the Hofileña Residence in Silay City, Negros Occidental; Our Lady of Peace Shrine in EDSA, Quezon City; the Church of the Risen Lord in Diliman; Balay Mactan in Cebu; the Tolosa Housing, and many others.
Manosa also designed the Philippine Pavilion in two World Expositions, one in Seville, Spain in 1992 and in Lisbon, Portugal in 1998. Manosa was awarded Outstanding Artist for Golden Years of Service Award in the field of Architecture; Gawad Diwa ng Lahi sa Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Award from the City of Manila in 2006; the 2004 Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining Award in the field of Architecture; the Design Award for Excellence in Architecture from the United Architects of the Philippines in 1996; and the Most Outstanding Professional of the Year Award given by the Professional Regulation Commission among many others.
In 2018, he was conferred the Order of National Artist Award, the highest state recognition given to Filipinos who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine art, for his vision, execution, and commitment to Filipino Architecture.
Manosa’s wake will be held at the Heritage Memorial Park, Chapels 2, 3 & 4 beginning Thursday, February 21 at 5 pm. It will continue on Friday and Saturday from 10am-10pm. Daily masses will be held at 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Tukod Foundation Inc. would be appreciated.
The NCCA and the Cultural Center of the Philippines will pay tribute to the departed National Artist with a necrological service on February 24, 2019, Saturday, 9 AM, at the CCP Tanghalang Abelardo, followed by his interment at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
For information on the necrological service and interment, kindly call the NCCA Secretariat for the Order of National Artist Award through numbers 527-2192 loc. 507 and look for Ms. Sabrina Tan. For more questions on this press release, you may call the NCCA Public Affairs and Information Section through 527-2192 loc 628 / 629 / 630 or 09285081057 and look for Mr. Rene S. Napenas
