The Filipino Architect: Always the Second Man

I started my career in Manila, then found myself in the fast-paced, hyper-efficient world of Singapore. From there, I coordinated projects across Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, and Shenzhen; managed sites in Phuket, presented in Hong Kong, spent long nights in satelite studio in Jakarta, and now, based in Australia - still deeply immersed in architecture, design, and construction.

Yet no matter where I go, no matter how many cities I’ve worked in, there’s one constant:

Filipino architects are always in the background - Everywhere in the grand stage of global architecture, we remain in the background. Not the face of the firm, but the backbone. Not the name on the press release, but the name the contractors call when something goes wrong. We are the design coordinators, site supervisors, junior designers. The associates who know the project by heart - each detail, each corner, each challenge.

We treat every project like a child. Often, more than our own. That’s the sad truth of being an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in the industry. Most of us raise buildings abroad while missing birthdays back home. We pour our hearts into our work - because we care. Because we love design. Because we are passionate.

UAP LOGO

Thankfully, the Filipino architectural diaspora is not invisible. In fact, we are organized and resilient. The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) now has chapters in nearly every corner of the globe - Singapore, Dubai, Qatar, Hong Kong, New York, London, Sydney. These communities of professionals, bonded by shared roots and vision, are working tirelessly to elevate the Filipino name in architecture. They carry not just the craft, but also the culture, pride, and bayanihan spirit across borders.

But why are we always the second fiddle?

One reason is communication. English, being our second language, often puts us on the coordination side of international firms. We become the link between cultures, the quiet problem-solvers. And once we’re in, we adapt. We find our niche. We thrive.

Yet, rarely do we lead. Rarely do we become Principals. We know the drawings better. We understand the process deeper. We solve problems faster. But still, we are seldom The Man.

Where is the next Nakpil? The next Locsin? The next Mañosa? Where is the Filipino architect recognized not just in Asia—but around the world?

Yes, there are stars like Kenneth Cobonpue, whose furniture graces global luxury spaces. Or Lor and Ed Calma, whose work in high-end residences have gained international praise. But beyond the spotlight, there are countless unnamed Filipino architects - pulling overtime, perfecting renderings, conducting site meetings in a mix of Mandarin, Hindi, Bahasa, and broken English - across Singapore, Dubai, Saudi and beyond.

We’re there. But we’re invisible.

Even our food is overshadowed. While Vietnamese pho pops up in every city, Filipino dishes still wait their turn in the global spotlight. (im not couting Jollibee as filipino dish)

Are we satisfied being second best?

As a student of architecture in the early 2000s, I dreamed of being the next Locsin. Read about the Pritzker Prize winners and imagined myself holding that medal.

Today, I’m just a humble draftsman in an international firm. But I still dream - not for myself anymore, but for the next generation.

pritzker prize nominees 2025

I hope you break the cycle, hope you rise past the glass ceiling, hope you shed the colonial mindset that keeps us small. And I hope you stay True to the words “Taas noo, kahit kanino.”

I hope the world sees you. Because we’ve always been ready.