IT is no ordinary feat to practice one’s profession for many years, producing one notable work after the other, being involved in the professional organization’s affairs, and staying significant in the community. These accomplishments promote the profession, are worthy of emulation by younger professionals, and are worthy of recognition by colleagues and the public.
During the recent National Convention of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), a Cebuano architect was recognized for his continuous pursuit of excellence in his more than 50 years of practice.
Ar. Jose Mari Canizares of the UAP Cebu Chapter was bestowed the prestigious Likha Gold Medal Award by the UAP National Board of Directors through the endorsement of the UAP College of Fellows (COF). This makes him the 17th Likha awardee and the first award recipient from a Visayas-based UAP Chapter.
He climbs the pedestal where only a few luminaries in Philippine architecture, such as National Artists for Architecture Leandro Locsin and Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, are enshrined.
According to the UAP COF By-Laws, the Likha Gold Medal award “is the highest distinction that may be bestowed by the UAP National Board as endorsed by the COF upon a Fellow. It is given in recognition of the architect’s impeccable moral character, having the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct, excellence and prestige in the practice of the architectural profession and distinguished contribution and service to the UAP.”
In Cebu, Ar. Canizares — fondly called Mari — is among the homegrown architects who are the leading lights of the profession. This graduate from the Cebu Institute of Technology immediately started his own architectural office after he passed the licensure examination in 1972.
Mari was among the architects who were instrumental in integrating three different architectural associations from all over the Philippines into the United Architects Integration Committee, now known as the UAP.
Today, the UAP is recognized as the country’s integrated and accredited professional organization of architects. While the group is nestled in Manila with its headquarters in Quezon City, its birthright is in the Queen City of the South.
Mari has been recognized by peers and clients alike. He was recognized as an outstanding alumnus of the University of San Carlos (1979) and the Cebu Institute of Technology (1990).
In 1996, he was elevated to the prestigious UAP COF for his notable contributions to the architecture profession and outstanding service to the professional organization. In 2003, he was awarded Architect of the Year by the Professional Regulation Commission.
Legacy
Over more than four decades, his architectural firm has designed and completed many building projects, from quaint residences to landmark buildings. Mari’s design philosophy is rooted in being friendly with the environment.
As he says, “I am inspired by the quote of Winston Churchill: ‘We shape our buildings thereafter they shape us.’ My role as an architect is to design a sustainable and user-friendly environment wherein we have plenty of trees, wide and walkable sidewalks, public green spaces, and playgrounds suited to our tropical weather. Our buildings should have minimal carbon footprint.”
Today, as it nears its 50th year in the design and construction field, the Canizares Architects Design Co. (CAD Co.) has evolved into a “diversified practice complimented by youthful and aggressive partners and associates applying the same fundamental principles that started with the firm’s inception in 1972.” It involves the elder Canizares’ two architect sons, Jose Diego and Kenzo, who have inherited their father’s drive and creativity, which are vital in many project collaborations here and abroad.
“It is always crucial to keep track of the latest trends in design and materials to keep us always up to date with market demands,” says Mari. “Keeping up to date is a lot more convenient with (my sons) involved.”
As their practice continues to thrive, the firm immerses itself in many building projects in and out of Cebu. Its new branding signals the architects’ renewed commitment to providing high-quality professional service guided by sound ethics and Mari’s wisdom. They admit that it is hard to pick a “favorite” from many projects throughout the years. But Mari always maintains that the most memorable project would be the next one “because each and every project, big or small, is a new challenge.”
Last month, Canizares was feted by his colleagues in the UAP Cebu Chapter, UAP Regional District C1, and the UAP COF, along with his family, in a lavish Honor Dinner at the Casino Espanol de Cebu. The event once again showed how well-loved Mari is among his peers and how much respect there is for his work in architecture and the community.
The 17th Likha Awardee has made an indelible mark in architecture and will be a source of inspiration for many in the Filipino architecture community.
Cebuano architect Karl Aries Emerson F. Cabilao is a full-time permanent faculty of the University of San Carlos’ Department of Architecture. He writes about architecture and design for a local newspaper. In his 20 years as a UAP member, he served the organization in various capacities: two-term president of UAP Sugbu Chapter (2008–2010), and appointed chairman and member of different national committees. For his notable contributions to architecture and active involvement in the UAP, he was among the youngest members to have been elevated to the UAP COF in April 2017.
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