The life of the renowed Thomasian architect Francisco “Bobby” Manosa was celebrated last February 27, 2018 at the exhibit titled the “Visionary Comes Home: A Manosa Beyond Architecture” at the UST Museum Gallery .
Manosa’s contribution to architecture—spanning for more than six decades—had enriched the Philippine culture and identity. Concentrated on the life of the renowed architect, the exhibit had chapters that presented a timeline of how Manoza embraced and developed his craft.
Diwa ng Anyo boasted the indigenous designs and how the endemic craft was superior in itself. Moreover, this chapter underscored the significant role of vernacular architecture that molded the Filipino identity as professionals through his techniques—despite being native—which proved to be innovative and translatable to modern solutions.
Likas at Likha exhibited how the materials and processes contribute to the identity of the structure. Tagpuan at Ugnayan was about the didactic intent of buildings as a great avenue for social interaction, that is, if built well and true to its purpose. Danas at Aliwalas showed the value and experience of aliwalas that resist literal translation but was conveyed instead through Mañosa’s work.
Finally, Usbong at Yabong showed his formative years in UST, while Laro at Hiraya was the portrait of the architect as a young man in his playful and imaginative years.
Among his notable works were the designs of Bahay Kubo, the Coconut Palace, the EDSA Shrine, and the Centennial Tower.
