Vigan Sketching last November 17, 2012

As head for the visual communications track of the architecture program of De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, I had suggested the town of Vigan as part of the main destination for the 151 freshmen to freehand sketch this historic Spanish era collection of residential-shop structures. It was declared as World Heritage in 2000 by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The students and 10 faculty members had a blast at sketching what resembles a European-like town in the tropics. 

Lawton Area, Manila Sketching

Last November 24, a small group joined in for the regular monthly session of the Urban Sketchers Philippines at the Lawton area in Manila. We had a chance to sketch the neo-classical Manila Post Office building and surrounding area. Ryan (graphics artist), Rebecca (lawyer), Clairol (my engineer wife) and I (architect) this building that is rumored to be converted into a posh hotel. It was designed by one of Philippines' first master architect, Juan Arellano before the war.

Luneta Hotel Sketching last Oct. 27, 2012

The Urban Sketchers aren't exactly a group entirely made up of professional visual artists. For this particular session of sketching an early 20th 6-storey building - the Luneta Hotel, a majority were of newcomers who wanted an opportunity to sketch with us. Two visitors from Spain joined in too. The hotel I heard is opening, with a major restoration taken place to resolve a structural problem & provisions to meet the building code standards.