20 years of Palafox design
MANILA, Philippines - In 1989, in a small one-room office in Makati, architect Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr. drew up perhaps what is the greatest plan and design of his life — the beginning of a career that would change the landscape of the Philippines, and even parts of the world.
Since that first year 20 years ago, the firm has designed at least seven million square meters in building floor area, master-planned more than 11 billion square meters of land and has worked on 800 projects in 33 countries.
To immortalize the first 20 years of Palafox Associates, daughter Karima Palafox, who was also just conferred the title Chartered Town Planner of the Royal Town Planning Institute of the United Kingdom, together with contributors Washington SyCip, Ramon Zarragoza, Richard Woodling and Gina Lopez, put together a book that showcases 150 landmark projects here and abroad, a selection that illustrates the firm’s range of expertise and encompasses various projects, ranging from elite golf course communities to visionary green buildings.
The coffeetable book Architecture, Planning & Design: Palafox Associates, the First Twenty Years was launched with Palafox’s close friends and clients at the Ayala Museum. The soulful sounds of saxophonist Vince Lahorra was a fitting background to the evening affair as architect Palafox and his team welcomed guests from around the globe. Distinguished personalities of various industries — from real estate and construction to banking, finance and even foodies — were all present to show their support. Among the group of noted architects and diplomats were Heikki Hannikainen of the Finland Embassy, Alcides Prates of the Brazilian Embassy, Lebanon Consul Joseph Assad, Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco, Rico Tantoco, GMA’s Rod Cornejo and wife Angie, Joey Cuisia, Teddyboy Locsin, Landco’s Alfred Xerez-Burgos Jr., Fuego Hotels’ Alfredo Roca, and Instituto Cervantes’s Jose Rodriguez. Also present were Narzalina Lim, Miren Zayco, Maritess Pineda, Bambi Harper, Femelyn Lati of TUV SUD Germany, and Justice Conchita Morales.
Architect Palafox, together with daughter Karima and partners Ramon Zaragoza and architect Chona Ponce, “unwrapped” the book during the unveiling ceremony. When asked if they thought they were giving away trade secrets, Karima merely stated that the purpose of the book is to share their knowledge and expertise and to inspire their fellow professionals to help the environment and, more importantly, show the world that the Filipino can.
Femelyn Lati of TUV SUD Germany, the international service corporation focusing on consulting, testing, certification and training, was also on hand to award ISO Certificates, making the firm the first in the architecture, planning and design professions to have been certified by TUV of Germany for its integrated Quality and Environmental Management Systems based on ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.
The evening was capped off with a lovely surprise from Palafox’s wife Wilma Palafox who, together with the architect’s three children, presented him a birthday tribute. Johnny Litton was the night’s host, injecting his usual wit and humor to the program.
Already, the book has received inspiring reviews. Architecture, Planning & Design: Palafox Associates, the First Twenty Years is available at all major bookstores. For orders and inquiries, call 812-1254 to 55.
