As cities around the world face the mounting pressures of rapid urbanization, climate change, traffic congestion, and environmental challenges, Filipino and Spanish practitioners are coming together to explore how urban spaces can become more sustainable, livable, and resilient.
On Tuesday, September 15, at 6:00 p.m., Instituto Cervantes, the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, and AECID will host “Makati, Urban Recipes for a City’s Survival” at the Ayala Museum.
The colloquium will bring together leading Filipino and Spanish practitioners for a timely discussion on the challenges and opportunities confronting contemporary cities—and the possible approaches that can help them thrive amid a rapidly changing urban landscape.
Exploring the ‘Ingredients’ of a Resilient City
Moderated by architect Michael Manalo, the discussion will explore key issues including sustainable architecture, urban planning, public spaces, and innovative approaches to creating more livable and resilient cities.
The panel will feature three distinguished practitioners representing the fields of architecture, urbanism, and the creative economy:
- José Luis Vallejo, a Spanish architect and co-director and founding member of Ecosistema urbano;
- Paulo Alcazaren, a Filipino architect, urban designer, and environmental planner who has overseen projects including the Iloilo River Esplanade; and
- Paolo Mercado, a Creative Economy Expert and Lead Policy Expert for the Philippine National Design Policy.
Rather than presenting a single formula for designing the city of the future, the conversation will examine the different “ingredients” that can contribute to more sustainable, livable, and resilient urban communities.
The discussion comes at a crucial time for cities like Metro Manila, where population growth, mobility, environmental sustainability, public spaces, and the quality of urban life continue to shape conversations about the future of Philippine cities.
Free Admission, Open to the Public
“Makati, Urban Recipes for a City’s Survival” is open to architects, urban planners, designers, cultural practitioners, students, educators, and anyone interested in architecture, urbanism, culture, sustainability, design, and the future of Philippine cities.
Admission is free, but interested participants are encouraged to reserve their slots in advance.
Reserve your slot here:
Registration Form
José Luis Vallejo to Lecture at UST
As part of his visit to Manila, José Luis Vallejo will also deliver a lecture at the College of Architecture of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) on September 16.
The lecture will be open to UST students and alumni and will take place at the UST Manila Campus, providing another opportunity for the local architecture and academic community to engage with the Spanish architect’s perspectives on contemporary urbanism and design.
A Filipino-Spanish Exchange on the Future of Cities
“Makati, Urban Recipes for a City’s Survival” is organized by Instituto Cervantes, the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, and AECID, in collaboration with Ayala Museum and Ayala Foundation.
The event forms part of a broader exchange of ideas between Filipino and Spanish practitioners, highlighting how experiences, design approaches, and innovative urban strategies from both countries can contribute to conversations about the future of cities.
For more information on upcoming events and activities, visit Instituto Cervantes Manila or follow Instituto Cervantes Manila on social media:
Facebook: InstitutoCervantesManila
Instagram: @institutocervantesmanila
