MESSAGE
Firstly, congratulations to the current and past directors of our chapter. For the last
couple of years, I have witnessed the dedication, selflessness, and even tearful
turn-overs, but more importantly, I have seen the viral continued support of the
past officerswith that of the present. So much voluntary work and effort has given
back that sense of pride to being a Makati-CBDer. Way back, really way back, I
recall that I transferred to this Chapter to balance my workaholic nature with the
aura of fun and laughter that the Chapter exuded, specially during conventions
and special events. Today, with no regrets whatsoever, I see the same consistent
character of our club and that it forever remains fun-filled, activity related, and
achievement oriented throughout the years.
I do miss the beaches, outdoors, the regional travel, and the nightlife (discos nuon,
clubbing ngayon) that used to prevail as highlights of each year but some things
gone are soon replaced by another, often times based on the genre’s preference
like singing(karaoke) instead of dancing, and indoors instead of outdoors, yet no
one is complaining because play is always better than work. If there is one thing
that maybe needs improvement, it probably would be the social interaction of all
members more than just through the social media. We have expanded and grew
so much, so soon that we repeatedly overhear uttered words “di ko na kilala 90%
dito…”well, blame it on progress.
Kudos(disco) too to all new members, specially to the new Architects. The country
of your birth is still the best place to practice architecture and although slower
at the start, the greens will eventually come. It is sad that even if architecture is
apolitical, we are still constantly hounded by our foreign relatives and friends of the
graft and corruption surrounding us…a reason why they all say, they left. Rather
than keep complaining and criticizing remotely and just be part of the brain drain
problem, I keep a headstrong stand that regardless, I stayed in the Pinas because
our profession allows us to keep an eyepatch, to be part of the solution, to build
on our native soil and be a true part of nationbuilding. With love of Architecture as
our motivation, let us keep ourselves in good health and continue to work hard for
our family and country, and let our friends in the business worry about making us
play harder…the latter being Makati-CBD. Cheers to you Pres. Lazo and your new
board.
Ar./Idr/Enp FRANCIS XAVIER L. SANTAROMANA
FUAP, PIID, PIEP
Past Pres. 2002-3 UAP Mkt-CBP
CASA Arkitetura Design Group
Founding Partner / Principal Designer